How much will it cost?

Please click on one of the 5 options below for pricing information:-

• Selling a freehold property
• Selling a leasehold property
• Buying a freehold property
• Buying a leasehold property
• Remortgaging a residential property

Selling a freehold property:-

Every property transaction is unique because your home is unique, and therefore we tailor our services to suit your particular transaction and requirements. 

Our fees operate on a sliding scale which is dependent on the value of the property and the complexity of the transaction and we will provide you with a quotation based on the specific and personalised information you give us.  

Our starting point will be as follows:

In addition to the above fees, you will have to pay disbursements.  These are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as the Land Registry.  We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.  Please click here to see the separate list below of disbursements that may be incurred in this type of transaction.

What our fees cover:-

Our fees cover all the work required to complete the sale of your property, including:-

• The preparation of a contract and the negotiation of the same with the Buyer’s solicitors.
• Dealing with enquiries from the Buyer’s Solicitors.
• Negotiating the transfer documents with the Buyer’s Solicitors.
• Advising you on the content and effect of all documents.
• Liaising with any agents instructed and periodically updating them with the progress of the transaction.
• Effecting exchange and completion.
• Settling the agent’s commission (if applicable)
• Discharging any mortgage secured on the property.
• Accounting to you for the net funds.

The scope of our work will not include:-

• Any negotiation of the price or other items as it is assumed that they are agreed. Your estate agent will be able to assist with any negotiations that arise during the transaction.
• Advice on investments.  If during any transaction/matter you need advice on investments, we may refer you to someone authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority.
• Tax advice.  For such advice you should rely on an accountant or tax specialist.
• Advising on the business implications of any matter or on financial accounting or actuarial issues, the adequacy of any insurance arrangement or the value or the physical condition of any asset.

Factors affecting our fee quote:-

The costs quoted assume that the title to the property is straightforward and registered at the Land Registry; the sale terms are agreed; the contract is not conditional; negotiations in relation to the contract and any additional enquiries are not protracted or unusually extensive. 

Factors that would typically increase the cost of the service:-

• If legal title is defective or the whole or any part of the property is unregistered
• If we discover building regulations or planning permission has not been obtained
• If any party to the transaction is uncooperative and/or there is unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation
• If crucial documents we have requested from you have not been provided

Additional fees and disbursements:-

There are certain matters that arise in transactions more commonly and we have set out below an indication of the additional fees and disbursements that will be incurred if they apply to your transaction.  VAT at 20% applies to the fees unless otherwise stated:-

• Electronic Bank Transfers - £30.00 + VAT = £36.00
• Accelerated completion (1 week or less) - £200.00 + VAT = £240.00
• Statutory Declaration (Simple) - £100.00 + VAT = £120.00
• Bespoke Indemnity Insurance - £100.00 + VAT = £120.00
• Retentions - £150.00 + VAT = £180.00
• Declaration of Trust (Simple) - £200.00 + VAT = £240.00
• Transfer of Part - £200.00 + VAT = £240.00
• Solar Panel Lease - £300.00 + VAT = £360.00
• Green Deal - £300.00 + VAT = £360.00
• Removal of Restriction - £150.00 + VAT = £180.00
• Official ID Verification (per person) - £20.00 + VAT = £24.00
• Land Registry Official Copies (per title) - £17.00 + VAT = £20.40
• Land Registry Copy Documents (per document) - £8.50 + VAT = £10.20
• Management Pack (estate properties only) - £150.00 to £300.00 (VAT status varies)

It is obviously not possible to predict everything that might arise on every transaction and sometimes, where we can predict something may arise, we cannot immediately predict how involved it will be to resolve.  For example, if all or part of your property is unregistered, additional costs will be incurred and the amount will depend on the quality and complexity of the unregistered deeds but we would expect this to cost an additional £500.00 + 20% VAT = £600.00 as a minimum. 

Where something arises that is not covered by the above list, we will discuss this with you and agree the further costs involved prior to carrying out the extra work.  This will be based on the hourly rate of the solicitor or conveyancer acting for you. 

Our hourly rates are:- 

How long will my house sale take?

How long it will take from offers being accepted until completion of the sale will depend on a number of factors. The national average at present is between 3 and 4 months. 

Factors that affect the speed include the number of people in the chain, the presence of leasehold properties, the requirement for mortgage finance, whether a grant of probate needs to be obtained etc. 

Selling a leasehold property:-

Every property transaction is unique because your home is unique and therefore we tailor our services to suit your particular transaction and requirements. 

Our fees operate on a sliding scale which is dependent on the value of the property and the complexity of the transaction and we will provide you with a quotation based on the specific and personalised information you give us.   Our starting point will be as follows:

In addition to the above fees, you will have to pay disbursements.  These are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as the Land Registry or Managing Agents.  We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.  Please click here to see the separate list of disbursements below that may be incurred in this type of transaction.

