Fees

How much do we charge?

You can find details of how we calculate our conveyancing charges below. For a quote specifically tailored to your case use the online quote calculator and we can give you an exact quote.

Our charges are made up of:

1. Our fees for the legal work.
2. ‘Disbursements’ – costs related to your matter that are payable to other people, such as Land Registry fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.
3. For property purchases, Stamp Duty Land Tax (see below).

Where VAT is referred to below, please note that this will be charged at the applicable rate, which is currently 20%.

Our fees

Our fees depend upon the value of the property you are buying or selling and are listed below:

If you are buying and selling a property, a charge will be made for both the sale and the purchase.

If you are simply re-mortgaging your property, we charge a fixed fee starting at £750 excluding VAT depending on the complexity and the charges registered against the property.

If you are buying, selling or re-mortgaging a ‘leasehold’ property (rather than a ‘freehold’), there is an additional charge of £500 excluding VAT in addition to the fees referred to above.

We also charge additional fees for registering at Companies House, dealing with a Deed of Covenant and serving a Notice of Transfer and Charge. 

Please note that VAT of 20% is also charged on all of our fees for legal work.

If, at any point during the transaction, money needs to be sent by telegraphic transfer, we charge a fee of £50 excluding VAT.

If you are buying a property, we will complete the HMRC stamp duty form on your behalf and submit it at the completion of the transaction. For this we do not charge a separate fee.

The above fees assume that:

• This is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction.
• If the transaction relates to a leasehold property, it is the assignment of an existing lease and is not the grant of a new lease.
• The transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complications arise.
• All parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation.
• No indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required.

Disbursements

The ‘disbursements’ which you pay will depend upon whether you are buying or selling property or both, whether you are buying a freehold or leasehold property, and the location and type of property concerned. Properties in certain locations, for example, need more searches and checks than others.

Normally all clients who are buying a ‘freehold’ property will need to pay the following disbursements:

• Search fees: £300 excluding VAT.
• HM Land Registry fee: Fees range from £20-£1,105 and work on a sliding scale - check here.  No VAT is payable.
• Land Charges Search: £2 per search. No VAT is payable.
• Land Registry Search £7 per document registered under each title number.

Depending upon the type of property you are buying and where it is located, you may also need to pay:

• Notice fees if there is a management company. These range from £100+VAT-£350+VAT per notice. Usually there is a Notice of Transfer of ownership and a Notice of Charge, so there are two notices incurring two fees.

When selling a property, you will ordinarily need to pay the following disbursements:

• Land Registry Office Copy Entries and Title Plan: £6 per title number

If the property is a ‘leasehold’ property then the disbursements will be different and normally consist of:

• Notice of Transfer fee – This fee if chargeable is set out in the lease. Often the fee ranges from £100+VAT to £350+VAT.
• Notice of Charge fee (if the property is to be mortgaged) – This fee is set out in the lease. Often the fee ranges from £100+VAT to £350+VAT.
• Deed of Covenant fee – This fee is provided by the management company for the property and can be difficult to estimate. Often it is between £300+VAT and £500+VAT.
• Certificate of Compliance fee – To be confirmed upon receipt of the lease, as this can range between £200+VAT and £350+VAT.
• Leasehold Management Pack – This fee is chargeable when selling a leasehold property. Often it is between £200+VAT and £600+VAT.

If we are required to draft any of the above documentation, our fees are £200.00+VAT - £350.00+VAT per notice. Drafting Deed of Covenant £350.00+VAT. Where the Deed of Covenant has been drafted by the Management Company, our fees are £120.00+VAT for checking and approving it.

If you are simply re-mortgaging, we do not anticipate you incurring any disbursements except for Notice, Deed of Covenant and Certificate of Compliance fees, in line with the above for leasehold properties only.

Stamp Duty Land Tax

If you are buying a property you will also need to pay stamp duty land tax. The amount which you need to pay to the government depends on the price of the property.  You can calculate the amount you will need to pay by using HMRC’s website (or if the property is located in Wales by using the Welsh Revenue Authority’s website)

Other costs to consider

If you have a mortgage on the property or have incurred an estate agent’s fee, we would also typically need to pay the money owed directly to your lender and agent as needed from the sale money we receive for you.

You should also be aware that if you are purchasing a leasehold property then ground rent and service charges are likely to apply throughout your ownership of the property. We will confirm the ground rent and the anticipated service charge as soon as we receive this information.

