Below is a fully redrafted Residential Property Sale Fees page designed to better comply with the SRA Transparency Rules and suitable for publication on the Gordon & Thompson Solicitors website.
Residential Conveyancing Fees – Sale of a Property
At Gordon & Thompson Solicitors, we provide professional and transparent legal services for the sale of residential property throughout England and Wales.
We are committed to providing clear pricing information in accordance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (“SRA”) Transparency Rules.
You can obtain an estimate of our legal fees and likely disbursements by using our online conveyancing quote calculator below:
Our Conveyancing Fees
We generally charge a fixed legal fee for standard residential property sale transactions.
Typical Legal Fee Ranges
| Property Type | Estimated Legal Fees |
|---|---|
| Freehold Sale | £650 – £1,500 plus VAT |
| Leasehold Sale | £950 – £2,500 plus VAT |
| New Build Property Sale | £1,250 – £3,000 plus VAT |
| Shared Ownership / Help to Buy Related Transactions | £1,250 – £3,500 plus VAT |
VAT is charged at the prevailing rate, currently 20%.
The exact fee will depend on several factors, including:
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the value of the property;
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whether the property is freehold or leasehold;
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the complexity of the transaction;
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whether additional legal work is required;
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the experience and seniority of the legal professional handling your matter;
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the location of the property;
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whether the matter involves a management company or third parties; and
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whether the instruction is received through an introducer or referral arrangement.
The fee ranges above are estimates for standard transactions only.
If additional work becomes necessary during the transaction, we will inform you of any increase in costs before additional charges are incurred wherever reasonably possible.
VAT
VAT is payable on our legal fees and certain disbursements at the prevailing rate, currently 20%.
Some disbursements are exempt from VAT while others may attract VAT.
Disbursements
Disbursements are costs payable to third parties as part of your property sale transaction. We handle payment of these disbursements on your behalf where appropriate.
Typical disbursements may include:
| Disbursement | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| HM Land Registry Official Copy Entries | £6 – £20 |
| Electronic ID / AML Verification Checks | £10 – £30 plus VAT per person |
| Bank Transfer Fee | £30 – £45 plus VAT |
| Leasehold Management Information Pack | £250 – £600 plus VAT |
| Notice of Transfer / Charge Fees | £50 – £250 |
| Deed of Covenant Fee | £100 – £300 |
| Certificate of Compliance Fee | £50 – £250 |
| Property Searches (if required) | £250 – £450 |
| Bankruptcy and Priority Searches | £5 – £20 |
| SDLT Submission Fee (if applicable) | Variable |
Please note:
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Leasehold properties generally incur higher disbursement costs due to landlord and management company requirements.
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Search fees and SDLT may not apply to every sale transaction but may be required in connected transactions or lender-specific circumstances.
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Additional third-party costs may arise depending on the nature of the transaction.
You can calculate any Stamp Duty Land Tax (“SDLT”) payable using the UK Government calculator:
https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/calculate-stamp-duty-land-tax/
What Is Included In Our Fees?
For a standard residential property sale transaction, our legal fees will usually include:
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taking your instructions and providing initial advice;
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obtaining official copies of title documentation;
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preparing and issuing contract documentation;
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collating property information and fixtures and fittings information;
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responding to pre-contract enquiries raised by the buyer’s solicitor;
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advising you on the contract and transfer documentation;
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arranging signature of the relevant documents;
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agreeing exchange and completion dates;
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obtaining redemption statements from your mortgage lender (if applicable);
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redeeming any existing mortgage secured against the property; and
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accounting to you for the net sale proceeds following completion.
Circumstances Which May Increase Costs
Additional fees may apply where the transaction involves additional work or complexity, including where:
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the property is leasehold;
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the property is subject to a management company;
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the transaction needs to be expedited;
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enhanced due diligence or additional AML checks are required;
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title defects or missing documentation arise;
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issues arise relating to planning permission or building regulations;
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the property has structural issues, including subsidence;
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indemnity insurance policies are required;
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the transaction forms part of a long or complex chain;
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additional lender requirements apply; or
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unforeseen legal complications arise during the transaction.
