How much does it cost to move house?.

If you are buying a Leasehold home, this page sets out to explain our fees* cover and all of the work required to complete the purchase.

This includes dealing with registration at the Land Registry and dealing with the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax (Stamp Duty) if the property is in England, or Land Transaction Tax (Land Tax) if the property you wish to buy is in Wales.

All the information below is assuming the purchase price is: £135,000

Conveyancer’s Fees and Disbursements

• Legal fee: £1450 plus VAT
• Fee for acting on behalf of the mortgage lender: £0
• Electronic money transfer fee: £0
• VAT payable fee ranges between: £290

Estimated sub total: £1,740

These fees are based on the transaction being undertaken by our residential conveyancing team. There are occasions when a transaction, whilst including residential conveyancing services, also involves wider matters and is not therefore a solely residential transaction. In these instances, if we feel it would be in your best interests for your conveyancing instructions to be dealt with by a team who are better placed to also advise on those wider elements (or indeed if you make a specific request for this to be the case) your matter will be placed with the relevant specialist team rather than transfer the instructions to the residential conveyancing team. We will of course discuss this with you and advise of the fees involved.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third-parties, such as search fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. There are certain disbursements which will be set out in the individual lease relating to the Property. The disbursements which we anticipate will apply are set out separately below. This list is not exhaustive and other disbursements may apply depending on the terms of the lease. We will update you on the specific fees upon receipt and review of the lease from the seller’s solicitors.

• HM Land Registry fee: £20 - £135 | Average £95
• Search fees: £250
• VAT on search fees: £50
• LawyerChecker fee: £14.40 (inc VAT)

Estimated sub total: £409.40

Anticipated disbursements

• Notice of Transfer fee - this fee if chargeable is set out in the Lease. Often the fee is between £50 - £350;
• Notice of Charge fee (if the property is to be mortgaged). This fee is set out in the Lease. Often the fee is between £50 - £350;
• Deed of Covenant fee - this fee is provided by the management company for the property and can be difficult to estimate. Often it is between £50 - £350;
• Certificate of Compliance fee - to be confirmed upon receipt of the lease, as can range between £50 - £350

*These fees vary from property to property and can on occasion be significantly more than the ranges given above. We can give you an accurate figure once we have sight of your specific documents. You should also be aware that ground rent and service charge are likely to apply throughout your ownership of the property. We will confirm the ground rent and the anticipated service charge as soon as we receive this information.

Other Costs

Client identity checks:

• £8 plus VAT per individual client
• £30 plus VAT per company client

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)

This depends on the purchase price of your property. You can calculate the amount you need pay by using HMRC’s website or, if the property is located in Wales, by using the by using the Welsh Revenue Authority’s website.

Estimated total: £1,800

How long will my house purchase take?

How long it will take from your offer being accepted until you can move into your house will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 8 - 12 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 8 - 18 weeks.

However, if you are buying a leasehold property that requires an extension of the lease, this can take significantly longer, between 4 - 8 weeks. In such a situation, additional charges would apply such as the landlords solicitors fees.

*Our fee assumes that:

• This is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction;
• This is the assignment of an existing lease and is not the grant of a new lease;
• The transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complications arise;
• All parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from the parties providing documentation;
• No indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required.

Recognising that taking out a mortgage can be stressful, it is good to understand the legal process behind such a huge financial investment.

This page aims to help you understand the journey ahead and our fees* involved for such a transaction.

Conveyancers Fees & Disbursements

• Legal fee: Freehold from £850; Leasehold from £1,050
• Fee for acting on behalf of the mortgage lender: £0
• Estimated search fees: £300
• Electronic money transfer fee: £0
• VAT payable fee: Freehold from £170; Leasehold from £210

Estimated sub total: Freehold from £1,320; Leasehold from £1.560

These fees are based on the transaction being undertaken by our residential conveyancing team. There are occasions when a transaction, whilst including residential conveyancing services, also involves wider matters and is not therefore a solely residential transaction. In these instances, if we feel it would be in your best interests for your conveyancing instructions to be dealt with by a team who are better placed to also advise on those wider elements (or indeed if you make a specific request for this to be the case) your matter will be placed with the relevant specialist team rather than transfer the instructions to the residential conveyancing team. We will of course discuss this with you and advise of the fees involved.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third-parties, such as search fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. There are certain disbursements which will be set out in the individual lease relating to the Property. The disbursements which we anticipate will apply are set out separately below. This list is not exhaustive and other disbursements may apply depending on the terms of the lease. We will update you on the specific fees upon receipt and review of the lease from the seller’s solicitors.

