We are accredited members of the Quality Conveyancing Scheme

Whatever your reason for moving house, everyone has a common goal of wanting a stress free and smooth process. Choosing the right solicitor is one of the most important factors in this process.

We make buying and selling property straightforward. Our conveyancing fees are competitive and easy to understand, and cover any necessary checks that need to be made with H.M. Land Registry. We have a ‘no hidden costs’ promise which means that you can see what you will be charged for in the buying/selling process before you decide to instruct us, and you will not be billed for any ‘hidden extras’.

All documentation in relation to the sale/purchase will be fully explained to you. We will liaise with your Estate Agent, mortgage lender, and all other parties appropriate to your situation and will keep you informed of all matters as and when they arise.

By coming to us you can rest assured that all aspects of your matter will be dealt with professionally. Our team of Residential Conveyancers comprises of Miss Susan Webster and Katy Burt.

GUIDANCE NOTES

Purchase of a freehold residential property

Our fees cover all the work required to complete the purchase of your new home. Please see stages of the process.

Conveyancer’s fees and disbursements

If your sales/purchase is within the band £0 - £400,000 our legal fees are £1,500 + VAT

If your sales/purchase is within the band £401,000 - £600,000 our legal fees are £1,500 + VAT

If your sales/purchase is within the band £600,001 - £800,000 our legal fees are £1,750 + VAT

If your sales/purchase is within the band £800,001 - £1,000,000 our legal fees are £2,500 + VAT

If your sales/purchase is above £1,000,000, we will quote individually.

You will incur search fees on any property purchase which vary depending on the Local Authorities we are applying to. The average would be £400.00

To calculate your Land Registry fees on the registration of your title please see the below link: –

http://landregistry.data.gov.uk/fees-calculator.html

 

Electronic Bank Transfer fee – each payment £30.00 (+VAT)

VAT is payable on some disbursements – we will advise you at the time.

VAT is payable on legal fee at the rate of 20%.

The disbursements mentioned above are cost related to your matter but 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 and to comply with your mortgagee’s requirements.

You will also have to pay stamp duty on the purchase. The amount of this depends on the purchase price of our property. You can calculate the amount you will need to pay by using HMRC’s website. Please see the below link: –

https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/calculate-stamp-duty-land-tax/#/intro

 

How long will be house purchase take?

The time it will take between your offer being accepted and the day you move in depends on numerous factors. The average process for a purchase is between eight and ten weeks. It can be quicker or slower depending on the number of people in the chain. For example, if you are a first-time buyer purchasing an empty property with a mortgage in principal it could take eight weeks.

However, if you are buying a leasehold that requires a lease extension and the management companies consent it could take between three and six months depending on the documentation.

Stages of the Process

The precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential property vary according to your circumstances. We set out below some of the key stages that are included in our fee.

• Take your instructions and give you initial advice.
• Check finances are in place to fund purchase and contact lender’s solicitors.
• Receive and advise on contract documents.
• Obtain further planning documentation if required.
• Make necessary enquiries of the seller’s solicitor.
• Give you advice on all documents and information received.
• Go through Conditions of Mortgage Offer with you if appropriate.
• Send final Contract to you for signature.
• Agree completion date. (This is the day you pay the purchase price and obtain keys to the property).
• Exchange Contracts and notify you that this has happened.
• Arrange all monies needed to be received from lender and you.
• Complete purchase.
• Apply to the Inland Revenue to pay the stamp duty / land tax and receive receipt.
• Apply to the Land Registry for registration of your title.
• Report to you with copies of the new title deeds.

 

Purchase of a leasehold residential property

Conveyancer’s fees and disbursements

Our fees cover all the work required to complete the purchase of your new home including dealing with the registration of your title at the Land Registry and dealing with the Inland Revenue in connection with the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax (Stamp Duty).

If your sales/purchase is within the band £0 - £400,000 our legal fees are £1,750 + VAT

If your sales/purchase is within the band £401,000 - £600,000 our legal fees are £1,950 + VAT

If your sales/purchase is within the band £600,001 - £800,000 our legal fees are £2,000 + VAT

If your sales/purchase is within the band £800,001 - £1,000,000 our legal fees are £2,750 + VAT

If your sales/purchase is above £1,000,000, we will quote individually.

Disbursements

We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

Mortgages / Remortgages 

Conveyancer’s fees and disbursements

Our fees cover all work required to complete a mortgage of your existing property or a remortgage. This means paying off your existing mortgage and taking out a new one. This work includes: –

• Obtaining a redemption statement of your existing mortgage.
• Receiving new mortgage offer and advising you on its terms.
• Complying with the mortgagee’s requirements to include reporting to you, obtaining all the appropriate signatures and registering the same at the Land Registry and accounting to you and your mortgagees at the end of the transaction.

 

Transfer of Equity

Our legal fees are between £1000-£1300 depending on whether or not a mortgage is involved.

Office Copy Entries £10.00 – £20.00

Land Registration fee - Please see link reference above (Land Tax)
Electronic Money Transfer fee £30.00 (+VAT)

 

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 and to comply with your mortgagees’ requirements.

If the property is leasehold, there is a Notice of Transfer fee. This fee if chargeable is set out in the lease. These fees vary between £200.00 – £300.00

Notice of Charge fee (if the property is to be mortgaged) – This fee is set out in the lease. These fees vary between £80.00 – £150.00.

Deed of Covenant fee – This fee is payable to the management company for the property and can be difficult to estimate. It can vary between £300.00 – £700.00.

Certificate of Compliance – Most new leases require this and the fees can range between £100.00 – £300.00