Examples of our charges

The table below is a typical example of what charges we would make to the client selling a freehold property for £300,000.00:

Whereas the table below is a typical example of what charges we would make to a client buying a freehold property for £350,000.00 (assuming only 1 buyer):

Timescales

Below is a rough estimate of what you might experience when dealing with probate (your individual case may take more or less time) including applying for the Grant, collecting and distributing the assets:

• Our application for the grant to the Probate Registry will take approximately 8-12 weeks from receipt of full instructions on assets/liabilities, depending on whether we need to investigate the value of the estate or prepare a tax return.
• The grant from the Probate Registry will take around 16 weeks from receipt of the application. This can increase in the event of questions being asked by the registry.
• Upon receipt of the Grant of Probate we would estimate collecting in estate assets (except for any residential or commercial property), settling liabilities and producing draft estate accounts within 8-10 weeks. Once the executor has approved estate accounts, the distributions can be made to beneficiaries.

Overall we would therefore anticipate an uncontested estate with no tax return to file to take around 38 weeks to finalise from your instructions. This is a very rough estimate just so you are aware of the main stages of Probate. Depending on the complexity of the assets or Probate in general, this could take longer.

Every Probate estate will be different depending on the following factors:

• The number of assets and liabilities of the estate, and most especially property, overseas assets/liabilities and any shares.
• The time taken by the asset holders to respond to our enquiries and provide account closure forms.
• Co-operation and return of paperwork by executors and beneficiaries.
• The time taken by those to whom the estate owes a liability in dealing with requests for information on the liability and providing discharge information.
• The time taken by the Probate registry in dealing with the application for Grant of Probate and any enquiries raised by the Probate Registry.
• The time taken by HMRC in dealing with any application/calculation of Inheritance and any questions raised by the Probate Registry.
• If there is a property to be sold (the Conveyancing Costs are not included in these fees and will be dealt with by a member of the Conveyancing team).

Fees

We offer a fixed fee structure when dealing with a Probate, however, the fee we offer will depend on the complexity of your case.

Fixed Fee – If we consider the Estate is relatively straightforward to deal with, for example you have provided us with the evidence of the value of the Estate, and you need us to apply for probate and no tax is applicable, our fee would be £2,500 plus VAT.

If the Estate requires us to investigate the value in addition to the above, but no tax is payable, then our fee would be £4,000 plus VAT to apply for probate.

Where the Estate seems complicated with a variety of assets that we need to investigate and there is tax payable, our fees would be in the region of £6,000 plus VAT to £10,000 plus VAT depending on the likely number of hours we are likely to spend working on the matter. We would still be delighted to work with you in more complicated matters but would need to give you a quotation for the work tailored to your individual circumstances. Please contact us to learn more.

In relation to administering the Estate, depending on the number of assets and whether these are stocks and shares, and preparing the Estate accounts and distributing the inheritance, our fees could vary between £2,500 to £6,000 plus VAT. This will depend on the number and nature of the assets, as well as the number of beneficiaries we are distributing to.

Where VAT is referred to please note that this will be charged at the applicable rate, which is currently 20%.

Other costs to consider

Please note that the estimates above do not include any additional costs incurred in disposing of estate assets such as the sale or any property or business. Further, if there is no will or the estate consists of any share holdings (stocks and bonds) there are likely to be additional costs that could range significantly depending on the estate and how it is to be dealt with.  We can give you a more accurate fee estimate once we have more information.

Disbursements

Disbursements are payments that we make to third parties on your behalf. These are separate payments for which the estate is liable, in addition to our costs as described above.

Typical disbursements in Probate matters are:

• Probate application fee, which is currently: £300 plus £1.50 for every extra office copy of the Grant of Probate which you require.
• Bankruptcy searches (£12 inc VAT per beneficiary).
• Land registry title deeds fees:  £3 per register.
• Legal notice which requires posting in The London Gazette - the UK’s Official Public Record which has been around for almost 400 years (this can help protect against unexpected claims from unknown creditors): £92 plus VAT.
• Post in a local newspaper – this varies according to postcode. Typically it’s between £150+VAT and £300+VAT.