• HM Land Registry fee: £6 - £12 | Average £6
• HM Land Registry registration fee: Average £20
• Search fees: £178 - £350 | Average £300
• VAT on search fees: £35 - £70 | Average £60
• Electronic money transfer fee: £0
• VAT: £0

Estimated sub total: £986

Anticipated Disbursements (Leasehold only)

• Notice of Charge fee (if the property is to be mortgaged). This fee is set out in the Lease. Often the fee is between £50 - £350;
• Deed of Covenant fee - this fee is provided by the management company for the property and can be difficult to estimate. Often it is between £50 - £350;
• Certificate of Compliance fee - to be confirmed upon receipt of the lease, as can range between £50 - £350

Estimated sub total: £1,150

*These fees vary from property to property and can on occasion be significantly more than the ranges given above. We can give you an accurate figure once we have sight of your specific documents.

You should also be aware that ground rent and service charge are likely to apply throughout your ownership of the property. We will confirm the ground rent and the anticipated service charge as soon as we receive this information.

Other Costs

Client identity checks: 

• £8 plus VAT per individual client
• £30 plus VAT per company client

How long will my mortgage take?

How long it will take from your offer being issued to your mortgage completing will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 4–6 weeks. It can be quicker or slower, depending on the terms of the mortgage offer.

*Our fee assumes that:

• This is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction;
• The transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complications arise;
• All parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from the parties providing documentation;
• No indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required.

A lifetime mortgage is more commonly known as equity release. Entering into this type of mortgage can be very attractive but it is vitally important that professional advice is sort.

As solicitors we can only assist with the legal formalities, we are not authorised to give mortgage planning advice.

If you have decided that a lifetime mortgage is for you, this page aims to help you understand the journey ahead and our fees* involved for such a transaction.

Conveyancers Fees & Disbursements

• Legal fee: from £2,000 plus VAT 
• Fee for acting on behalf of the mortgage lender: No additional charge (included as part of the Legal Fee).
• Search fees: Approx. £250
• Electronic money transfer fee: There is no charge for the FIRST transfer fee. Subsequent transfers are charged at £20 plus VAT. 

These fees are based on a standard transaction being undertaken by one of our senior residential conveyancing team. However, there can be unexpected complexities with this type of mortgage and should this happen, our fees may be more, but we will discuss this with you.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third-parties, such as search fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. There are certain disbursements which will be set out in the individual lease relating to the Property. The disbursements which we anticipate will apply are set out separately below. This list is not exhaustive and other disbursements may apply depending on the terms of the lease. We will update you on the specific fees upon receipt and review of the lease from the seller’s solicitors.

• HM Land Registry document fees: £6 - £12 | Average £6
• HM Land Registry registration fee: Average £20 - £40
• Search fees: £178 - £350 | Average £250 (dependant on lender requirements).
• VAT on search fees: £35 - £70 | Each search is charged as part of the total search cost at the standard rate. 
• Electronic money transfer fee: If applicable £20 plus VAT for each transfer. 
• VAT: £0

Estimated sub total: £986

How long will my mortgage take?

How long it will take from your offer being issued to your mortgage completing will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 4 - 6 weeks.

It can be quicker or slower, depending on the terms of the mortgage offer and the chosen lender. 

*Our fee assumes that:

• This is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction;
• The transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complications arise;
• All parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from the parties providing documentation;
• No indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required.

The fees and processes below cover all of the standard work required that may be required to complete the sale of your residential property.

If the matter becomes protracted/time consuming then the legal fees will need to be increased accordingly.

 These fees are based on the transaction being undertaken by our residential conveyancing team. There are occasions when a transaction, whilst including residential conveyancing services, also involves wider matters and is not therefore a solely residential transaction. In these instances, if we feel it would be in your best interests for your conveyancing instructions to be dealt with by a team who are better placed to also advise on those wider elements (or indeed if you make a specific request for this to be the case) your matter will be placed with the relevant specialist team rather than transfer the instructions to the residential conveyancing team. We will of course discuss this with you and advise of the fees involved.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third-parties, such as Land Registry fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

• 10% of all properties sold as Freehold have a Management Company maintaining the grounds | This cost could be between £100 - £500.
• HM Land Registry fee (Office Copy Entries: £6 - £15) | Average £12

Estimated sub total: £312

Other Costs

Client identity checks: 

• £8 plus VAT per individual client
• £30 plus VAT per company client

How long will my house sale take?

