Below you will find details of our fees for residential conveyancing transactions and the services included.

Please note that all fees are exclusive of VAT and any additional costs (disbursements) that may arise during the transaction. Exact fees will vary based on your transaction’s specific needs. Your transaction will be supervised by Shanmugam Ravindran.

VAT, currently at 20%, will be applied to our fees and some disbursements. We will specify which disbursements are VAT-applicable in our formal quote or as they arise.

Fees for commercial property transactions are available upon request.

Sale and Purchase Transactions

Fees range from £1,250.00 to £4,500.00 + VAT (£1,500.00 to £5,400.00 including VAT).

Remortgage Transactions

Fees range from £750.00 to £1,500.00 + VAT (£900.00 to £1,800.00 including VAT).

These figures are based on the following assumptions:

• The matter proceeds in the usual manner and is not expedited.
• The transaction does not involve the grant of a new lease or a lease extension.
• The matter does not become overly complicated.
• We conduct the usual searches on a purchase or remortgage.
• There are no defects in title or with the title documents that require remedying.
• There is a reasonable level of communication between us.

If your matter becomes unexpectedly complicated, our costs may be reviewed, and you will be advised accordingly in writing. Once your matter is assigned, you will receive a full estimate of the costs and disbursements likely to be incurred, along with the hourly charging rate of the Solicitor or Fee Earner handling your transaction.

Additional Fees

Below is a list of additional costs likely to be incurred in each type of transaction:

Disbursements for Residential Conveyancing

Disbursements are third-party costs involved in property transactions. These charges may apply based on transaction requirements and are payable in addition to our fees. We will provide specific figures based on your transaction. Here’s a typical breakdown of disbursements:

• Archive Fee: £39.00 + VAT (£46.80 inc. VAT)
• Bankruptcy search (per person): £4.20
• e-Lodgement Fee: £28.00 + VAT (£33.60 inc. VAT)
• ID Verification Fee (per name): £30.00 + VAT (£36.00 inc. VAT)
• Lawyer Checker Fee: £20.00 + VAT (£24.00 inc. VAT)
• SDLT Admin Fee: £6.00
• Telegraphic Transfer Fee: £35.00 + VAT (£42.00 inc. VAT)
• Land Registry Fees: approximately £20 – £500
• Land Registry OS1 Search - £3.90
• Bankruptcy Search (per person) - £4.20
• Search Fees - approximately £600 (subject to change depending on the Local Authority and location)

Leasehold Purchase

• Deed of Covenant fee: Typically between £50.00 – £150.00.
• Certificate of Compliance fee: Ranges between £50.00 – £150.00.
• Management pack: Usually ranges between £50.00 – £400.00.
• Certificate of Compliance fee: Ranges between £50.00 – £150.00.
• Licence to Assign fee: £80 – £200.
• Landlord’s Notice of Assignment and/or Charge Fee: Varies, starting at £60.00 + VAT

These fees are set by the management company/freeholder and can vary significantly. We will provide an accurate figure once we have your specific documents.

You should also be aware that ground rent and service charges are likely to apply throughout your ownership of the property. We will confirm these once we receive the relevant information.

Details of What Our Costs Include and the Services Provided

Factors considered when calculating legal fees include the value and complexity of the transaction, whether the property is unregistered or leasehold, and whether additional documents are required. For an accurate estimate, please contact our office directly.

If our fees change, we will notify you and discuss the reasons. This typically occurs if you change your instructions or if unforeseen complexities arise.

Additional Fees for Specific Situations

For specialised requirements, additional fees may apply as follows:

• Leasehold Fee: £300 + VAT (£360 inc. VAT)
• Help to Buy ISA Fee: £250 + VAT (£300 inc. VAT)
• SDLT Administration Fee: £75 + VAT (£90 inc. VAT)
• Acting for Lender: £250 – £500 + VAT (£300–£600 inc. VAT)
• Administering a Gift: If you are receiving a gift as part of financing your purchase, we will need to prepare the necessary documentation and review additional documents for each donor. This will incur an additional fee of £100.00 plus VAT per donor.
• Unilateral Notice Application Fee: £100 + VAT (£120 inc. VAT)
• Limited Company Purchase Fee: £300 + VAT (£360 inc. VAT)

