Why use Nicholsons?
In a market increasingly dominated by internet and call-centre based bulk conveyancing organisations we know that dealing with the same dedicated professional from start to finish is invaluable.
Residential Conveyancing is an important and specialist area of practice. Identifying issues early and having the experience to deal with them can make the difference between getting a deal done and the matter falling through. Each transaction requires the attention of an expert; dealing with your property is never just a tick-box exercise.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that it costs more as our fee estimate includes what others regard as additional items and for which they will make additional charges.
Whether you are buying a 2-bed terrace in town or selling a manor house in the country our service and attention to detail is the same. You will be able to meet the person dealing with your matter in person at our offices or call them on a direct-dial telephone number at any point during your transaction.
Our normal costs on sales and purchases of residential property
Below are our normal costs for freehold residential sales and purchases based on a standard freehold residential sale or purchase with or without mortgage and assuming that there is no need for additional title rectification or work to address material defects. Occasionally some property matters do require additional work to be carried out and in such circumstances we will discuss this with you and the hourly rates of the person dealing with the work will be provided to you should this arise.
Residential sales and Purchases
Sale (Freehold) excl VAT | Sale (Leasehold) excl VAT | Purchase / remortgage (Freehold) Price excl VAT | Purchase / remortgage (Leasehold) Price excl VAT | |
Up to £500k | £1,600.00 | £1,850.00 | £1,800.00 | £2,250.00 |
£500,001 to £750k | £2,000.00 | £2,250.00 | £2,200.00 | £2,650.00 |
£750 - £1M | £2,500.00 | £2,750.00 | £2,700.00 | £3,150.00 |
Over £1M | Tell us more about your property transaction and we’ll create a bespoke quote tailored to your needs. Simply provide a few details, and our team will be in touch with a personalised estimate | |||
Additional Fees
Additional fees will apply for the following matters:
- Shared Ownership transactions - £500 plus VAT
- Auction Purchases - £450 plus VAT
- Auction Sales - £250 plus VAT
- Help to Buy Mortgage Redemption - £450 plus VAT
- Retirement Properties (sale) - £350 plus VAT
- Retirement Properties (purchase) £450 plus VAT
- Unregistered property – not less than £300 plus VAT (to be confirmed on receipt of the title deeds)
Searches and Disbursements
**Stated as at 19.03.25
Sales
Land registry official copies - £7.00 plus VAT per document
Bank transfer/ CHAPS fee- £21.00 plus £4.20 VAT
Purchases
Our standard search pack, including an Environmental Search, Regulated Local Authority search and Water & Drainage Search costs £265.80 including VAT. However, costs may vary depending on Local Authority or specific lender requirements, and additional searches may be required dependant on the location of your property.
Chancel Check- £26 plus VAT
CHAPS Fee (1 x Bank transfer) - £21.00 plus £4.20 VAT
Panel Management fee - £36.00 plus £7.20 VAT
Bankruptcy Search £6.00 per person plus VAT
Land Registry Search- £7.00 plus VAT
Forms Fee- £5.00 plus VAT per form
Any second or further CHAPS Payment will incur a fee of £25.20 inc VAT
Disbursements are additional costs such as search costs and banking charges which we will pay as part of carrying out the transaction for you.
Land Registry Fees
Further information is available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hm-land-registry-registration-services-fees
Stamp Duty Land Tax
Further information is available at https://www.gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax
This depends on the purchase price of your property and your particular circumstances. You can calculate the amount you will need to pay by using HMRC's website or if the property is located in Wales by using the Welsh Revenue Authority's website.
Potential Additional Disbursements
These fees vary from property to property and can on occasion be significantly more than the ranges given above. We can give you an accurate figure once we have sight of your specific documents.
For Leasehold properties, you should also be aware that ground rent and service charge may apply throughout your ownership of the property. We will confirm the ground rent and the anticipated service charge as soon as this we receive this information. For freehold or leasehold properties on managed estates, an Estate Charge may apply.
Leasehold properties can attract additional fees to deal with the Management Company information and requirements on completion. These fees will be dependant on your particular property and we can advise further on sight of the title documents.
How long will my house purchase take?
How long it will take from your offer being accepted until you can move in to your house will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 6 to 8 weeks.
It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain. For example, if you are a first time buyer, purchasing a new build freehold or leasehold property with a mortgage in principle, it could take 4 to 6 weeks assuming the house is structurally completed or will be so within that period. However, if you are buying a leasehold property that, for instance, requires an extension of the lease, this can take significantly longer, between 2 and 3 months.
Likely Stages of the process
The precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, below we have suggested some key stages:
- Take your instructions and give you initial advice
- Check finances are in place to fund purchase and contact lender's solicitors if needed
- Receive and advise on contract documents
- Carry out searches
- Obtain further planning or title documentation if required
- Make any necessary enquiries of seller's solicitor
- Receive and consider the results of the various searches we have carried out
- Give you advice on all documents and information received
- Go through conditions of mortgage offer with you
- Send final contract to you for signature
- Draft Transfer
- Agree completion date (date from which you own the property)
- Advise you on joint ownership
- Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened
- Arrange for all monies needed to be received from lender and you
- Undertake final searches
- Complete purchase
- Deal with payment of Stamp Duty/Land Tax
- Deal with application for registration at Land Registry