Conveyancing

Our fees

Our fees cover all of the work required to complete the sale of your property, including liaising with the buyers Solicitors, any existing Lender and any Estate Agent that may be involved.

The following table gives an indication as to our costs based on the value of the property you are selling.

The following additional fees may also apply, depending on the nature of the transaction:

• shared ownership property – add £200 plus VAT;
• new build property – add £200 plus VAT.

Disbursements & Expenses

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

• electronic ID verification – £4 plus VAT per individual;
• our charges for electronic money transfer fee – £25 plus VAT (£30) (if there is a mortgage to repay);
• obtaining up to date copies of your Land Registry title – £6 plus VAT;
• obtaining copies of any documents referred to on your Land Registry title – £3 plus VAT per document.

Referral fees

We do not pay or receive any referral fees.

How long will my house sale take?

How long it will take from you accepting an offer until completion 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 not buying another property and selling to a first-time buyer with a mortgage in principle, it could take 6 weeks. However, if you are in a chain, it can take significantly longer, between 3 and 6 months.

Stages of the process

The precise stages involved in the sale of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, below are the usual key stages:

• Take your instructions and give you initial advice;
• Check property title and liaise with any existing mortgage lender;
• Draft sale contract to send to the buyer’s solicitor;
• Deal with any enquiries raised by the buyer’s solicitor;
• Send final contract to you for signature;
• Agree completion date (date from which you will no longer own the property);
• Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened;
• Obtain final mortgage repayment information;
• Complete sale;
• Repay any existing mortgage;

Factors which may increase the fees, disbursements & expenses payable

Our fee is quoted based on a standard freehold sale and that no unforeseen complications arise. Examples of factors that may lead to increased costs/disbursements are:

• There is a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction;
• A party to the transaction not being represented by a solicitor;
• The involvement of a company, Management Company, etc;
• “Flying” or “creeping” freeholds being involved;
• A party using a power of attorney;
• The property being subject to an arrangement regarding solar panels or a “Green Deal”;
• Transactions under a Help to Buy or Shared Ownership Scheme;
• Missing documents (e.g. planning consents, building regulation completion certificates etc.);
• Delay by third parties in providing documentation.

This is not an exhaustive list and should something arise which could lead to additional costs, disbursements & expenses this will be discussed with you at the time.

Team details

Our residential conveyancing team has over 50 years collective experience in delivering high quality work in all matters relating to residential conveyancing.  The Team consists of Marie Bannister, Nigel Hodgson and Sue Russell and you can see more details about those individuals, their qualifications and experience on the Our People section of our Website.  The Team are supported by an experienced group of secretarial and administrative staff and residential conveyancing work is supervised by Nigel Hodgson, Head of Residential Conveyancing.

Discussing your requirements

Whilst it is hoped that the above information will give you an idea of the costs and disbursements involved, as there are many factors which can influence the overall cost, it is always best to speak with us to discuss your matter and requirements so that we can give you an accurate quote based on your particular circumstances.

Our fees

Our fees cover all of the work required to complete the sale of your property, including liaising with the buyers Solicitors, any Management Company or freeholder, existing Lenders and any Estate Agent that may be involved.

The following table gives an indication as to our costs based on the value of the property you are buying.

Disbursements & Expenses

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

• Electronic ID verification – £4 plus VAT per individual;
• our charges for electronic money transfer fee – £25 plus VAT (if there is a mortgage to repay);
• obtaining up to date copies of your Land Registry title – £6 plus VAT;
• obtaining copies of any documents referred to on your Land Registry title – £3 per document plus VAT;

• the cost of the Landlord and/or Managing Agent Pack – this varies depending on how the property is managed but the fee is often between £150 – £350.

Referral fees

We do not pay or receive any referral fees

How long will my house sale take?

How long it will take from you accepting an offer until completion 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 not buying another property and selling to a first-time buyer with a mortgage in principle, it could take 6 weeks. However, if you are in a chain, it can take significantly longer, between 3 and 6 months.

Stages of the process

The precise stages involved in the sale of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, below are the usual key stages:

• Take your instructions and give you initial advice;
• Check property title and liaise with any existing mortgage lender;
• Liaise with the Landlord/freeholder and/or their Managing Agent;
• Draft sale contract to send to buyer’s Solicitor;
• Deal with any enquiries raised by the buyer’s Solicitor;
• Send final contract to you for signature;
• Agree completion date (date from which you will no longer own the property);
• Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened;
• Obtain final mortgage repayment information;
• Complete sale;
• Repay any existing mortgage.

