Understanding Our Fees

• If your property value is lower or higher, our legal fees might be lower or higher as our fees are sometimes based on the value of the property. If additional costs arise during our work, we will let you know in good time with an explanation of what has changed and provide a revised fee estimate. All fee estimates shown are exclusive of 20% VAT which will be added where applicable.
• The fee examples provided are based on a number of assumptions, including:
  
  • That the property is not a new-build being bought from a developer.
  • That the property is registered with the Land Registry.
  • That the property is not being bought subject to any tenancy agreement.
  • That the provisions of the Building Safety Act 2022 are not applicable to the property.
• The quoted leasehold fees include dealing with notices, deeds of covenant and share transfer but not a licence to assign. If a licence to assign is required a further fee of £850 – £1,250 plus VAT (minimum) will be payable.
• Our estimated fees are normally based on our hourly rates, which are between £275 – £450 depending on the seniority and experience of the individuals working on the matter.
• The examples of our pricing are based on properties in London.
• Fees for buying/selling/remortgaging will vary if the client is a company.

• Bank transfer fee: £35-£40 + 20% VAT
• Administration/e-conveyancing fee: £25-£35.00 + 20%VAT

Sale

• Land Registry official copies: £20-£50 + 20% VAT
• Sale management pack (if leasehold):     £200-£500 + 20% VAT

On a purchase, our fees include:

• Taking instructions from you and verifying your identity, address, the source of your wealth and the source of the funds for the purchase
• Confirming our instructions to the seller’s solicitor and requesting the contract and title documentation
• Reviewing and agreeing the contract for the purchase
• Examining the seller’s title to the property (including the lease, if the property is leasehold)
• Carrying out and reviewing the searches, which include checking the records held by the local authority and water authority in relation to the property and also checks against databases relating to environmental matters and other searches that may be applicable
• Reviewing replies provided by the seller to the standard property information forms
• Reviewing the management information (if the property is leasehold)
• Raising enquiries with the seller in respect of any matters referred to in the above documentation that require clarification
• Complying with your mortgage lender’s instructions (if applicable)
• Providing you with a comprehensive report in relation to the documentation received
• Dealing with exchange of contracts
• Preparing a completion statement setting out the sum we require from you in order to complete the purchase
• Undertaking the pre-completion searches
• Obtaining the funds from your mortgage lender (if applicable)
• Preparing the transfer deed and stamp duty land tax return for signature together with any other applicable documentation
• Advice on joint ownership of the property (if applicable)
• Dealing with completion of the purchase and the transfer of funds to the seller’s solicitors
• Submitting the stamp duty land tax return to HM Revenue and Customs
• Registering your ownership of the property (and the mortgage if applicable) at the Land Registry
• Registering your ownership of the property with the landlord (if applicable)

Please note that the following circumstances may require an increase in our fees:

• The value of the property
• The lease requires the consent of the landlord to the transfer of the property to you
• Your mortgage lender chooses to appoint their own solicitors, rather than instructing us
• The transaction has to be expedited
• A lease extension is required
• An exclusivity agreement is required
• There is a defect in the title
• The transaction involves the grant of a new lease
• There is more than one lease (if the property is leasehold)
• Your require a declaration of trust or co-habitation agreement
• There is conditionality in the contract
• You are buying in the name of a company
• The property is not registered at the Land Registry
• The property is subject to a tenancy that will continue after completion
• Completion does not take place on the contractual completion date
• An indemnity insurance policy is required
• You require translation of any documentation
• You require tax advice
• You are buying or selling a shared ownership property
• You are using a help to buy ISA
• You are buying or selling at auction
• There is an abnormal delay on the part of one or more of the parties to the transaction

• Arranging a survey of the property*
• Arranging your mortgage and agreeing its terms*
• Arranging buildings insurance*
• Advising you on the tax aspects of the transaction (though we are able to provide you with this advice for an additional fee)

*We would be happy to put you in touch with surveyors, mortgage brokers and insurance brokers who can assist you with these aspects of the transaction if you wish.