Conveyancing Fees & Pricing | Transparent Costs Explained | Donaldson West LLP

Our Approach to Fees

It is difficult to be precise about fees because not all transactions are the same and things can happen during the course of a transaction that could not have been anticipated at the start. However, we understand that clients are concerned about costs escalating and so we provide a fixed fee services aimed at keeping legal costs to an absolute minimum. If you instruct us, we will provide a costs estimate that will include full details of what is and is not included in our fees.

Our costs estimate will be based on information you provide about your needs and requirements. Fees can be affected by issues such as time sensitivity, leases, new-builds, private drainage, listed buildings, multiple titles and properties subject to tenancies.

The tables below provide an average fixed fee range for the type of transaction referred to.  It assumes that the work is within our standard scope of work and has no unexpected complications or high priority. If there are any unexpected complications or items that are outside of our initial scope we will inform you as soon as we become aware and will discuss the potential consequences, before any additional charges are incurred.  

FREEHOLD SALES

No mortgage up to £300k                 £1,500 + VAT = £1,800
With mortgage up to £300k              £1,575 + VAT = £1,890

No mortgage up to £500k                 £1,700 + VAT = £2,040
With mortgage up to £500k              £1,775 + VAT = £2,130

No mortgage up to £750k                 £1,900 + VAT = £2,280
With mortgage up to £750k              £1,975 + VAT = £2,370

No mortgage up to £1m                   £2,000 + VAT = £2,400
With mortgage up to £1m                £2,075 + VAT = £2,490

Over £1m - for discussion                £2,200 + VAT (minimum) 

LEASEHOLD SALES

No mortgage up to £200k                £1,900 + VAT = £2,280
With mortgage up to £200k             £1,975 + VAT = £2,370

No mortgage up to £500k                £2,000 + VAT = £2,400
With mortgage up to £500k             £2,075 + VAT = £2,490

No mortgage up to £750k                £2,100 + VAT = £2,520
With mortgage up to £750k             £2,175 + VAT = £2,610

Over £750k - for discussion             £2,150 + VAT (minimum)

FREEHOLD PURCHASES

No mortgage up to £500k                £1,750 + VAT = £2,100
With mortgage up to £500k             £1,825 + VAT = £2,190

No mortgage up to £750k                £1,850 + VAT = £2,220
With mortgage up to £750k             £1,925 + VAT = £2,310

No mortgage up to £1m                  £2,000 + VAT = £2,400
With mortgage up to £1m               £2.075 + VAT = £2,490

Over £1m - for discussion               £2,250 + VAT (minimum)

NB Add £400 plus VAT for new builds or social housing 

LEASEHOLD PURCHASES

No mortgage up to £250k                £1,850 + VAT = £2,220
With mortgage up to £250k             £1,925 + VAT = £2,310

No mortgage up to £500k                £2,000 + VAT = £2,400
With mortgage up to £500k             £2,075 + VAT = £2,490

Over £500k - for discussion             £2,250 + VAT (minimum)

NB Add £400 for new builds or social housing 

RE-MORTGAGES 

Freehold                                         £1,300 + VAT = £1,560
Leasehold                                       £1,375 + VAT = £1,650

RE-MORTGAGES AND TRANSFER OF EQUITY

Freehold                                         £1,350 + VAT = £1,620
Leasehold                                       £1,500 + VAT = £1,680

TRANSFER OF EQUITY

No mortgage                                   £850 + VAT = £1,020
With mortgage                                £1,000 + VAT =£1,200

DECLARATION OF TRUST

Declaration of Trust                       £850 + VAT = £1,020

LEASE EXTENSIONS

Acting for landlord                           £1,350 + VAT = £1,920
Acting for tenant                             £1,150 + VAT = £1,380

EQUITY RELEASE

Equity Release                                 £1,650 + VAT = £1,980

Land Registry ID1

ID1                                                   £250 +VAT = £300

VOLUNTARY FIRST REGISTRATION

First Registration (voluntary)             £850 + VAT = £1,020

Additional Fees and Disbursements 

Disbursements are expenses incurred that are payable to third parties, such as those listed below and, like VAT, are payable in addition to our fees. We deal with payment of these expenses on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. 

• Search fees (for purchases and re-mortgages): We use a search agent and typically, the cost is between £300 and £500 plus VAT
• Land Registry fee: We have to download a copy of your registered title and a title plan which costs £14. If we have to download other documents from the Land Registry website, a similar fee is charged per document. 
• Stamp Duty Land Tax (for purchases and some transfers): The amount to be paid is dependent on the purchase or transfer price and other criteria such as whether you are a first time buyer or you own more than one property. HMRC provides a useful SDLT calculator so that you can calculate the amount of SDLT payable. We will also provide details of the SDLT payable in our costs estimate.
• Land registration fee (for purchases, transfers and re-mortgages): The amount to be paid is calculated by reference to the sale price, market value of the property or amount of the loan and whether or not the registration relates to the whole of a registered title or part. The Land Registry provides a useful calculator to enable you to calculate the amount payable. We will also provide details of the land registration fee payable in our costs estimate.
• Managing agents fees (for sales, purchases and mortgages/re-mortgages): These vary and are stipulated by the Landlord and/or managing agents. They are generally unavoidable and non-negotiable. The costs are incurred for obtaining ground rent, service charge and management information, consents to sell, details of major works, notifications of changes to ownership and lenders and transferring shares in management companies among other things
• Bank administration fee for same day transfer of funds: This costs £30 plus VAT per electronic transfer.
• Online anti-money laundering check: The cost is £7.50 plus VAT per person.    

How Long will the Transaction Take?

A straightforward sale or purchase should exchange contracts within 8-12 weeks of a sale being agreed if matters proceed smoothly. If there is a chain, the process can be delayed due to matters beyond our control. Mortgage offers, delayed searches, management packs and information from third parties are all factors that can influence the time a transaction takes.

Who will Work on my Matter?

All work is carried out by a qualified lawyer. If you instruct us, we will advise you as soon as possible who will be working on your matter and who the supervisor is. Full details of our team are available for viewing here: Our People.