How Much Does Conveyancing Cost in the UK? (2026 Guide)

One of the first questions people ask when buying or selling a home is: how much does conveyancing cost? The answer depends on several factors, but this guide will give you a clear picture of what to expect so you can budget properly and avoid any nasty surprises.

What Is Conveyancing Cost Made Up Of?

Your total conveyancing cost UK bill is made up of two main parts: legal fees (what your solicitor charges for their time) and disbursements (third-party costs your solicitor pays on your behalf). It's important to understand both.

Typical Legal Fees

For a straightforward property purchase, legal fees typically range from £800 to £1,500. For a sale, expect to pay £600 to £1,200. If you are doing both at the same time — buying and selling — most firms offer a combined fee that works out cheaper than instructing two separate firms.

Leasehold properties usually cost more to convey than freehold, because the solicitor has to review the lease, service charge accounts, and liaise with the freeholder or managing agent. Budget an extra £150 to £300 for leasehold transactions.

Remortgages are generally simpler and cheaper — legal fees often sit between £400 and £800.

Disbursements — The Extra Costs

Disbursements are unavoidable third-party costs. The main ones to be aware of are:

• Local authority search — typically £100 to £300 depending on the council

• Water and drainage search — around £50 to £80

• Environmental search — around £30 to £60

• Land Registry fee — varies by property value, from £20 to £500

• Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) — this can be a significant amount; your solicitor will calculate and pay it on your behalf

• Land Registry search and bankruptcy search — usually under £10 each

What Affects the Conveyancing Cost?

Several factors can push the price up or down:

• Property value — many firms charge on a sliding scale, so a £500,000 property costs more to convey than a £150,000 one

• Freehold or leasehold — leasehold is more involved and costs more

• New build — these often attract an additional fee due to the complexity involved

• Help to Buy or shared ownership — extra work means extra fees

• Location — London and South East firms often charge more than those elsewhere in the UK

Fixed Fee vs Hourly Rate

Most modern conveyancing firms offer a fixed fee, which means you know exactly what you'll pay upfront. This is generally much better than an hourly rate, which can escalate if the transaction becomes complicated. Always ask for a fixed fee quote before instructing.

How to Save Money on Conveyancing

The single biggest thing you can do is compare quotes from multiple firms. Fees can vary significantly — industry estimates suggest a difference of several hundred pounds between the cheapest and most expensive quotes for the same transaction. A cheaper quote doesn't necessarily mean worse service; many online conveyancers offer competitive rates and excellent communication.

Other tips:

• Use the same firm for buying and selling — most offer a discount

• Avoid firms that charge high fees for bank transfers (some charge £30 or more per transfer)

• Check the quote includes VAT — some quotes are quoted ex-VAT

What Happens If My Sale Falls Through?

This is worth checking before you instruct anyone. Some firms charge a "no move, no fee" policy, which means you pay nothing if the sale doesn't complete. Others charge for work done. Make sure you understand the firm's policy before signing anything.

Compare Conveyancing Quotes Today

The best way to understand your conveyancing cost is to get multiple quotes and compare them side by side. EasyMuve connects you with regulated, reviewed conveyancers in your area — it takes less than two minutes and there's no obligation.

Get your free conveyancing quotes on EasyMuve →