How much will the work cost?

Fixed Fees

Most solicitors charge a fee proportionate to the value of the property, taking into account a number of factors including the complexity of the title and third party involvement

Our fees range from £1,100+VAT for a freehold sale and from £1,300+VAT for a freehold purchase up to a value of £100,000, and from £2,000+VAT for a freehold sale and from £2,200+VAT for a freehold purchase valued under £1,000,000

Where the property is leasehold, additional costs will apply. Typically this would be between £350+VAT for a Tyneside flat and from £750+VAT for a more complex leasehold arrangement

Hourly Rates

It may be necessary to agree an hourly rate with you, if it is not possible to give you an accurate estimate of the likely costs involved

Hourly rates are based on the qualification and experience of your legal representative

These rates are currently:

• Partner: £330 per hour
• Senior Associate: £275 per hour
• Chartered Legal Executive: £225 per hour
• Senior Paralegal: £200 per hour
• Paralegal: £175 per hour

All professional costs, whether fixed fee or hourly rate, are subject to VAT

In what circumstances could the costs change?

Some factors which could typically increase the cost of the service you require are:

• if the legal title is defective
• if the title is unregistered
• if there is a management company who we need to engage with
• if we need to comply with a restriction on the title
• if we discover that the correct consents have not been obtained for alteration works
• if you have more than one mortgage secured against the property
• if you are selling through an auction or have tight deadlines to meet
• if documents or information is requested from you or any other party, which requires our work to be duplicated
• if the transaction is delayed

What are disbursements?

Disbursements are charges levied by third parties which apply to your transaction, and which we will pay on your behalf. These costs are fixed by the third-party supplier and we cannot influence them

Which disbursements may apply?

Stamp duty

Please refer to HMRC for relevant rates, or if the property is located in Wales

Land Registry Fees

Please refer to HMLR for relevant rates

The above fees are not subject to VAT

Searches

These costs are not fixed. Each search provider will charge a fee for their service and each local authority, water authority (etc) will have their own fee scale. On average, the searches you will require cost between £350 and £600

Any variation is accounted for on your completion statement during the course of the transaction

Some searches are subject to VAT

Electronic Transfer Fee (TT Fee)

The charge levied by the firm (which includes the cost payable by us to the bank) is £42.00 inclusive of VAT

What we will you do for me?

Please ‘Click here’ for an overview of the conveyancing process

How long will it take?

Generally speaking your transaction should take between 6-8 weeks to complete a freehold transaction, but timing depends on many factors, including the availability of searches and mortgage funding and the cooperation of all parties

If you are in a ‘chain’, any dates will need to be agreed with all parties

Are there any exclusions?

It’s important to note that the information above relates to residential conveyancing for individuals who are selling their own property. If any of the circumstances below apply, it is likely to involve additional work or you may require advice from another department within the firm, such as from the Real Estate department:

• If you are selling a tenanted property
• If you are acting in your capacity as Director of a Company and/or require the discharge of any Company mortgages at Companies House
• If the property you are selling is to be transferred out of an existing title and documents need to be drafted or negotiated
• Granting easements
• Rural matters