Conveyancing fees at Lewes Smith | Lewes Smith - Solicitors and Property Lawyers in Lewes, East Sussex

Services - Conveyancing fees

We always keep our fees transparent so you aren't surprised by the costs at any time, we will always provide a written estimate. This section explains some of these costs.

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Local search fees

On purchases and re-mortgages the cost of the local search is determined by the local authority for the area where the property is situated. The charges vary -- for example, Brighton & Hove charge £150.00, Eastbourne £120.00, and Lewes £120.00. Sometimes additional questions may be required that will increase the set fee. All searches are filed on-line using TransactionOnline /Searchflow– we enjoy very quick responses because of this. EG: Lewes District 5 days – Wealden District 3 days!

Other search fees

Land registry search fees vary from time - to - time, but are currently £4.00 per copy of the title and £24.00 for a copy of a lease. It is not always possible to accurately estimate what additional search fees may be payable until the title is seen. For ease of administration we charge a composite fee for Land Registry Direct Services, With the introduction of HIPS the need for swift download of copies of the title and lease is important to allow the HIP to be completed so marketing can commence.

Registration of title

A fee is payable to H.M. land Registry to register the title after completion. The level of fees vary from time - to - time in accordance with the latest fee orders from the registry. If buying a leasehold property with a new lease an additional fee may be payable.

Stamp Duty

This is a tax payable to the government based on the purchase price of the property. It is only payable if you are buying. The current duty is nil if the purchase price is not in excess of £175,000. The duty payable over that figure is 1%, up to £250,000. The duty payable over that figure is 3%, up to £500,000. The duty payable over that figure is 4%. Additional duty may also be payable on the grant of a new lease and on commercial properties where SDLT is payable on the price plus the VAT.

Miscellaneous

Occasionally additional charges may arise, such as landlord's solicitors fees for receiving notice of the transfer of a lease. our aim is to keep you informed of likely charges over and above our written estimate, where practical.