The fees include:

• Meeting with the executor(s).
• Checking the type of Probate application you will require.
• Writing to the companies, banks, pensions and anyone else that holds the deceased assets.
• Completing the Probate application.
• Statutory notices if required.
• Contacting the beneficiaries.
• Obtaining the identification requirements from the beneficiaries.
• The preparation of Tax Forms and submitting them to HMRC.
• Drafting a legal oath for swearing.
• Payment of Inheritance Tax if liable.
• Drafting of the Legal Statements.
• Drafting the account closure forms.
• Discussing the Legal Statements and Closure Forms with the executors.
• Obtaining the Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration in the absence of a will).
• Sending the Grant of Probate to the asset holders in order to collect the assets.
• Finalise the Estate Account.
• Once the Executor has approved the Estate Accounts then the assets are distributed in accordance with the will.

It would not normally be necessary to undertake other work or incur costs other than those described above. However, we would be very happy to provide you with a more tailored quote for all stages of your particular case once we know your specific circumstances.

The above fees are not applicable where the probate is contentious.

Armed Forces

We recognise the sacrifices that the serving armed forces personnel make, and to say thank you, support them by offering a discount across a range of our legal services.

Conveyancing – Armed Forces Discount

We offer a £100 + VAT discount on our conveyancing fees for members of the Armed Forces.

We deal with the Forces Help to Buy scheme on a daily basis and are well suited to ensure that the process is smooth and swift.

We assist serving armed forces personnel wherever they are based, including those deployed overseas. One of our most memorable transactions involved obtaining authority to exchange contracts from a submariner approximately 200 feet beneath the sea.

We use secure electronic identity verification, meaning there is no need to attend our office in person. We communicate via phone, text, email and video calls, ensuring flexibility throughout your transaction.

Wills & Lasting Powers of Attorney – Armed Forces Fees

In addition to our conveyancing discount, we are pleased to offer reduced fees on Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney for Armed Forces personnel:

Simple Will

Standard fee: £250 + VAT

Armed Forces fee: £200 + VAT

 Lasting Power of Attorney – Health & Welfare

Standard fee: £450 + VAT

Armed Forces fee: £400 + VAT

Lasting Power of Attorney – Property & Financial Affairs

Standard fee: £450 + VAT

Armed Forces fee: £400 + VAT

Will & LPA Package (to include a Simple Will, Health & Welfare LPA and Property & Financial Affairs LPA)

Standard fee: £1,000 + VAT

Armed Forces fee: £900 + VAT

Please note:

All new clients are required to complete an identification check, charged at £18 per person.

Office of the Public Guardian registration fees are payable for each LPA at £92 per document (set externally and subject to change).

If you are a member of the Armed Forces, just let us know when you get in touch and we will do the rest.

Duane has more than 30 years’ experience in criminal defence work.

He has dealt with matters such as:

• Driving whilst unfit though drugs or alcohol.
• Failure to provide a specimen.
• Speeding.
• Driving without insurance.
• Driving without a licence.
• Driving whilst disqualified.
• Dangerous driving.
• Death by dangerous or careless driving.
• Using a mobile phone.

Fees

Our fees are fixed irrespective of how long the hearing takes on the day.

Our fees start at £850+VAT for an appearance in the Magistrates’ Court.

Fees for a trial in the Magistrates' Court start from £1,500+VAT per day up to £2,000+VAT per day, depending on the allegation and complexity.

Our fees in the Crown Court are £1,500+VAT per appearance, unless it’s a trial which costs between £2,500-£3,000 +VAT per day, depending on the allegation and complexity.

Please do contact us for a quote tailored to your case and individual circumstances.

Where VAT is referred to please note that this will be charged at the applicable rate, which is currently 20%.

The fees include:

• Analysing the evidence provided by the Crown.
• Going through the evidence with you.
• Advising on the strengths and weaknesses of the Crown’s case.
• Explaining the Court procedure to you.
• Advising on the sentencing if convicted or pleading guilty.
• Advising whether an expert may be required to challenge the Crown’s expert or to support your defence.
• Advising on time limits for Summary Only matters.
• Instructing a barrister to attend court with you.
• Helping you understand the outcome of the case and your options for appeal if appropriate (appeal costs are separate).

The fees do not include:

• Instructing an expert.
• The expert’s fees.
• The fees of an interpreter for consultations in the office or in prison.
• Travel costs (45p per mile).
• Travel time (£200+VAT per hour).
• Meeting with witnesses and taking their statements.
• Advising you on appeal.
• Costs, should you wish to appeal the conviction and/or sentence.
• Advice on special reasoning or exceptional hardship.
• Bail applications which are charged separately. If such work is required, we will discuss the additional fees with you at the time. Alternatively, please contact us to discuss your particular case and the likely costs.

