Residential Property Pricing

At Lewes Smith we recognize that every property is different and every client is different in terms of need and expectations.  Moving house can be uniquely stressful.

It doesn’t have to be like that – our aim is to attempt to make your move easier.  Our service is always personal and we will always provide you with a written estimate and our terms of engagement having discussed your transaction with you first.

The legal fees quoted below are shown exclusive of VAT and relate to properties situated in England & Wales.  They cover all of the professional work required to complete the sale of your home or the purchase of your new home, including dealing with registration at the Land Registry and the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax (Stamp Duty) if the property is in England, or Land Transaction Tax (Land Tax) if the property you wish to buy is in Wales.

Freehold properties – legal fees range (sales and purchases)

Property price up to
£450,000

Property price between
£450,001 to £750,000

Property price between
£750,001 to £1,000,000

Property price over £1,000,000

£1250.00 (minimum)

£1,300.00 to £1,700.00

£1,750.00 to £2,700.00

please call or email us for a bespoke quotation.

Leasehold properties – legal fees range (sales and purchases)

Property price up to
£450,000

Purchase price between
£450,001 to £750,000

Purchase price between £750,001 to £1,000,000

Purchase price over
£1,000,000

£1,800.00 

£1,850.00 to £2,200.00

£2,250.00 to £2,900.00.

please call or email us for a bespoke quotation.

The figures quoted above (which all exclude VAT) assume a straightforward transaction without unforeseen complexity or issues. If the matter becomes complex then there will be an additional fee, examples of which include (but are not limited to):

  • Where your mortgage lender instructs its own solicitor
  • Where your purchase of a leasehold property  includes the purchase of a share of the freehold title
  • Where a lease extension is involved
  • Where freeholder consent for any reason may be required
  • Where there is a perceived defect in title
  • If leasehold, that it is the transfer of an existing lease and not the grant of a new lease
  • Shared ownership transactions
  • Missing or absentee landlords
  • Compulsory Purchase
  • Where a transaction is required to be expedited
  • Contract races
  • Lock out/exclusivity agreements

Obviously each transaction is different and we will try our best to inform you as soon as we become aware of any feature that might have an impact on the quoted fee.

Administrative fees (VAT included)

  • Electronic payment fee: £48.00.  Our charge for the time spent inputting the data and transmitting funds to your bank, mortgagee or third party solicitor.
  • Land Registry Portal Service: Sale £36.00 - Purchase £72.00.  Our charge for the time spent obtaining downloads of the title from the Land Registry Portal, colour printing of plans and documents and filing the registration of purchase online.
  • Stamp Duty Land Tax or Land Tax Return: £78.00.  Our charge for the time spent drafting, completing and filing the SDLT1 with HMRC or the Welsh Authority.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs or expenses related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees.  We handle the payment of the disbursement on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

The following comprise the usual disbursements:

  • Local Search Fees – vary depending on the local authority and search provider involved and the number of searches required.  Usually between £275.00 and £400.00.
  • Stamp Duty Land Tax & Land Transaction Tax – amount payable depends upon a variety of factors.  A calculator is available through the HMRC website for England and the Welsh Revenue Authority for Wales 
  • Land Registry Fee – current fees are available through the Land Registry website.
  • Managing Agents pack on sale of leasehold – this can only be ascertained on receipt of documents but the average charge is approximately £360.00 including VAT, but can vary depending on the Managing Agent or Freeholder
  • Notice and compliance fees on leasehold purchases – these can only be ascertained during the transaction but typically can range between £240.00 to £480.00 including VAT.

How long will my house purchase take?

How long a property transaction might take depends on a number of factors. The average time taken can be between 8 – 12  weeks.

It can be quicker or longer, depending on the number of parties in the chain.  For example, if you are a first time buyer, purchasing a  freehold property with a mortgage offer in place, it could take 8 weeks.  However, if you are buying a leasehold property that requires an extension of the lease, this can take significantly longer, between 3 to 4 months.

Details of the steps involved can be found here:

Conveyancing – Are you Selling?

Conveyancing – Are you Buying?