Conveyancing Fees Explained: What You’ll Pay and Why | Buying or remortgaging a property comes with a wide range of costs, some expected, some less obvious. One of the most important yet often misunderstood costs is conveyancing fees. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or moving home, understanding conveyancing costs can help you plan better, avoid surprises, and choose the right professionals for your property transaction.
In this guide, we explain what conveyancing fees are, how much you can expect to pay, what they include, and how to reduce unnecessary legal costs. We’ll also share tips for ensuring your fees remain transparent and compliant with mortgage lending regulations.
If you’re in the early stages of your property journey, you may also find it helpful to explore our pages on first-time buyer mortgages and remortgage options to see how legal fees fit into your overall budget.
What Are Conveyancing Fees?
Conveyancing fees are the legal costs associated with transferring ownership of a property. You pay a licensed solicitor or conveyancer to carry out the legal work involved in buying, selling, or remortgaging a home. This includes reviewing contracts, conducting property searches, handling funds, and liaising with the mortgage lender.
How Much Do Conveyancing Fees Cost in the UK?
Conveyancing fees can vary depending on the property value, location, and whether the transaction is a sale, purchase, or remortgage. On average, you can expect to pay:
- £850 to £1,500 for buying or selling a home
- £300 to £600 for a remortgage
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Additional disbursements of £200–£500, depending on searches and Land Registry costs
If your property is leasehold, expect higher fees due to additional legal checks. Always ask for a full breakdown to avoid hidden charges.
What’s Included in Solicitor Fees for Buying a House?
Conveyancing fees are typically split into two categories:
1. Legal Fees (Professional Services)
- Drafting and reviewing contracts
- Handling deposit and balance payments
- Liaising with estate agents and lenders
- Managing completion and post-completion tasks
2. Disbursements (Third-Party Charges)
- Local Authority Searches
- Bankruptcy and ID checks
- Land Registry fees
- Stamp Duty Land Tax filing
You can find more details on potential hidden costs in our guide to mortgage application costs.
Do I Need a Conveyancer for a Remortgage?
Yes. Even if you’re staying in the same property, changing your mortgage product or lender requires legal steps. A solicitor will ensure the new mortgage deed is registered, existing charges are cleared, and that the lender’s legal requirements are met.
For more on this process, visit our remortgage advice page.
Can I Reduce My Conveyancing Fees?
Here are practical ways to keep your legal costs in check:
- Get fixed-fee quotes from at least three conveyancers
- Avoid hidden extras by requesting a full cost schedule upfront
- Use your lender’s approved panel to speed up processing
- Consider using a conveyancer recommended by your mortgage adviser
If you’re a mortgage adviser looking to offer your clients seamless legal support, you can also “Join our Mortgage network” to access preferred legal service partners.
Is It Worth Paying More for an Experienced Solicitor?
While it’s tempting to choose the cheapest option, a well-rated conveyancer can save you stress and delays. Accurate legal work is vital to mortgage compliance, especially when dealing with new-build homes, shared ownership, or Help to Buy schemes.
If your case is more complex, or you’re buying with a gifted deposit or via a limited company, prioritise a solicitor familiar with such arrangements.
Conveyancing fees are an essential part of any property transaction. Understanding how they’re calculated and what they cover can save you from overpaying or missing important legal steps. Whether you’re buying your first home or switching lenders, working with a transparent, efficient solicitor will give you confidence and peace of mind.
For more financial tips during the homebuying process, be sure to read our advice on life cover and mortgage protection, another crucial element to consider when securing your home.
Thank you for reading our “Life Cover vs Mortgage Protection | Which One Do You Need? ” publication. Stay “Connect“-ed for more updates soon!
