What are the Solicitors Fees You Pay When Buying a House?
Buying a house is a big moment in life, but it also comes with a fair few costs to keep track of. One of the key expenses to plan for is the solicitor’s fee. These are the legal costs involved in making sure the purchase of your property goes through safely and properly.
And if you’ve never bought a house before, you might be wondering what are the solicitor fees for buying a house, as well as what these fees actually cover, how much they cost and what else you might need to budget for.
This guide will break it all down for you. We will explain the approximate solicitor fees for buying a house in the UK, show how they are calculated and give you the full picture of what you might need to pay. We will also go through the hidden extras that can catch you off guard if, and we’ll share some tips to help you manage these costs and keep them under control.
Buying a house is already a big financial commitment, so knowing what solicitor fees you will be paying will help you keep on top of your costs at an expensive time in your life. By the end of this blog, you will feel more confident, more informed, and ready to make smart decisions about your house purchase. No jargon, no waffle, just practical advice you can trust.
Understanding solicitors fees for buying a house
When you buy a house, your solicitor or licensed conveyancer is responsible for handling all the legal work, also known as conveyancing. This is a crucial part of the process. They make sure the sale is legal, they check that the property is properly registered, and they confirm that you are getting what you have agreed to buy. They also liaise with the seller’s solicitor, handle the contracts, manage the transfer of funds and make sure the transaction follows all legal rules. Without a solicitor, the whole process would be risky and far more complicated than it needs to be.
Solicitor fees for buying a house cover all this work, but they aren’t always the same from one solicitor to the next. Some charge a flat fee for their services, while others work out their charges as a percentage of the property price. The fee can also change depending on the type of property you are buying, the location of the property and how complicated the sale is.
It’s also important to understand that solicitors fees for buying a house are not just a one-and-done single figure. They can include different elements, such as legal checks, contract preparation and the handling of legal documents. Some solicitors also charge extra for services like handling your stamp duty return. That is why it’s so important to get a full breakdown of costs from the start, so you know exactly what you are paying for and avoid any nasty surprises later.
In short, your solicitor is there to protect you, guide you through the process, and make sure the purchase is completed correctly. Their fee is a key part of the overall cost of buying a house, and it’s worth every penny to have a professional handling the legal side of things.
Approximate solicitor fees for buying a house in 2025
So, how much are the solicitor fees for buying a house in the UK? The short answer is that the average solicitors fees for buying a house in 2025 typically range from £800 to £1,500 plus VAT. This is for a standard, freehold property where the sale is fairly straightforward and there are no unusual complications to deal with.
However, the solicitor fees for buying a house can vary widely depending on a few key factors. For example, if the property is leasehold, you can expect to pay more. Leasehold properties often require extra legal work, such as reviewing the lease terms, checking ground rent and service charge arrangements and liaising with the freeholder or managing agent. This can add anywhere from £200 to £400 to your solicitor’s bill.
If you are buying a more expensive property, some solicitors calculate their fees as a percentage of the purchase price. This is less common these days, but it still happens, particularly for high-value homes. For example, a solicitor might charge 0.1% to 0.3% of the property price, which means for a £500,000 house, the solicitor fees could be between £500 and £1,500 just for their basic services.
Another thing to keep in mind: Solicitors fees for buying a house in London and the South East are often higher than in other parts of the UK. This is because house prices are higher in these areas, and the legal work involved can be more complex due to the nature of the housing market.
The bottom line is that solicitor fees for buying a house are not a one-size-fits-all number. That is why it’s so important to get a detailed quote from your solicitor at the start of the process, including an itemised list of all the costs you can expect to pay.
Disbursements: additional costs to factor in
On top of the solicitor’s basic fee, there are also disbursements to consider. These are costs that your solicitor pays on your behalf to third parties during the purchase process. They are a normal part of buying a house, but they can add up quickly, so keep them in mind and include them in your budget.
The main disbursement when buying a house is for property searches. These are essential checks that your solicitor orders to make sure there are no hidden issues with the property you are buying. They include local authority searches, environmental searches, drainage and water searches and more. Depending on the location of the property, search fees can range from £200 to £400.
Other common disbursements include anti-money laundering checks, which usually cost around £5 to £10 per person, and bank transfer fees, which are often about £40 to £50. You will also need to pay for official copies of the property title and title plan from the Land Registry, which cost around £6 each.
If you are buying a leasehold property, you may also need to pay for a leasehold information pack from the freeholder or managing agent. This is a bundle of documents about the property and can cost anywhere from £200 to £500.
And let’s not forget the stamp duty return, which your solicitor usually handles for you. Some solicitors include this in their basic fee, but others charge an extra £50 to £150 for the service.
When you add it all up, disbursements can easily add several hundred pounds to your total costs. So make sure you get a full breakdown from your solicitor at the start of the process, so you know what to expect and can budget for everything properly.
Extra legal costs to watch out for
While the basic solicitor fees for buying a house cover most of the legal work, there are some situations where you might face extra charges. These additional costs can come as a surprise if you’re not prepared, so make sure you know what to look out for.
If you are buying a leasehold property, there will often be extra legal work involved. Your solicitor may need to review the lease terms in detail, check ground rent and service charge information and ensure there are no restrictions that could affect your ownership. This can mean an additional £200 to £400 on top of your basic fees.
If you are using a Help to Buy scheme, shared ownership or a gifted deposit, your solicitor may also charge more. These types of purchases involve extra paperwork and checks, which can add between £100 and £300 to your legal costs.
Buying an unregistered property or one with title issues can also lead to higher fees. Your solicitor may need to apply for first registration with the Land Registry, obtain old deeds or deal with complicated legal queries. This extra work usually costs between £100 and £300.
Being upfront with your solicitor is the best way to avoid unexpected costs. Tell them everything you know about the property you are buying, and ask for a clear, itemised quote that covers any likely extras.
What affects the solicitor fees for buying a house?
Several factors can influence the solicitors fees for buying a house, so it’s worth understanding what they are. The property’s value is a big one. Higher-value properties often mean higher fees, especially if the solicitor charges a percentage rather than a fixed fee.
Property type is another factor. Leasehold homes, shared ownership properties and unregistered homes usually come with higher legal fees because they involve more complex work.
Location also matters. Buying a house in London or the South East tends to come with higher solicitor fees than in other parts of the UK. This is partly because property prices are higher in these areas, but also because the transactions can be more complex.
How complicated the sale is matters. If the property is in a chain, if there are unusual restrictions or if there are legal issues like boundary disputes, your solicitor will need to do more work, and their fee will reflect that.
Finally, the solicitor’s own experience and reputation can make a difference. A highly experienced solicitor may charge more, but they can also save you time, hassle and extra costs by spotting issues early and handling problems effectively.
How to manage solicitor fees when buying a house
Managing solicitor fees is about being smart and prepared. The first step is to get quotes from several solicitors. Ask for a full breakdown of the costs, including what is covered in the basic fee and what counts as an extra.
Make sure you are comparing like for like. Some solicitors include services like handling the stamp duty paperwork or organising searches in their standard fee, while others charge for these separately. Understanding what you are getting helps you avoid surprises later.
Be honest with your solicitor from the start. If you are buying a leasehold property, using Help to Buy or have a complex purchase, let them know straight away. That way, they can give you an accurate quote, and you can budget properly.
Finally, look for a solicitor who communicates clearly, explains things in plain English and responds quickly. A good solicitor is worth their fee because they keep the process moving and make sure you avoid costly mistakes.
Set yourself up for a smoother sale
Solicitor fees for buying a house are an important part of the cost of your new home. While the average solicitors fees for buying a house usually fall between £800 and £1,500 + VAT, you will also need to factor in disbursements and any additional charges that might come up during the process.
Understanding these fees helps you plan your budget, avoid surprises and make sure you are getting a fair deal. It also helps you choose a solicitor who can guide you through the process smoothly and efficiently.
And if you are looking for a hassle-free way to sell your current home quickly before you buy, Sell House Fast could help. We buy any house or flat, and we can often complete sales in a matter of days, so you can focus on what comes next, and what matters the most.