Factors which may increase the fees, disbursements and expenses payable

Our fee is quoted based on a standard leasehold sale and that no unforeseen complications arise.  Examples of factors that may lead to increased costs/disbursements are:

• There is 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;
• A party to the transaction not being represented by a Solicitor;

• A party using a power of attorney;
• The property being subject to an arrangement regarding Solar Panels or a “Green Deal”;
• Transactions under a Help to Buy or Shared Ownership Scheme;
• Missing documents (e.g. planning consents, building regulation completion certificates etc.);
• Delay by a third party in providing documentation

This is not an exhaustive list and should something arise which could lead to additional costs, disbursements & recharges this will be discussed with you at the time.

Team details

Our residential conveyancing team has over 50 years collective experience in delivering high quality work in all matters relating to residential conveyancing.  The Team consists of Marie Bannister, Nigel Hodgson and Sue Russell and you can see more details about those individuals, their qualifications and experience on the Our People section of our website.  The Team are supported by an experienced group of secretarial and administrative staff and residential conveyancing work is supervised by Nigel Hodgson, Head of Residential Conveyancing.

Discussing your requirements

Whilst it is hoped that the above information will give you an idea of the costs and disbursements involved, as there are many factors which can influence the overall cost, it is always best to speak with us to discuss your matter and requirements so that we can give you an accurate quote based on your particular circumstances.

Our fees

Our fees cover all of the work required to complete the purchase of your new home, including 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.

The following table gives an indication as to our costs based on the value of the property you are buying.

The following additional fees may also apply, depending on the nature of the transaction:

• new build property – add £200 plus VAT;
• Help to Buy ISA – add £50 plus VAT;
• Help to Buy – add £100 plus VAT

Disbursements & Expenses

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

• Electronic ID verification – £4 plus VAT per individual;
• our charges for electronic money transfer fee – £25 plus VAT;
• search fees – approximately £280 plus VAT (these will depend on which Local Authority area the property is located and what searches are required for that particular are;
• HM Land Registry fee – this will depend on the value of the property being purchased but the current scales for purchase of a single registered freehold title are:-

Further information can be obtained by visiting https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hm-land-registry-registration-services-fees

• pre-completion Land Registry search – £3 plus VAT;
• bankruptcy searches (if a mortgage is required) £2 per name plus VAT;
• administration fees of £10 plus VAT – some mortgage lenders issue their instructions via an online facility for which there is an administration fee payable. The fee quoted is the current fee payable;

Anticipated Disbursements & Expenses

• notice of transfer fee – this fee if chargeable is set out in the lease. Often the fee is between £100 – £200;
• notice of charge fee (if the property is to be mortgaged) – this fee is set out in the lease. Often the fee is between £100 – £200;
• 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 £150 – £250 plus VAT;
• certificate of compliance fee – to be confirmed upon receipt of the lease, as can range between £150 – £250.

These charges 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 this we receive this information.

Referral fees

We do not pay or receive any referral fees.

Stamp Duty or Land Tax (on purchase)

This depends on the purchase price of your property and factors such as whether or not you are first time buyer or are purchasing a buy to let property. You can calculate the amount you will need to pay by using HMRC’s website or if the property is located in Wales by using the Welsh Revenue Authority’s website.

You should be able to calculate an estimated total based on the above information but we would very happy to discuss your purchase with you should you have any questions or queries.

How long will my house purchase take?

How long it will take from your offer being accepted until you can move in to your house will depend on several 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 6 weeks. However, if you are buying a leasehold property that requires an extension of the lease, this can take significantly longer, between 3 and 6 months. In such, a situation additional charges would apply.

Stages of the process

The precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential leasehold property vary according to the circumstances. However, below we have suggested some key stages that you may wish to include:

• Take your instructions and give you initial advice;
• 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;
• Send final contract to you for signature;
• Draft Transfer;
• Advise you on joint ownership;
• Obtain pre-completion searches;
• 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

Factors which may increase the fees, disbursements & expenses  payable

Our fee is quoted based on a standard leasehold purchase and that no unforeseen complications arise.  Examples of factors that may lead to increased costs/disbursements are:

• There is a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction;
• A party to the transaction not being represented by a Solicitor;
• The involvement of a company, Management Company etc;
• “Flying” or “Creeping” freeholds being involved;
• A party using power of attorney;
• The property being subject to an arrangement regarding solar panels or a “Green Deal”;
• Transactions under a Help to Buy or Shared Ownership Scheme;
• Missing documents (e.g. planning consents, building regulation completion certificates etc.);
• Delay by third parties in providing documentation;
• The property is a new build

This is not an exhaustive list and should something arise which could lead to additional costs and/or disbursements, this will be discussed with you at the time.

