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There is no standard conveyancing fee for buying or selling property in London. The amount you pay will depend on the value and tenure of the property, whether you require assistance with a sale, purchase or both, whether a mortgage is involved and how much legal work the transaction requires.

The location of your conveyancing solicitor may also affect the quote you receive. You do not have to instruct a firm based in London simply because the property is there.

Solicitors elsewhere in England and Wales can conduct London property transactions, allowing you to compare quotes from firms with different locations and pricing structures.

What makes up the cost of conveyancing in London?

A conveyancing quote will usually contain the solicitor’s legal fee, payments to third parties and any applicable tax. These figures should be considered separately when comparing providers.

The legal fee

The legal fee is the amount charged for the work completed by your solicitor or conveyancer.

When purchasing a property, this work may include reviewing the title and contract papers, ordering searches, raising enquiries, considering your mortgage offer, reporting to you, exchanging contracts, transferring funds and registering your ownership at HM Land Registry.

When selling, your conveyancer will prepare the contract papers, respond to the buyer’s enquiries, deal with the transfer documents, liaise with your mortgage lender and distribute the sale proceeds after completion.

VAT will normally be added to the legal fee. Your quote should make clear whether VAT has already been included in the figures shown.

Disbursements and third-party costs

Disbursements are amounts paid to other organisations as part of the conveyancing process. Your conveyancer will usually collect these amounts from you and make the necessary payments on your behalf.

Depending on the transaction, these may include:

• Property searches
• HM Land Registry fees
• Official title documents
• Land Registry priority searches and bankruptcy searches
• Third-party identity verification
• Fees charged by landlords, freeholders or managing agents

The amount charged for some disbursements will depend on the property and the organisations involved. These costs are not necessarily controlled by your conveyancer.

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) in London

If you are purchasing a property in London, you may have to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax. This is paid to HM Revenue & Customs and is separate from your solicitor’s legal fee.

The amount due will depend on the purchase price and your circumstances, including whether you already own another property and whether you qualify for any relief.

Because London property prices can be substantial, Stamp Duty Land Tax may form a significant part of the overall amount required to complete the purchase. Your conveyancer can calculate the tax due based on the information you provide and submit the necessary return.

Do I need to use a conveyancing solicitor in London?

You do not normally need to choose a solicitor with an office near the property.

Much of the conveyancing process can be handled by telephone, email, post and secure digital systems. Your conveyancer can communicate with estate agents, mortgage lenders, surveyors and the other party’s solicitor regardless of where their office is located.

The same professional and regulatory obligations apply to solicitors conducting conveyancing work in England and Wales, whether their office is in London, the North East or elsewhere.

Askews Solicitors is located in the North East, however, we regularly deal with property transactions elsewhere, including London. Learn more about our services at Conveyancing Services or Contact Us for a free and no obligation competitive quote.

Could using a solicitor outside London reduce the cost?

Conveyancing firms set their fees according to several factors, including the work involved, their business model and how their services are delivered. Firms in different parts of the country may have different operating costs and pricing structures.

This means that a solicitor based outside London may provide a more competitive quote for a London transaction. However, this should not be assumed in every case. The most reliable approach is to obtain itemised estimates from several firms and compare what each one includes.

What can increase the cost of conveyancing in London?

The complexity of the property and transaction will have a greater effect on the cost than its postcode alone.

The value of the property

Some firms calculate their legal fee partly by reference to the property’s value. The HM Land Registry registration fee and Stamp Duty Land Tax liability may also increase as the purchase price rises.

Leasehold property

Many London property transactions involve leasehold flats. Leasehold conveyancing generally requires more work than a straightforward freehold transaction.

Your conveyancer may need to review the lease, service charge accounts, building insurance, management information, restrictions on the property and any planned major works.

Mortgages and specialist funding

If you are using a mortgage, your conveyancer must satisfy the lender’s requirements as well as protect your interests.

Additional work may also be required for new-build properties, shared ownership purchases, buy-to-let investments, Help to Buy arrangements or transactions involving gifted deposits.

Title or building issues with London properties

The cost may increase if the transaction involves an unregistered title, missing rights, planning concerns, absent building regulation documents, an indemnity policy or additional documentation.

Some London flats may also require detailed consideration of building safety information, the management structure or planned remedial works. The amount of additional work will depend on the building and the documents available.

If something arises that falls outside the assumptions used to prepare the original quote, your conveyancer should explain the additional work and any effect on the cost.

How should I compare conveyancing quotes for property in London?

Look beyond the headline legal fee. One quote may include VAT and anticipated third-party costs while another may display these separately.

When comparing quotes, check:

• Whether VAT is included
• Which searches and Land Registry charges have been allowed for
• Whether mortgage work is included
• Whether leasehold charges are included or still to be confirmed
• Which circumstances could result in additional legal fees
• Whether there are separate administrative or electronic payment charges

A lower initial figure will not necessarily represent the lowest final cost if essential items have been omitted. An itemised quote makes it easier to understand what you are likely to pay and compare firms on a consistent basis.

Askews’ conveyancing price transparency

Askews publishes a dedicated conveyancing price transparency page. It explains the work covered by a standard property purchase, the disbursements that may apply and the assumptions used when calculating fees.

It also explains that some leasehold charges are determined by landlords or managing agents and may only be confirmed once the relevant documents have been reviewed.

Conveyancing fee calculator for property transactions in London

If you would like to generate an estimated quote for conveyancing services in London, visit Askews Conveyancing Quote.

Speak to Askews Solicitors about conveyancing in London

If you are planning to buy or sell property in London, our experienced team based in the North East can help.

You can find further information on our Property & Conveyancing page, or Contact Us to arrange a free, no-obligation discussion and receive a competitive quote.

This content is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.