How Much Does a Solicitor Cost When Selling a House

Discover average solicitor fees for selling a house in the UK and what affects costs, from property type to legal complexity.

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in SEO for Solicitors. Discover the typical costs for solicitors when selling a house.

When selling a property, one of the main expenses to plan for is your solicitor’s or conveyancer’s fees. These costs cover the legal work involved in transferring ownership to the buyer. While it might seem like a straightforward process, property sales require a series of checks, contracts, and communications between solicitors to ensure everything is completed legally and on time.

This article explains how much a solicitor costs when selling a house in the UK, what these fees include, and how to make sure you’re getting good value for money.

Typical Solicitor Costs for Selling a House

In the UK, solicitor fees for selling a house typically range between £500 and £1,500 plus VAT. The total amount depends on the property’s value, complexity, and location, as well as whether you choose a local solicitor or an online conveyancing firm.

As a general guide:

A standard freehold property sale: £600 to £900 plus VAT
A leasehold property sale: £800 to £1,500 plus VAT

Leasehold sales are more expensive because they require additional legal work, including reviewing lease agreements, ground rent details, and communication with the freeholder or managing agent.

In addition to solicitor fees, sellers may also need to pay small administrative costs known as disbursements, which are explained below.

What’s Included in Solicitor Fees

Solicitor or conveyancing fees cover the full legal process of transferring your property to the buyer. Key tasks include:

Preparing and reviewing the contract of sale.
Requesting title deeds and verifying property ownership.
Responding to the buyer’s solicitor’s enquiries.
Managing funds and confirming mortgage repayments.
Handling exchange and completion.
Arranging final payment of any outstanding mortgage balance.

Solicitors also act as a communication link between all parties—buyers, estate agents, lenders, and other solicitors—helping the transaction move smoothly from start to finish.

Disbursements and Additional Costs

Disbursements are third-party costs your solicitor pays on your behalf as part of the conveyancing process. For sellers, these are usually minimal but may include:

Land Registry copies: £6 to £12 for official ownership documents.
Bank transfer fee: £20 to £45 for sending funds on completion.
ID verification checks: £10 to £30 per person.

While disbursements are relatively small, it’s worth checking that they are clearly listed in your quote to avoid unexpected charges later.

Freehold vs Leasehold Costs

The biggest factor affecting solicitor costs is whether your property is freehold or leasehold.

Freehold

If you own the property outright (the building and the land), the legal process is generally quicker and simpler. The solicitor’s role mainly involves handling contracts, verifying ownership, and transferring funds.

Leasehold

If your property is leasehold, the process takes longer because additional documents must be reviewed. The solicitor will need to request and check the lease, ground rent details, and service charge information, and obtain a management information pack from the freeholder. This extra work increases both the time and cost of conveyancing.

Online vs Local Solicitors

Online conveyancing firms often advertise lower prices than traditional high-street solicitors. Their fees may start around £500 to £700, but they may charge extra for leasehold properties, complex sales, or priority completions.

Local solicitors tend to charge slightly more but provide a more personalised service. They often have strong relationships with local estate agents and lenders, which can help prevent delays or communication issues during the sale.

The choice depends on your priorities—whether you prefer cost savings or hands-on support.

Factors That Influence Cost

Several elements affect how much your solicitor will charge:

Property value: Higher-value properties often involve higher fees due to increased responsibility and risk.
Complexity: Missing documents, boundary issues, or shared ownership can add time and cost.
Speed of sale: Urgent completions may incur premium rates.
Location: Costs tend to be higher in London and the South East.

It’s always best to request a detailed written quote before instructing a solicitor.

How to Save Money on Conveyancing Fees

While it’s important not to compromise on quality, there are ways to manage costs effectively:

Compare quotes: Request at least three from different firms.
Check for hidden extras: Ensure all fees and disbursements are included.
Negotiate: Some firms are open to discounts, especially for repeat clients.
Avoid paying upfront: Choose a “no sale, no fee” option if available, which protects you if the sale falls through.

Remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best—reliable communication and experience can prevent costly mistakes.

How Long the Process Takes

On average, selling a house takes between 8 and 12 weeks from accepting an offer to completion, though timescales vary depending on the property chain. An efficient solicitor can significantly reduce delays by keeping all parties informed and resolving issues promptly.

Why Solicitors Are Worth the Cost

Selling property involves significant sums of money and complex legal obligations. A solicitor ensures that every part of the process complies with UK property law, protecting you from potential disputes or legal issues later on.

They handle all paperwork, deal with the buyer’s solicitor, and ensure funds are transferred safely and securely. In short, they take the stress out of what can be one of life’s biggest transactions.

Expert Advice from Lillian Purge

Request transparency. Ask for a full breakdown of all costs before instructing a solicitor.
Prioritise communication. Choose a firm known for fast responses and regular updates.
Be organised. Gather all necessary documents early to prevent hold-ups.
Check reviews. Past client experiences can reveal how efficient and reliable a firm is.
Balance cost and quality. Paying a little more for expertise can save time and stress later.

The cost of a solicitor when selling a house varies, but investing in a reputable, responsive conveyancer ensures your sale is handled efficiently, legally, and with minimal risk. Choosing wisely can make the difference between a smooth, timely transaction and a frustrating delay.