If additional work becomes necessary, we will discuss this with you and provide details of any additional fees before those costs are incurred wherever reasonably possible.
Excluded Work
Unless specifically agreed in writing, our standard conveyancing fees do not include:
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tax or financial advice;
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advice relating to matrimonial or co-ownership disputes;
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lease extensions or lease variations;
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planning or construction advice;
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trust documentation;
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resolving complex title defects;
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Court of Protection matters;
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probate-related work; or
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representation in disputes or litigation.
Where additional work outside the scope of a standard transaction becomes necessary, we will discuss this with you and provide a separate estimate of costs.
Likely Timescales
The length of time between instruction and completion will depend on several factors.
As a general guide:
| Transaction Type | Estimated Timescale |
|---|---|
| Standard Freehold Sale | Approximately 8 – 14 weeks |
| Leasehold Sale | Approximately 12 – 20 weeks |
| Complex Transactions | May exceed 20 weeks |
Transactions may complete more quickly or may take longer depending on:
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the length and complexity of the property chain;
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delays in receiving replies to enquiries;
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delays in obtaining leasehold management information;
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mortgage lender requirements;
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title defects or legal complications; and
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the speed with which all parties provide documentation and instructions.
Leasehold transactions often take longer because information must be obtained from landlords or management companies.
Where properties are affected by structural issues, title defects or other complex matters, transactions may take significantly longer and additional costs may apply.
Who Will Carry Out the Work?
Your matter will be handled by an experienced conveyancing solicitor, licensed conveyancer, or suitably supervised conveyancing executive.
Details of the individual handling your transaction, including their qualifications and level of experience, will be provided at the outset of your matter together with details of supervision arrangements where applicable.
Important Information
The information provided on this page is intended as a general guide only and does not constitute a binding quotation or legal advice.
Every transaction is different, and total costs and timescales will depend on the specific circumstances of your matter.
We will provide you with a personalised quotation and full details of likely fees, disbursements, and timescales once we have reviewed your transaction requirements.
Contact Us
For further information or to obtain a tailored quotation, please contact Gordon & Thompson Solicitors:
Telephone: 0207 183 6547
Email: admin@gordonandthompson.com
Website: https://gordonandthompson.com
Our Residential and Commercial Conveyancing Team
Our team brings together over more than 10 years of combined experience in delivering high-quality legal services in all aspects of residential and commercial conveyancing. We have particular expertise in advising on high-value property purchase and sales. Your matter may be handled by any one of four team members, all of whom operate under the supervision of Raphael Newton, Director and Head of Residential and Commercial Conveyancing.
Raphael Newton – Director |COLP | COFA
Raphael Newton leads the department and has over 10 years of experience in Conveyancing, with a focus on Residential and Commercial conveyancing. Since qualifying in 2016, he has supported hundreds of individuals and families through the conveyancing process.
Raphael Newton holds an Honours degree in Law from South Bank University and completed his Legal Practice Course at the now University of Law. He completed her training contract at A.Vincent Solicitors and joined our firm in 2018, becoming a Director in 2018. He continues to develop his expertise through ongoing professional training in Residential and Commercial Conveyancing. He is also fluent in French, allowing him to assist a diverse range of clients.
Fadeke Oralusi – Senior Solicitor
Fadeke qualified as a solicitor in 2022, having studied at the BPP University achieving Graduate Diploma in Law and the Legal Practice Course. A longstanding member of our conveyancing team, Fadeke has extensive experience with complex residential and commercial conveyancing, having handled over a 100 such matters. She is also fluent in Yoruba, allowing her to assist a diverse range of clients.
Folake Coker – Director | Senior Solicitor
Folake has been part of our conveyancing team since qualifying as a solicitor in 2017. She holds a LLB Law degree from the London Metropolitan University and completed her Legal Practice Course at the London Metropolitan University. She is also fluent in Yoruba, allowing her to assist a diverse range of clients. Before joining us, Folake gained experience in residential conveyancing, probate, immigration, and commercial property. Since qualifying, he has successfully advised on over 100 residential and commercial matters and continues to build his specialism in this field.