Key Stages of a Residential Remortgage That Our Fees Cover

• Obtain your instructions and provide initial advice.
• Apply for the Local Authority Search/Obtain no search indemnity insurance.
• Contact your existing lender to confirm instructions and request a Redemption Statement.
• Discuss any points on your Mortgage Offer, though we do not advise on the financial terms.
• Carry out pre-completion searches, report to your lender, and obtain necessary funds.
• Redeem your existing mortgage.
• Post-completion: Register the new charge at the Land Registry, lodge deeds with the mortgage company, and send copies to you. We will send you a copy of your Land Registry entries following completion.
• Prepare and submit final accounts.

Our average fees assume a standard transaction with no unforeseen matters, timely conclusion, and cooperation from all parties.

Other Factors and Exclusions

We do not provide mortgage or tax advice. We recommend seeking advice from an independent mortgage broker or financial adviser. We also do not conduct home valuations; this should be done by your new lender.

These fees vary from property to property and can occasionally exceed the ranges given above. We will provide an accurate figure once we have your specific documents.

Key Stages of a Residential Sale That Our Fees Cover

• Obtain your instructions and provide initial advice.
• Obtain official copies of the register from HM Land Registry.
• Supply information to the buyer’s solicitor regarding your title.
• Prepare a draft Contract of Sale.
• Deal with the buyer’s solicitor’s enquiries.
• Exchange Contracts and agree on a Completion Date.
• Approve the Transfer Deed and arrange for its execution.
• Obtain a redemption figure from your lender and prepare a Completion Statement.
• On Completion, redeem your mortgage and settle the estate agent’s account.

Our average fees assume a timely transaction with no unforeseen complications and cooperation from all parties.

How Long Will My House/Flat Sale Take?

The average process takes between 6 – 12 weeks, depending on the parties in the chain and the paperwork.

Other Factors and Exclusions

Our fixed-fee quotations reflect the standard work involved; however, certain factors can affect the complexity and scope of your transaction, including:

• Property Type: Whether the property is leasehold, freehold, new build, off-plan, or second-hand.
• Value and Timeline: Higher-value properties or urgent timelines may introduce additional considerations.
• Title or Planning Issues: Title defects, lack of planning or building regulations, or other legal complexities may require extra work.
• Lender Requirements: Specific conditions set by your lender, such as additional reporting or coordination, can add complexity.
• Special Ownership Structures: Transactions involving company ownership, shared ownership, or Help to Buy schemes.
• Unique Transactional Needs: Lease extensions, declarations of trust, probate issues, auction sales, or gift arrangements.

The initial fee quote provided does not cover the following specific matters, and a separate quote may be issued if your transaction involves them:

• Additional work for property transfers within a company.
• Preparing heads of terms or exclusivity agreements.
• Resolving title issues or creating new leases.
• Extending any lease or dealing with deed variations.
• Arranging finance, buildings, and/or contents insurance.
• Handling disputes related to third-party property interests.
• Providing independent legal advice to any spouse as required by your lender.
• Preparing statutory declarations or perfecting title issues.

Key Stages for a Residential Purchase That Our Fees Cover

• Obtain your instructions and provide initial advice.
• Check finances and contact the lender’s solicitor if needed.
• Receive and advise on contract documents.
• Carry out searches and obtain further planning documentation if required.
• Make necessary enquiries of the seller’s solicitor.
• Report to you on Title and documentation, arrange for you to sign the Contract and Mortgage Deed, and transfer deposit funds.
• Exchange Contracts.
• Carry out pre-completion searches and obtain necessary funds.
• Complete the purchase.
• Post-completion: Submit the SDLT form and arrange for payment to HMRC, register your interest at HM Land Registry, and account to you for monies.

The stages of a leasehold purchase transaction are similar to a freehold purchase, with additional documents to review.

Our average fees assume a standard transaction with no unforeseen matters, timely conclusion, and cooperation from all parties

How Long Will My House Purchase Take?

The average process takes between 6 – 12 weeks, depending on factors such as the chain and survey results. For example, a first-time buyer purchasing a freehold property could take 8-12 weeks, while a leasehold purchase requiring a lease extension could take 2-4 months.