Buying a home can be exciting but also confusing, especially when it comes to solicitor fees.
These are the costs of hiring a legal expert, called a conveyancer or solicitor, to help you with all the paperwork and legal checks.
Emma Shahmoradian, an experienced conveyancer and partner at national firm Taylor Rose, explains the costs involved when buying a house, tips for how to plan for them and how to find the right conveyancer for you.
Emma Shahmoradian
Emma Shahmoradian is an experienced conveyancer and partner at national firm Taylor Rose and handles all areas of property law, including specialist services for help-to-buy and shared ownership schemes, auctions, new builds, off-plan properties, and traditional resales.
What are solicitor fees?
Solicitor fees are divided into two parts: legal fees and disbursements.
Legal fees
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These are what you pay your solicitor for their time and expertise.
What affects the cost?
“The price depends on things like the type of property you’re buying, where it is, and how complicated the process is,” says Shahmoradian. For example:
- A freehold property (where you own the land and the house outright) is simpler and cheaper.
- A leasehold property (where you own the property but pay ground rent to the landlord) costs more because there’s extra paperwork to check.
Disbursements
These are payments your solicitor makes on your behalf for essential services.
- Land Registry Fees: Paid to the government to officially record you as the new owner.
- Search Fees: Checks with the local council, environmental agencies, and water suppliers to spot potential issues like flood risks or public maintenance fees.
- Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT): A tax on property purchases over £250,000 (for most buyers). Shahmoradian adds: “Your solicitor will calculate and pay this for you, but you can also check the amount using the government’s online calculator.”
- Telegraphic transfer/bank transfer fees: These cover payments charged by the bank for processing transfers.
- Identity and Anti Money Laundering checks: Conveyancers have a duty to verify your identity and any money you’re contributing from your own resources. To do so, online companies are often used and the cost of this is charged to you.
What unexpected costs might arise?
Some transactions can involve unexpected expenses. Leasehold properties are a common example. “When buying a leasehold, there are often extra charges that can come as a surprise,” Shahmoradian explains.
These include fees for obtaining a management pack (a detailed document from the landlord about the property), which can cost anywhere from £100 to £800. Other lease-related costs might include charges for providing notices or certificates required by the terms of the lease.
New build properties or homes that haven’t been registered with the Land Registry before can also lead to higher costs.
“When buying a new-build property or one that has never been registered, additional legal work is needed to complete the first-time registration with the Land Registry,” says Shahmoradian.
“This can increase costs as it requires more time and the preparation of deeds for the new property. First-time registrations also attract higher fees from the Land Registry.”
Tips for saving on solicitor fees
When choosing a conveyancer, Shahmoradian suggests shopping around and compare quotes to ensure you’re getting a competitive rate.
“While price comparison websites can help, it’s important to carefully consider all costs, including disbursements, that may not always be clear upfront,” she explains.
You can also save by being proactive in your research. Personal recommendations from family or friends who’ve recently bought property can be very helpful. Additionally, online reviews provide a good way to assess a conveyancer’s reputation and whether they are known for handling cases efficiently.
Shahmoradian also emphasises the importance of discussing your specific needs with potential conveyancers. “If your transaction involves complexities like new builds or leasehold properties, make sure to speak with the conveyancer directly to ensure they have the right experience and can handle any additional paperwork or requirements,” she advises.
Lastly, Shahmoradian recommends asking your solicitor about any potential hidden fees, such as extra charges for stamp duty calculations, identity checks, or other legal requirements. This way, you can better anticipate and budget for costs that could arise during the process.
How to choose the right solicitor
When choosing a solicitor, Shahmoradian advises looking beyond price alone. “While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, it’s important to consider the level of service you’re likely to receive,” she says.
Poor communication or lack of experience in dealing with complex transactions can cause unnecessary delays and stress.
She also recommends doing some research. Personal recommendations from friends or family can be valuable, and reading online reviews is another way to assess a solicitor’s reputation.
If possible, speak to potential solicitors directly before making a decision. This will help you gauge their responsiveness and ensure they have experience handling cases similar to yours.
Buying a house involves more than just the purchase price. Shahmoradian emphasises the importance of budgeting for all related costs, including solicitor fees, disbursements, and any potential extras.
“Understanding these costs upfront can save you from unwelcome surprises later,” she says. Choosing the right solicitor and planning for contingencies allows you to navigate the process with greater confidence and ease.
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