What our fees cover:-

Our fees cover all the work required to complete the sale of your property, including:-

• The preparation of a contract and the negotiation of the same with the Buyer’s solicitors.
• Dealing with enquiries from the Buyer’s Solicitors.
• Communicating with the landlord/managing agents and raising enquiries of them as required.
• Negotiating the transfer documents with the Buyer’s Solicitors.
• Advising you on the content and effect of all documents.
• Liaising with any agents instructed and periodically updating them with the progress of the transaction.
• Effecting exchange and completion.
• Settling the agent’s commission (if applicable)
• Discharging any mortgage secured on the property.
• Accounting to you for the net funds.

The scope of our work will not include:-

• Any negotiation of the price or other items as it is assumed that they are agreed.  Your estate agent will be able to assist with any negotiations that arise during the transaction.
• Advice on investments.  If during any transaction/matter you need advice on investments, we may refer you to someone authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority.
• Tax advice.  For such advice you should rely on an accountant or tax specialist.
• Advising on the business implications of any matter or on financial accounting or actuarial issues, the adequacy of any insurance arrangement or the value or the physical condition of any asset.

Factors affecting our fee quote:-

The costs quoted assume that the title to the property is straightforward and registered at the Land Registry; the sale terms are agreed; the contract is not conditional; negotiations in relation to the contract, the lease and any additional enquiries are not protracted or unusually extensive. 

Factors that would typically increase the cost of the service:-

• If legal title is defective or the whole or any part of the property is unregistered
• If we discover building regulations or planning permission has not been obtained
• If any party to the transaction is uncooperative and/or there is unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation
• If crucial documents we have requested from you have not been provided

Additional fees and disbursements:-

There are certain matters that arise in transactions more commonly and we have set out below an indication of the additional fees and disbursements that will be incurred if they apply to your transaction.  VAT at 20% applies to the fees unless otherwise stated:-

• Electronic Bank Transfers - £30.00 + VAT = £36.00
• Accelerated completion (1 week or less) - £200.00 + VAT = £240.00
• Statutory Declaration (Simple) - £100.00 + VAT = £120.00
• Bespoke Indemnity Insurance - £100.00 + VAT = £120.00
• Retentions - £150.00 + VAT = £180.00
• Declaration of Trust (Simple) - £200.00 + VAT = £240.00
• Transfer of Part - £200.00 + VAT = £240.00
• Solar Panel Lease - £300.00 + VAT = £360.00
• Green Deal - £300.00 + VAT = £360.00
• Removal of Restriction - £150.00 + VAT = £180.00
• Official ID Verification (per person) - £20.00 + VAT = £24.00
• Land Registry Official Copies (per title) - £17.00 + VAT = £20.40
• Land Registry Copy Documents (per document) - £8.50 + VAT = £10.20
• Leasehold Deed of Variation (Simple) - £300.00 + VAT = £360.00
• Management Pack - £150.00 to £300.00 (VAT status varies)

It is obviously not possible to predict everything that might arise on every transaction and sometimes, where we can predict something may arise, we cannot immediately predict how involved it will be to resolve.  For example, if the building in which your flat is located is subject to the Building Safety Act 2022, additional costs will be incurred but the amount will depend on the quality of the information available and the additional steps required but we would expect this to cost an additional £500.00 + 20% VAT = £600.00 as a minimum. 

Where something arises that is not covered by the above list, we will discuss this with you and agree the further costs involved prior to carrying out the extra work.  This will be based on the hourly rate of the solicitor or conveyancer acting for you. 

Our hourly rates are:- 

How long will my flat sale take?

How long it will take from offers being accepted until completion of the sale will depend on a number of factors. The national average at present is between 3 and 4 months. 

Factors that affect the speed include the number of people in the chain, the presence of leasehold properties, the requirement for mortgage finance, whether a grant of probate needs to be obtained etc. 

Buying a freehold property:-

Every property transaction is unique because your home is unique and therefore we tailor our services to suit your particular transaction and requirements. 

Our fees operate on a sliding scale which is dependent on the value of the property and the complexity of the transaction and we will provide you with a quotation based on the specific and personalised information you give us.   Our starting point will be as follows:

In addition to the above fees, you will have to pay disbursements.  These are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as the Land Registry or Managing Agents.  We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.  Please click here to see the separate list of disbursements below that may be incurred in this type of transaction.

What our fees cover:-

Our fees cover all the work required to complete the purchase of your property, including:-

• Taking your instructions and giving you initial advice.
• Checking finances are in place to fund purchase and contacting lender’s solicitors if needed.
• The investigation of the Seller’s title to the Property.
• The review and negotiation of the draft Contract provided by the Seller’s Solicitors.
• The raising and subsequent review of Searches over the Property.
• Raising enquiries with the Seller and their Solicitors in relation to the Property and pursuing any matters revealed to a satisfactory conclusion.
• Advising you on mortgage/security documentation (if applicable).
• Reporting to you on the results of our investigations.
• Sending final contract to you for signature.
• Arranging for all monies needed to be received from lender and you
• Effecting exchange and completion.
• Reporting the transaction to HM Revenue and Customs (if applicable).
• