What are the Solicitors Fees You Pay When Selling a House?

Selling your home can feel like a rollercoaster. One minute you’re sorting estate agents, and the next you are trying to keep track of all the costs involved. 

And among the biggest fees to plan for are the solicitors fees. These are the legal costs for making sure the sale of your house goes through safely, properly and without a hitch.

In this blog, we will break down what solicitor fees actually are, how much they tend to cost in the UK and what extras you need to watch out for. We will also look at how fees can change depending on the type of property you are selling and give you practical tips for keeping your costs under control.

By the time you finish reading, you will know exactly what to expect and how to handle solicitor fees when selling your house. No jargon, no confusion, just clear, straight-talking advice. Let’s get to it.

Why pay solicitor fees for selling a house?

When you sell a house, a solicitor or conveyancer handles all the legal work. This is called conveyancing, and it covers everything from preparing the sale contract to dealing with the buyer’s solicitor, transferring funds and sorting the final handover of ownership. In a nutshell, your solicitor is the person who makes sure the legal side of your sale is watertight.

Solicitors fees for selling a house are not a flat rate across the board. Some solicitors charge a fixed fee, while others work on a percentage of the sale price. A few offer “no sale, no fee” options, which can be helpful if you’re worried about a sale falling through.

Your solicitor’s job is to protect you from legal problems. They check that your property is registered properly, that there are no restrictions or charges hanging over it and that everything’s in place for a smooth sale. They also handle anti-money laundering checks, arrange the transfer of funds and liaise with the buyer’s team to make sure nothing gets missed.

Something being missed can have big (and expensive) repercussions down the line, so when choosing the right solicitor, don’t just go for the cheapest option. Be sure that you have someone who knows what they are doing and can explain the process in plain language. 

A good solicitor is a safety net that helps you avoid issues that could delay or derail your sale.

How much are solicitors fees for selling a house in 2025?

In 2025, the average solicitors fees for selling a house in the UK sit somewhere between £1,000 and £2,500 plus VAT. This is for a standard sale without major complications.

If your sale’s more complex, expect those fees to be higher. For example, if your solicitor charges a percentage of the sale price rather than a fixed fee, the costs can creep up. A typical percentage is between 0.1% and 0.3% of the sale price. So for a house selling at £300,000, the solicitor fee might be between £300 and £900.

Location can also have an impact. Solicitors in London and the South East often charge more than those in other parts of the UK. The value of your home can also play a part, as higher-value properties tend to bring higher fees.

Always get a clear quote before you commit. Make sure you know exactly what is included, what counts as an extra and whether the fee is fixed or based on your sale price. Ask how they handle situations like a sale falling through, and whether any charges would still apply. The last thing you want is a nasty surprise when you’re already under pressure.

The costs of selling leasehold vs. freehold properties

Selling a freehold property is usually the more straightforward scenario. Your solicitor only has to check that you own the property outright and that there are no restrictions or charges against it. And because the simpler situation the cheaper, this is why the legal costs for selling a freehold property tend to be lower.

Selling a leasehold property is a different kettle of fish, but nothing to panic about. Leaseholds come with extra layers of paperwork and legal checks. Your solicitor will need to review the lease agreement to see if there are any conditions that might affect the sale. They also have to check that you are up to date with ground rent and service charges and that there are no disputes or planned works that could put the buyer off.

One of the big extra costs for leasehold sales is the management information pack. This is a bundle of documents that the freeholder or managing agent provides, covering details like the service charge accounts, planned works, building insurance and any arrears. The pack can cost anything from £150 to £600. It’s a non-negotiable part of the process if you are selling a leasehold property, so make sure you budget for it.

All of this extra work means solicitors fees for selling a leasehold property are usually higher. You might pay an extra £150 to £300 compared to selling a freehold property. It is always worth checking with your solicitor upfront if you are selling a leasehold so you know exactly what costs to expect.

Disbursements: additional costs to consider

Disbursements are the extra charges your solicitor pays to third parties on your behalf. They’re not part of the solicitor’s fee, but they’re essential for the sale to go through. These can include anti-money laundering checks at around £5 per person, and bank transfer fees at around £40. Your solicitor will also need to get official copies of your title register and title plan from the Land Registry, which cost about £6 each.

On top of that, you may need indemnity insurance if certain documents are missing, such as building regulations certificates or planning permission for alterations. The cost of indemnity policies varies but usually ranges from £50 to £300, depending on the risk being covered.

If your property is unregistered, the solicitor might have to carry out extra searches and get hold of historical deeds to prove ownership. This can add to the disbursement costs. If there are legal issues like boundary disputes or rights of way, your solicitor may need to do extra checks, which can also increase disbursements.

In total, most sellers can expect to pay between £200 and £300 in disbursements. Make sure your solicitor gives you a clear breakdown of these costs at the start so you can budget accordingly.

Additional legal costs

Some sales need more legal work than others. For example, if you are selling a shared ownership property, expect to pay an extra £300 to £350. Your solicitor will have to deal with the housing association, check shared ownership terms and make sure all the paperwork is spot on.

If your property is unregistered, there is usually an extra fee of £100 to £200 for the extra checks and documentation. If the sale is delayed or involves a long chain of buyers and sellers, some solicitors add a fee of around £100 to £200 to cover the extra time and work involved.

Other situations that can add to your legal costs include selling a property with tenants in place or handling a sale as part of probate. Each of these brings its own set of rules and paperwork, and your solicitor’s fees will reflect the extra work required.

As much as you might be tempted to downplay the complexity of your situation, the key is to be upfront with your solicitor. Let them know all the details of your property and any complexities in the sale, so they can give you a realistic estimate of costs. That way, you avoid last-minute shocks when the bill arrives.

Tips to manage solicitor fees for selling a house

The best way to manage solicitor fees is to be proactive. Get quotes from several solicitors before you commit. Check what is included and what is not. Ask if the quote is fixed or if there are extra costs for things like leasehold sales or complex transactions.

Be honest about your property from the start. If it is leasehold, shared ownership or has any unusual features, tell your solicitor upfront so they can give you a realistic quote.

Ask about “no sale, no fee” options, which can protect you from paying fees if the sale falls through.

And finally, stay in regular contact with your solicitor. Respond quickly to any requests for information or documents. The smoother you can keep the process, the less likely it is that extra costs will creep in.

Remember, you’re in the driving seat

A lot of factors can influence how much you pay in solicitor fees for selling a house. The first is the value of your property. Some solicitors charge a percentage of the sale price, so higher-value homes can mean higher fees.

As we’ve covered above, the type of property matters. Leaseholds, shared ownership homes and unregistered properties usually come with higher legal fees because they involve more work.

And remember that location plays a part too, as does the complexity of the sale, including property chains, probate and tenants.

Also, the solicitor’s own experience can influence costs. A highly experienced solicitor might charge more, but they can often save you money in the long run by spotting problems early and handling issues efficiently.

Solicitors fees for selling a house can feel like one more thing to worry about. But with the right information and a bit of planning, you can get the best out of your legal eagle.

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