What Do Solicitor Fees Cost When Selling a Property?
If you’re planning to sell your home, one of the essential costs to factor in is solicitor fees. These legal fees cover the conveyancing work that ensures your sale goes through smoothly and in line with all legal requirements. While it’s tempting to focus on estate agent costs or how much you’ll walk away with, overlooking solicitor fees could leave you caught off guard.
Whether you’re selling a freehold or leasehold property, understanding what solicitor fees involve, how they’re charged, and what to expect can help you stay in control.
What do solicitor fees cover when selling a house?
When selling a property, your solicitor’s main job is to handle all the legal documentation and communication with the buyer’s solicitor. They also help with mortgage redemption, prepare the draft contract, respond to enquiries, and oversee the exchange and completion process.
Typical services your solicitor will provide include:
- Obtaining and reviewing your title deeds
- Preparing the draft contract
- Managing the completion statement
- Completing key documents like the TA6 (Property Information Form) and TA10 (Fixtures and Fittings Form)
- Liaising with your mortgage lender to arrange redemption
- Handling the transfer of funds upon completion
How much are solicitor fees for selling a house?
On average, solicitor fees for selling a house range from £1,000 to £2,500. The exact amount will depend on factors such as the value of the property, whether it’s freehold or leasehold, and the complexity of the sale.
Freehold sales tend to be more straightforward and therefore slightly less expensive. Leasehold sales, on the other hand, usually involve more legal work, which increases the solicitor’s workload and cost.
Here’s a general guide based on property type and value:
- A freehold sale between £200,000 and £300,000 might cost around £1,000
- A leasehold sale in the same range could cost approximately £1,170
- Higher value properties, such as those over £600,000, often see fees exceeding £1,600
- Leasehold sales at that level may reach or exceed £1,770
If your property is particularly complex or if you’re handling additional legal elements such as removing a name from the title or dealing with unregistered land, expect to pay extra.
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Disbursements: what other costs should you expect?
Disbursements are costs that your solicitor pays to third parties on your behalf. These are separate from their legal fee and will be itemised in your completion statement.
Examples of some common disbursements when selling a house include:
- Land Registry title deeds: £6 to £25
- Bank transfer fee: £20 to £45
- Anti-money laundering checks: £5 to £10
- Leasehold information pack: £150 to £500 (if applicable)
- Property fraud check: around £10
- Transfer of ownership documentation: up to £500
It’s worth checking if your solicitor charges a handling fee for disbursements, as this can add to your overall bill.
Freehold vs leasehold: why does it matter?
The type of property you’re selling plays a key role in the total solicitor fees.
Freehold sales tend to be quicker and easier for solicitors to manage. There are no third parties like managing agents or freeholders involved, so fewer checks and forms are needed.
Leasehold properties are different. Your solicitor must obtain and review a leasehold information pack from the managing agent or freeholder. This pack includes vital details like ground rent, service charges, and future maintenance plans. Without this, a buyer’s solicitor won’t allow the transaction to progress.
These extra tasks often lead to higher fees and longer timeframes. But at Kerr & Watson, we know how to prepare ahead of time and avoid unnecessary delays or surprise costs.
When do you pay solicitor fees for selling a house?
You’ll usually pay for disbursements at the start of the conveyancing process, so your solicitor can cover any third-party costs as needed. A deposit toward the solicitor’s own fee may also be required upfront.
The remainder of the solicitor’s fee is typically paid on completion and deducted from the proceeds of the sale. This means you don’t have to find a large sum upfront.
We often help our clients plan for this timing in advance, especially when budgeting for simultaneous purchases or arranging onward moves.
Do solicitor fees differ depending on how they charge?
Solicitors can charge for their work in several different ways:
- Fixed fee: A flat rate that won’t change unless unexpected issues arise
- Hourly rate: More common for complex sales that don’t follow a typical pattern
- Sale price percentage: Rare, but some solicitors calculate their fee as a small percentage of the final sale price
Fixed fees are the most popular for straightforward property sales. They allow you to budget confidently from the outset.
Are there any extra solicitor fees to be aware of?
In some cases, additional legal work may be needed beyond the standard scope of conveyancing. This might include:
- Transferring equity
- Redeeming multiple mortgages
- Selling an unregistered property
- Delayed completions or unusual timescales
- Managing the sale of inherited property or probate cases
Each of these can add anywhere from £100 to £720 to your final bill, depending on the complexity.
We always advise speaking with your solicitor upfront to clarify what’s included and what might come at an extra cost.
Can you sell a house without using a solicitor?
It is legally possible to sell a house without a solicitor, but it’s not advisable. The conveyancing process involves legal checks, document preparation, coordination with the buyer’s solicitor, and managing funds on completion.
Without professional help, mistakes can be costly and delays can disrupt the entire chain. A solicitor or licensed conveyancer gives you peace of mind and ensures everything is handled correctly.
How to choose the right solicitor
Choosing a solicitor is a big decision, especially when time and money are tight. Here’s what you should look for:
- Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden extras
- Good communication and responsiveness
- Positive reviews and strong experience with similar sales
- Fixed fees if you prefer certainty
We know that legal jargon and fee structures can be confusing. That’s why we support our clients not just with mortgages and protection, but with solicitor referrals too.
Conclusion
Solicitor fees are an essential part of selling a property, and understanding them can help you stay in control of your budget and your sale.
From the base legal fees to disbursements and possible extras, there are a number of costs to consider. The type of property, how the solicitor charges, and the complexity of your situation will all influence the final figure.
If you need choosing a solicitor, get in touch with us today and we can ask a company we know to arrange a quote.
