The three parts of a conveyancing quote
- Legal fees — the law firm’s charge for the conveyancing work. These often vary with property value, tenure and complexity.
- VAT — charged on legal fees and some other items.
- Disbursements — costs paid to third parties on your behalf, such as search providers and HM Land Registry.
What can change the cost
- Leasehold — reviewing the lease and management information is additional work, and freeholders or managing agents may charge for information.
- Mortgages — acting for a lender adds work on a purchase or remortgage; redeeming a mortgage adds work on a sale.
- Gifted deposits, Right to Buy, auction, Islamic home finance, HMOs and company buyers can each involve extra steps.
- Unexpected issues — title defects, missing paperwork or changes to your circumstances.
That’s why our form asks about these features up front: so your quote reflects your transaction.
Taxes are separate
Stamp Duty Land Tax (England) or Land Transaction Tax (Wales) may be payable on a purchase. It is not a conveyancing fee, and the amount depends on your circumstances. Your solicitor will advise you; GOV.UK and the Welsh Revenue Authority publish the official rules.
Comparing quotes
- Check that each quote includes VAT and lists the expected disbursements.
- Ask what is included for leasehold or any special features of your transaction.
- Read the law firm’s terms before you instruct.