How long it will take from your offer being accepted until you can move into your house will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 6 - 12 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 4 - 6 weeks.

Stages of the process

To understand more about the journey, please watch the video below. Alternatively, the process is set out, step by step further below.

The key stages of the process include:

• Take your initial instructions and provide initial advice;
• Send you our letter of engagement and confirmation of instructions with Property Information Forms and Fixtures and Fittings and Contents form;
• Obtain a copy of the title to the property and prepare a Contract.
• Send the draft Contract, copy title documents, Property Information Forms and Fixtures, Fittings and Contents form to the Buyer's Solicitors.
• Deal with enquiries the Buyers solicitors raise liaising with you as necessary;
• Agree the terms of the Contract; 
• Send the Contract to you to sign;
• Prepare completion statement giving details of payments due to any existing mortgage lender, agent, legal fees etc;
• Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened; 
• Complete sale;
• Deal with redemption of any mortgage;
• Deal with payment to estate agent for marketing fees;
• Account to you with the sale proceeds;
• Send Transfer Deed and any other documentation necessary to Buyers solicitors;

The fees* and processes below cover the work that may be required to complete the sale of your leasehold home.

Assumed Purchase Price: £135,000

Conveyancer’s Fees and Disbursements

• Legal fees are usually between: £1400
• Fee for acting on behalf of the mortgage lender: £0
• HM Land Registry fee: (Office Copy Entries: £6 - £15) | Average £12
• Electronic money transfer fee: £0
• VAT payable fee ranges between: £280

Estimated sub total: £1,692

These fees are based on the transaction being undertaken by our residential conveyancing team. There are occasions when a transaction, whilst including residential conveyancing services, also involves wider matters and is not therefore a solely residential transaction. In these instances, if we feel it would be in your best interests for your conveyancing instructions to be dealt with by a team who are better placed to also advise on those wider elements (or indeed if you make a specific request for this to be the case) your matter will be placed with the relevant specialist team rather than transfer the instructions to the residential conveyancing team. We will of course discuss this with you and advise of the fees involved.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third-parties, such as search fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. There are certain disbursements which will be set out in the individual lease relating to the Property.

The disbursements which we anticipate will apply are set out separately below. This list is not exhaustive and other disbursements may apply depending on the terms of the lease. We will update you on the specific fees upon receipt and review of the lease.

Anticipated Disbursements

Leasehold Sales/Management Pack fee - to be confirmed but can range between £100 - £500 per pack required.

Estimated sub total: £350

*These fees vary from property to property and can on occasion be significantly more than the range given above. We can give you an accurate figure once we have sight of your specific documents.

You should also be aware that ground rent and service charge are likely to apply throughout your ownership of the property. We will confirm the ground rent and the anticipated service charge as soon as we receive this information.

Other Costs

Client identity checks: 

• £8 plus VAT per individual client
• £30 plus VAT per company client

How long will my house sale take?

How long it will take from your offer being accepted until you can move into your house will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 8 - 12 weeks.

It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain. For example, if your property is vacant and your purchaser is a cash buyer, it could take 6 - 8 weeks.

However, if you are selling a leasehold property that requires an extension of the lease, this can take significantly longer, between 3 - 6 months. In such a situation, additional charges would apply.

The key stages of the process include:

• Take your initial instructions and provide initial advice;
• Send you our letter of engagement and confirmation of instructions with Property Information Forms and Fixtures and Fittings and Contents form;
• Request sale/management pack
• Obtain a copy of the title to the property and prepare a Contract.
• Send the draft Contract, copy title documents, Property Information Forms and Fixtures, Fittings and Contents form to the Buyer's Solicitors.
• Send the sale/management pack to the Buyer's Solicitors
• Deal with enquiries the Buyers solicitors raise liaising with you as necessary;
• Agree the terms of the Contract;
• Send the Contract to you to sign;
• Prepare completion statement giving details of payments due to any existing mortgage lender, agent, legal fees etc;
• Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened;
• Complete sale;
• Deal with redemption of any mortgage;
• Deal  with payment to estate agent for marketing fees;
• Account to you with the sale proceeds;
• Send Transfer Deed and any other documentation necessary to purchasers solicitors;