As a small practice we are able to provide a personal service but the technology available to us enables us to compete with larger firms in terms of efficiency. We are about to add an online quoting tool to enable you to obtain a bespoke quote direct from the website and a mobile app which will enable you to exchange documents and information and track your case from start to finish.

Until then we will provide you with an estimate of costs and disbursements, which will be based on your circumstances. The costs will be fixed and will only increase if issues arise within the transaction, which were not foreseen at the time of the estimate.

The costs will vary depending on the price of the property, whether the property is freehold or leasehold and whether you are buying with or without a mortgage.

The Land Registry fees are dependent upon the purchase of a property. We submit applications electronically, which means that you will benefit from a reduced fee. You can access a Land Registry fee calculator at https://landregistry.data.gov.uk/fees-calculatorhtml.

Stamp Duty is also payable when you purchase a property. The amount you pay will depend on the purchase price and your circumstances. Different rates apply if you are a First Time Buyer and to people who own more than one property. You can access a stamp duty calculator at https://www.gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax.

Example estimates are set out below to give you an idea of costs.

Sale of Freehold at £250,000 with a Mortgage

Legal Fees £695.00
VAT £139.00
ID verification £ 7.20
Obtaining Office Copy documents from the Land Registry £ 7.80
Bank Transfer Fees £ 36.00
Total £885.00

Purchase of Freehold with a Mortgage for £250,000

Legal Fees £695.00
VAT £139.00
Environmental Search £ 84.00
Drainage and Water Search £ 38.70
Local Authority Search £124.80
Bankruptcy Search £ 2.90
ID verification £ 7.20
Lawyer Checker £ 14.40
Priority Search £ 3.90
Bank Transfer Fees £ 36.00
Stamp Duty administration fee £ 4.80
Land Registration administration fee £ 4.80
Land Registry fee £135.00
Stamp Duty £2500.00
Total £3930.30

When you send this back to me can you please do a note to me to check this note and also to check the calculations.