Residential Conveyancing Costs

ID Verification charge (Anti-Money Laundering check):£30.00 per individual (inclusive of VAT)

We are required to complete ID verification checks on each client involved with your matter and we charge an administrative fee of £25.00 plus VAT (£30.00 Inc. VAT) for each check. This is required to be completed prior to work beginning on your matter, more information about the process and who will be required to provide ID documents can be found in The Identification & Anti-Money Laundering Regulations on the about us page under our operating policies.

Additional legal fees for mortgage: £200.00 plus VAT (£240.00 Inclusive of VAT)

These costs are for dealing with the requirements of the mortgage lender but are payable by the person buying the property.

Search fees: £375.00 - £500.00 (inclusive of VAT)

This means the local search, drainage search, environmental search and metalliferous mining search and the level of these costs can depend on the exact location and size of the property. Disbursements which are paid to third-parties are not set by us and are liable to increase between estimate and your searches being applied for.

HM Land Registry registration fee: £20.00 - £1105.00 (non-vatable)

This will be dependent on the value of the property and whether an application can be made via the Land Registry Portal.

Stamp Duty Land Tax (on purchase)

This depends on the purchase price of your property. You can calculate the amount you will need to pay by using HMRC's website or if the property is in Wales by using the Welsh Revenue Authority’s website. We also charge an administrative fee of £40.00 plus VAT (£48.00 Inc. VAT) for completing and submitting the forms.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as search & electronic transfer fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. Disbursements which are paid to third-parties are not set by us and are liable to increase between estimate and your searches being applied for.

Electronic money transfer fee: £25.00 Plus VAT (£30.00 inclusive of VAT)

This is made up of a disbursement of £15 plus VAT being the fee charged to us by our bank for transferring funds electronically and an administrative fee of £10 plus VAT.

Land Registration searches and bankruptcy searches: £7.00 -£14.00 (non-vatable)

These searches are carried out immediately prior to completion.

Q: How long will it take?

A: How long it will take from your offer being accepted until you can move into your house will depend on several factors. The average process takes between 8 - 16 weeks.

It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain. For example, if you are a first-time buyer, purchasing a new build property with a mortgage in principle, it could take eight weeks. However, if you are buying a leasehold property that requires an extension of the lease, this can take significantly longer, between three and four months. In such, a situation additional charges would apply.

Stages of the process

The precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential property vary according to the circumstances, however these are some common steps. 

Take your instructions and give you initial advice

Confirm your Identity

Check finances are in place to fund purchase and contact lender's solicitors if needed

Receive and advise on contract documents

Carry out searches

Obtain further planning documentation if required

Make any necessary enquiries of seller's solicitor

Give you advice on all documents and information received

Go through conditions of mortgage offer with you

Send final contract to you for signature

Agree completion date (date from which you own the property)

Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened

Arrange for all monies needed to be received from lender and you

Complete purchase

Deal with payment of Stamp Duty/Land Tax

Deal with application for registration at Land Registry