Selling a Property & How We Charge

What work does the pricing information below relate to?

Below you will find pricing information regarding the sale of residential property.

Why do we provide this information?

We are required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to provide pricing information to potential clients in relation to certain types of work. We encourage our clients to contact us for more detailed information based on their specific situation and needs and not to base any decision solely on price. We strongly believe in the notion 'you get what you pay for' and strive to provide our clients with clear, practical and effective legal advice, a responsive and highly personal service and, crucially, value for money.

How do we charge?

Leasehold sale

Property value: up to £500,000
Fee estimate: £1,500 to £1,800 + VAT *

Leasehold sale

Property value: £500,000 to £1,000,000
Fee estimate: £1,500 to £2,500 + VAT *

Freehold sale

Property value: up to £500,000
Fee estimate: £1,250 to £1,500 + VAT *

Freehold sale

Property value: £500,000 to £1,000,000
Fee estimate: £1,500 to £2,200 + VAT *

The above estimates are on the assumption that we are also acting for your lender.

These fees may vary from property to property and can on occasion be significantly more than shown in the ranges provided.

Please note that the above are estimates and that we can deal with any transaction, whatever the property value.

The above fee estimates are based on the following assumptions:

This is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the completion or the preparation of additional documentation ancillary to the main transaction;
Where the property is leasehold, that this is an assignment of an existing lease and not the grant of a new lease;
The transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complication arises;
All parties in the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation;
The land is registered.

The following factors would typically increase the cost of our services. For example but not limited to:

If the legal title is defective or part of the property is unregistered;
If title rectification is required;
If planning permission or building regulations have not been obtained;
If crucial documents requested have not been provided;
If a lease extension is required.

Disbursements and other charges
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as the Land Registry. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. Please note that further disbursements may be payable and we will be able to advise fully when taking your full instructions.

Land Registry Search fee: £3.00 + VAT *
Electronic Transfer fee: £35.00 + VAT * (if you have a mortgage and the lender requires funds to be sent via Electronic Transfer, these fees may increase).

* VAT is charged at 20%.

Stages of the process

The stages in a sale of residential property vary according to the circumstances. The key stages are outlined here (PDF).

How long will my property sale take?

The average timescale for conveyancing transactions in England and Wales is approximately 8 weeks from acceptance of offer to exchange of contracts. Often leasehold sales take longer than this, as we may be also required to await information from a Landlord and/or managing agent. Completion of the sale will take place within 28 days from the date of exchange of contacts or earlier by mutual agreement between the parties. We must stress that this is an average and is dependent upon a number of factors such as the length of time it may take to obtain title deeds from your lender to enable the Solicitors to prepare contract papers.

If there is a chain of transactions then you must bear in mind that everybody in the chain is going through the same process and the chain cannot proceed until all parties have completed the necessary steps.

Who will be advising you?

An appropriate member(s) of our Residential Property team will work on your matter, supervised by team head Manisha Bhula or a senior member of the team. You can find out more about the other members of our team below.