How much are solicitors’ fees for selling a house

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in SEO for Solicitors. This guide explains typical solicitor fees for buying a house in the UK.

When you sell a property in the UK, a solicitor or licensed conveyancer handles the legal process of transferring ownership to the buyer. Their role is to manage contracts, deal with the buyer’s solicitor, ensure funds are transferred correctly, and handle any outstanding mortgage repayments.

Solicitor fees for selling a house typically range from £600 to £1,500, depending on the property’s value, location, and complexity. These fees usually include both the solicitor’s legal fee and various disbursements—additional costs paid to third parties during the process.

Average Solicitor Fees for Selling a Property

For a straightforward freehold property, solicitor fees usually fall between £600 and £900 plus VAT. Leasehold properties are more complex because they involve management companies, ground rent, and service charges, so fees typically rise to between £900 and £1,500 plus VAT.

If you are selling both a property and buying another one at the same time, many firms offer combined conveyancing packages, which can reduce the overall cost.

What’s Included in the Fee

A solicitor’s fee for selling a house covers a wide range of tasks that ensure your transaction runs smoothly and legally. These include:

• Drafting and sending the contract pack to the buyer’s solicitor

• Requesting a mortgage redemption statement from your lender

• Answering any enquiries raised by the buyer’s solicitor

• Arranging the exchange of contracts

• Managing funds and settling your mortgage balance

• Completing the sale and transferring ownership

Disbursements—additional costs outside of the solicitor’s own fee—may also apply. Common examples include bank transfer fees (typically £20–£50) and ID verification checks (around £10–£20 per person).

Factors That Affect the Cost

Several elements can influence how much you pay for conveyancing when selling a house:

1. Property Type
Leasehold or shared ownership properties usually require more legal work, as the solicitor must deal with lease agreements, landlord consent, and management information packs.

2. Property Value
Higher-value properties often have slightly higher fees because the work involved is greater, and some firms scale their charges accordingly.

3. Location
Solicitors in London and other major cities tend to charge more than firms in smaller towns due to higher operating costs.

4. Sale Complexity
If there are boundary disputes, title defects, or delays with paperwork, additional time and expertise may increase your solicitor’s fee.

5. Mortgage Involvement
If you still have a mortgage on the property, your solicitor will liaise with your lender to obtain a redemption figure and ensure repayment on completion.

Fixed Fees vs Hourly Rates

Most conveyancing solicitors now offer fixed-fee pricing, which gives sellers clarity and confidence from the outset. Fixed fees mean you know exactly what the service will cost, regardless of how long the process takes.

A few firms still charge hourly rates, especially for more complex cases, but this is less common in residential property transactions. Always confirm how your solicitor charges before instructing them.

Leasehold and Shared Ownership Costs

If your property is leasehold, expect to pay around £200–£400 more than for a freehold sale. This is because your solicitor will need to request and review information from the freeholder or managing agent, such as service charge accounts, insurance details, and ground rent schedules.

Management information packs, which are required for leasehold sales, can cost anywhere from £200 to £400, and this is usually charged by the management company rather than your solicitor.

Additional Costs to Be Aware Of

Although your main conveyancing fee covers most of the process, a few extra costs can arise depending on your situation:

• Mortgage redemption fee: Charged by your lender for closing your mortgage account, usually £100–£300.

• Bank transfer fee: Covers the cost of sending sale proceeds to your account.

• ID verification: A small charge for anti-money laundering checks.

• Office copies of the title: Usually around £6–£10, paid to HM Land Registry.

Your solicitor should provide a full breakdown of these costs in their quote so you can budget accurately.

How Long Does the Conveyancing Process Take

The average time to sell a property in the UK is between 8 and 12 weeks, although this depends on factors such as the property chain, buyer’s mortgage, and responsiveness of all parties. A good solicitor will keep you informed throughout and aim to complete as quickly as possible.

Can You Save Money on Solicitors’ Fees

There are a few ways to reduce costs without compromising service quality:

• Obtain quotes from multiple solicitors and compare what’s included.

• Look for local firms familiar with your area’s property market.

• Ask whether they offer discounts for combined sale and purchase transactions.

• Avoid extremely low-cost online firms that may lack personalised service.

While it’s tempting to choose the cheapest option, conveyancing mistakes can be costly. It’s often worth paying slightly more for a reputable solicitor who communicates clearly and works efficiently.

Why Professional Conveyancing Matters

Selling a property involves complex legal documents, financial transactions, and deadlines. Mistakes can lead to delays, lost buyers, or even failed sales. A qualified solicitor ensures every step is handled correctly, protecting your interests and ensuring a smooth transfer of ownership.

Solicitors also provide peace of mind by handling communication with the buyer’s legal team, checking contracts for accuracy, and ensuring funds are transferred securely on completion day.

Final Thoughts

Solicitors’ fees for selling a house in the UK usually range from £600 to £1,500, depending on the property’s value, location, and complexity. While it may seem like an additional expense, professional conveyancing ensures your sale is legally compliant, efficient, and stress-free.

By choosing an experienced solicitor and understanding what’s included in the cost, you can complete your property sale confidently, knowing that all legal details are handled correctly from start to finish.

You may also want to read how to instruct a solicitor when buying a house and when do you pay solicitors fees when buying a house, plus visit our Solicitors Hub.