How Much Are the Average Conveyancing Fees?
By Homey
•
26 Sept 2025
One of the most common questions on any home moving journey is: "How much are the conveyancing fees going to be?" It's a crucial part of your budget, but with so many variables, getting a clear answer can feel like an impossible task. This guide cuts through the confusion, giving you a straightforward look at the typical conveyancing fees in the UK for 2024, whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned seller, or juggling both.
1: The Anatomy of a Conveyancing Bill
Before we get to the numbers, it's vital to understand what you're actually paying for. Every conveyancing bill is made up of two core parts:
The Legal Fee: This is the amount the conveyancer or solicitor charges for their professional time and expertise. It covers all the legal work involved in your transaction. This fee is subject to VAT.
Disbursements: These are standard, third-party costs that your conveyancer pays on your behalf to complete the transaction. They are a necessary part of the process and are passed on to you at cost.
2: What's the "Average" Cost in 2024?
Based on industry data from across the UK, here are the typical conveyancing costs you can expect to see in 2024. Remember, these are averages and can be influenced by many factors.
Average Conveyancing Fees for Buying a Property
For a straightforward freehold purchase, you can expect the total cost to be between £1,500 and £2,200. This is broken down as follows:
Legal Fee: £850 - £1,500 (+VAT)
Disbursements: £600 - £900 (includes searches, bank transfer fees, Land Registry fees, etc.)
Note: This does not include Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), which is the largest expense for most buyers.
Average Conveyancing Fees for Selling a Property
Selling is typically less expensive than buying. For a standard freehold sale, the total cost is usually between £800 and £1,500.
Legal Fee: £700 - £1,200 (+VAT)
Disbursements: £100 - £300 (includes title deed copies, bank transfer fees, etc.)
Average Conveyancing Fees for Moving (Selling & Buying)
If you are selling one property and buying another, most firms will handle both for you. The total average cost is often in the region of £2,400 to £3,500. Many firms offer a discount on their legal fees for handling a linked transaction.
Read more about what you need to know about the conveyancing fees in our Complete Guide to Conveyancing Fees!
3: Key Factors That Influence Your Final Bill
Why is there such a range in "average" costs? Several key factors will influence your final bill:
Property Price: Higher value properties mean more risk for the firm and higher Land Registry fees, which often leads to a higher legal fee.
Leasehold vs. Freehold: Leasehold properties (like most flats) involve significant extra work—reviewing the lease, dealing with management companies, and checking service charge accounts. Expect to pay an additional £200-£500 in legal fees for a leasehold property.
Transaction Complexity: Issues like new builds, shared ownership schemes, gifted deposits, or Help to Buy ISAs all require extra legal work and will increase your legal fee.
Location: Conveyancing fees can vary by region. Costs are often higher in London and the South East compared to other parts of the UK.
4: A Closer Look at Disbursements (The Third-Party Costs)
Understanding disbursements is key to understanding your quote.
Common Buyer Disbursements:
Disbursement | Average Cost | What it's for |
Property Searches | £250 - £450 | Checks with the Local Authority and other bodies for planning issues, drainage, flood risk, etc. |
Land Registry Fee | £20 - £455 | A government fee to register you as the new owner. It's tiered based on property value. |
Bank Transfer Fee | £25 - £45 | A bank charge for securely sending the purchase money to the seller's conveyancer. |
ID & Fraud Checks | £10 - £20 | To verify your identity and protect against property fraud. |
Common Seller Disbursements:
Disbursement | Average Cost | What it's for |
Title Deed Copies | £6 - £15 | Official copies of your property's title from the Land Registry to prove ownership. |
Bank Transfer Fee | £25 - £45 | For securely paying off your existing mortgage. |
Leasehold Pack | £300 - £800+ | (Leasehold only) A pack of essential information from the landlord/managing agent. |
5: How to Budget and Compare Quotes Wisely
Insist on a Detailed Breakdown: Never accept a single figure. Ask for a quote that clearly separates the legal fee from all the individual disbursements. This is the only way to compare quotes on a like-for-like basis.
Beware of Hidden Extras: Watch out for vague "admin" or "postage" fees. A reputable firm will include these in its main legal fee. Ask if there are extra charges for things like completing the Stamp Duty form or dealing with your mortgage lender—these should be standard parts of the service.
The Cheapest Isn't Always the Best: An unusually cheap quote can be a red flag for a high-volume, low-service firm where you may struggle to get updates. A slightly higher fee for a proactive, communicative conveyancer is an investment in a smoother transaction and your own peace of mind.
Ask About "No Sale, No Fee": This is a crucial policy that protects you from paying the legal fee if your transaction falls through. You will still have to pay for disbursements that have already been incurred (like search fees), but it can save you hundreds of pounds if the worst happens.
By understanding the components of a conveyancing bill and the typical costs involved, you can budget with confidence and choose a legal partner that offers true value, not just a low price.
6: How Homey Can Help You
At Homey, we understand that the conveyancing process can be daunting. That's why we've leveraged technology to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our platform allows you to manage your entire conveyancing journey digitally, from start to finish.
We offer:
Free Consultation: We provide a complimentary consultation where our experts help you understand the conveyancing process, identify your specific needs, and assist you in finding and choosing the right conveyancer for your property type and situation.
Digital Workflow: Our intuitive online portal allows for secure document exchange, real-time updates, and easy communication with your chosen conveyancer, all from the comfort of your home.
Expert Guidance: Beyond just connecting you with a conveyancer, Homey acts as your advocate, guiding you through each step of the process and representing your interests to ensure a transparent and efficient transaction. We're here to answer your questions, clarify complex legal jargon, and keep your purchase on track.
Streamlined Communication: Say goodbye to endless phone tag and email chains. Our platform centralises all communication, making it easy to stay informed and address any queries promptly.
With Homey, you're not just getting a digital service; you're gaining a partner dedicated to making your homeownership dream a reality with confidence and ease.