The costs set out above also do not include any fines or costs you become liable for should you be convicted or plead guilty to the alleged offence.

It would not normally be necessary to undertake other work or incur costs other than those described above. However, we would be very happy to provide you with a more tailored quote for all stages of your particular case, once we know your specific circumstances.

Disbursements

Disbursements are payments that we make to third parties on your behalf. These are separate payments for which you are liable in addition to our costs as described above.

Typical disbursements in motoring offence cases are:

• Instructing an expert: Experts' fees range from around £800+VAT-£5,000+VAT, depending on exactly what they are instructed to challenge such as the blood analysis, or perhaps the reconstruction of a road traffic collision.
• An expert will also charge a fee for attending court. Their fees vary from around £1,000+VAT to £2,500+VAT per day.
• Counsel’s fees vary from around £1,000 per day for a Magistrates' Court trial and £2,000+VAT for a Crown Court trial.
• There are usually court appearances before the trial is listed and Counsels' fees for these appearances range from £500+VAT per appearance in the Magistrates' Court and £1,000+VAT per appearance in the Crown Court.
• Travel expenses and time taken to attend court hearings (charged at £200+VAT per hour and 45p per mile).

Key stages and timescales:

Before charge

This will be when you are arrested. We are able to assist you at the police station should you need to be interviewed. Our fees are £750+VAT per police station attendance. Generally for driving whilst unfit through drugs or alcohol, you will not be interviewed but will be required to provide a specimen before being released.

For any other offences it is vital that you are assisted by a qualified representative who will lay the groundwork for your defence, or perhaps write to the Crown challenging the evidence before you are required to attend court.

Following Charge

You will either be bailed to attend court on a specific day or, if remanded in custody, be produced at court on the next working day.

You will be expected to enter your plea.

Guilty Plea

If you plead guilty, the court may:

• Sentence you there and then.
• Adjourn the matter for a probation report.

This depends on the seriousness of the offence, any prior convictions, and any aggravating features of the offence.

How long it will take before the matter is heard at court, if adjourned, depends on the availability of the court and may be several weeks. The matter may also be committed to the Crown Court for sentencing.

Not Guilty Plea

The matter will be adjourned for trial in either the Magistrates’ or Crown Court.  The date will be determined by the Court and may be several months later.

If the matter is to be heard in the Crown Court, then you will appear before a judge in the Crown Court who will confirm your plea. The Court will set a timeline for both the Crown and us to ensure that the matter is prepared for trial. The date will be determined by the Court and may be several months later.

Armed Forces

We recognise the sacrifices that the serving armed forces personnel make, and to say thank you, support them by offering a discount across a range of our legal services.

Conveyancing – Armed Forces Discount

We offer a £100 + VAT discount on our conveyancing fees for members of the Armed Forces.

We deal with the Forces Help to Buy scheme on a daily basis and are well suited to ensure that the process is smooth and swift.

We assist serving armed forces personnel wherever they are based, including those deployed overseas. One of our most memorable transactions involved obtaining authority to exchange contracts from a submariner approximately 200 feet beneath the sea.

We use secure electronic identity verification, meaning there is no need to attend our office in person. We communicate via phone, text, email and video calls, ensuring flexibility throughout your transaction.

Wills & Lasting Powers of Attorney – Armed Forces Fees

In addition to our conveyancing discount, we are pleased to offer reduced fees on Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney for Armed Forces personnel:

Simple Will

Standard fee: £250 + VAT

Armed Forces fee: £200 + VAT

 Lasting Power of Attorney – Health & Welfare

Standard fee: £450 + VAT

Armed Forces fee: £400 + VAT

Lasting Power of Attorney – Property & Financial Affairs

Standard fee: £450 + VAT

Armed Forces fee: £400 + VAT

Will & LPA Package (to include a Simple Will, Health & Welfare LPA and Property & Financial Affairs LPA)

Standard fee: £1,000 + VAT

Armed Forces fee: £900 + VAT

Please note:

All new clients are required to complete an identification check, charged at £18 per person.

Office of the Public Guardian registration fees are payable for each LPA at £92 per document (set externally and subject to change).

If you are a member of the Armed Forces, just let us know when you get in touch and we will do the rest.