How Much Are Solicitors Fees for Selling a House

When selling a house in the UK, one of the essential costs to budget for is the solicitor’s or conveyancer’s fee. These legal professionals handle the legal transfer of ownership, prepare contracts, liaise with the buyer’s solicitor, and ensure that all legal and financial obligations are correctly managed. While estate agent fees often get more attention, solicitor fees are equally important to factor into the overall cost of selling a property.

This article explains what solicitors do during a property sale, how much you can expect to pay in legal fees, what affects the cost, whether you should choose a solicitor or licensed conveyancer, and how to avoid unexpected legal charges. It is written for property owners in the UK who are preparing to sell and want a clear picture of the legal costs involved.

What Do Solicitors Do When Selling a House?

The solicitor or conveyancer is responsible for handling all the legal aspects of the house sale. This includes obtaining the title deeds, drafting the contract of sale, dealing with the buyer’s solicitor, answering legal queries (known as enquiries), arranging the exchange of contracts, overseeing completion, and managing the redemption of any existing mortgage.

In most cases, the seller’s solicitor also handles the financial aspects of the transaction. This includes collecting the purchase funds, repaying the mortgage, settling the estate agent’s fees if required, and transferring the remaining balance to the seller. Having a skilled legal representative ensures that your interests are protected throughout the process and that all legal documents are accurate and compliant with UK property law.

How Much Are Solicitors' Fees for Selling a House?

In the UK, solicitors’ fees for selling a property typically range from £500 to £1,500 plus VAT, depending on the value of the property, its location, and whether the title is freehold or leasehold. Leasehold sales often attract higher fees because they require additional work, such as dealing with managing agents and leasehold information packs.

Fees can be quoted as a fixed fee or as a percentage of the property sale price, though fixed fees are more common for residential sales. Most solicitors will provide an itemised quote that outlines the base legal fee as well as disbursements, which are third-party costs such as Land Registry office copies.

For example, selling a freehold property valued at £300,000 might incur solicitor fees of around £750 plus VAT, while selling a leasehold flat in London for the same price could cost upwards of £1,200 plus VAT due to the additional complexity.

What Affects the Cost of Legal Fees?

Several factors influence how much you will pay your solicitor or conveyancer when selling a house. These include the complexity of the transaction, whether the property is leasehold or freehold, whether it is a shared ownership property, whether you are selling at auction or under time pressure, and whether there are any legal title issues.

The location of the solicitor can also make a difference. Some regional firms offer lower fees than those based in major cities. Online conveyancers often offer lower fixed rates, but they may not provide the same level of personalised service or responsiveness as local high street firms.

In addition to the base legal fee, you should also consider disbursements. These typically include Land Registry documents, bank transfer fees and ID checks. While these are usually modest in value, they can add £50 to £150 to the overall cost.

Should You Use a Solicitor or Conveyancer?

Both solicitors and licensed conveyancers are qualified to handle the legal aspects of selling a property. A solicitor is a qualified legal professional who may offer broader legal advice, while a licensed conveyancer specialises solely in property transactions. For most standard residential sales, either is suitable, and the decision often comes down to personal preference, reputation and cost.

If your sale is particularly complex, for example involving a dispute, boundary issue or legal defect in the title, a solicitor may be better equipped to handle the matter. For straightforward sales, a conveyancer may offer a quicker and more cost-effective solution.

When Do You Pay Solicitors' Fees?

Solicitors’ fees are usually paid on completion of the sale. This means the solicitor deducts their fee from the proceeds of the sale and transfers the balance to your account. In some cases, particularly if your sale falls through or is delayed, you may be charged for any work completed up to that point. This is known as an abortive fee.

To avoid surprises, ask whether your solicitor offers a no-sale-no-fee guarantee. Some firms will agree not to charge if the sale does not complete, though disbursements may still be payable.

How to Keep Legal Costs Under Control

To manage costs effectively, always request a full written quote before instructing a solicitor. Check whether the fee is fixed and whether it includes VAT. Ask for a breakdown of disbursements and make sure you understand which services are covered. Some firms advertise low base fees but add extra charges for tasks such as ID verification or communicating with mortgage lenders.

Read reviews or seek recommendations before choosing a firm. The cheapest option is not always the best, especially if communication or efficiency is poor. A reliable solicitor who progresses the transaction smoothly may save you more money in the long run by avoiding delays or complications.

Case Example

A couple selling their three-bedroom freehold home in Manchester instructed a local conveyancer who quoted £800 including VAT and disbursements. The transaction was straightforward, with no mortgage to redeem and no chain. The sale completed in seven weeks, and the couple paid the conveyancer out of the sale proceeds on the day of completion. Because the fee was fixed and agreed in advance, they avoided any unexpected costs and found the process relatively stress-free.

Conclusion

Solicitors’ fees are a vital part of the cost of selling a house in the UK, and while the amount varies, most sellers should expect to pay between £500 and £1,500 plus VAT. The cost depends on the complexity of the transaction, whether the property is leasehold or freehold, and the firm you choose. By requesting a detailed quote, understanding what is included, and working with a reputable professional, you can ensure the legal side of your sale is handled efficiently and with minimal stress.