Team details

Our residential conveyancing team has over 50 years collective experience in delivering high quality work in all matters relating to residential conveyancing.  The Team consists of Marie Bannister, Nigel Hodgson and Sue Russell and you can see more details about those individuals, their qualifications and experience on the “Our People” section of our Website.  The Team are supported by an experienced group of secretarial and administrative staff and residential conveyancing work is supervised by Nigel Hodgson, Head of Residential Conveyancing.

Discussing your requirements

Whilst it is hoped that the above information will give you an idea of the costs and disbursements involved, as there are many factors which can influence the overall cost, it is always best to speak with us to discuss your matter and requirements so that we can give you an accurate quote based on your particular circumstances.

Our fees

Our fees cover all of the work required to complete the mortgage/re-mortgage of your property including dealing with registration at the Land Registry.

The fees for dealing with the work on the mortgage/re-mortgage of a freehold property with a single freehold registered title are £500 plus VAT plus disbursements.

 Disbursements & Expenses

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

• electronic ID verification – £4 plus VAT per individual;
• our charges for electronic money transfer fee – £25 plus VAT (to redeem an existing mortgage);
• search fees – approximately £280 plus VAT (these will depend on which Local Authority area the property is located and what searches are required for that particular area);
• search indemnity insurance – in some cases, your chosen Lender will accept search indemnity insurance rather than applying for the searches.  The cost of the indemnity insurance depends on the amount of the loan and the nature of the title to the property but for loans of up to £100,000, the cost is typically in in the region of £15;
• HM Land Registry fee – this is calculated based on the amount of the mortgage loan and the current scales are:-

Further information can be obtained by visiting https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hm-land-registry-registration-services-fees

• obtaining up to date copies of the Land Registry title – £6 plus VAT;
• bankruptcy searches – £2 per name plus VAT;
• pre-completion Land Registry search – £3 plus VAT;
• administration fees £10 plus VAT (£12) – some mortgage lenders issue their instructions via an online facility for which there is an administration fee payable.  The fee quoted is the current fee payable;

Referral fees

We do not pay or receive any referral fees.

How long

How long a mortgage or re-mortgage takes depends on several factors.  The average process takes between 2-4 weeks.

Factors that can influence the time scale includes: –

• How quickly the mortgage offer is issued;
• Whether or not searches are required (search timescales differ considerably depending on the Local Authority area);
• Issues with the property title which need to be resolved before the mortgage can be completed.

Stages of the process

The usual stages involved in a mortgage/remortgage are:-

• Take your instructions and give you initial advice;
• Receive mortgage offer and check through the mortgage conditions;
• Obtain redemption information from existing Lender if there is one;
• Check the property title is satisfactory for Lender purposes;
• Carry out searches if required;
• Report to you on the terms of the mortgage;
• Arrange for you to sign the mortgage documentation;
• Agree a completion date with you;
• Arrange for all monies needed to be received from lender and (if required) you;
• Complete the mortgage/re-mortgage;
• Deal with repayment and discharge of any existing mortgage;
• Deal with application for registration at Land Registry.

Factors that may increase the fees, disbursements & expenses payable

Our fee is quoted based on the mortgage/remortgage of a standard freehold residential property and that no unforeseen matters arise.  Examples of factors that may lead to increased costs/disbursements are: –

• A defect in the title to the property or if the property is unregistered;
• The involvement of a company, Management Company etc;
• The property being subject to an arrangement regarding solar panels or a “Green Deal”;
• Properties that are subject to previous Help to Buy funding or shared ownership arrangements;
• Missing documents (e.g. planning consents, building regulation completion certificates etc.);
• Leasehold property;
• A simultaneous transfer of the property is required.

This is not an exhaustive list and should something arise which could lead to additional costs, disbursements and expenses it will be discussed with you.

Team details

Our residential conveyancing team has over 50 years collective experience in delivering high quality work in all matters relating to residential conveyancing.  The Team consists of Marie Bannister, Nigel Hodgson and Sue Russell and you can see more details about those individuals, their qualifications and experience on the “Our People” section of our Website.  The Team are supported by an experienced group of secretarial and administrative staff and residential conveyancing work is supervised by Nigel Hodgson, Head of Residential Conveyancing.

Discussing your requirements

Whilst it is hoped that the above information will give you an idea of the costs and disbursements involved, as there are many factors which can influence the overall cost, it is always best to speak with us to discuss your matter and requirements so that we can give you an accurate quote based on your particular circumstances.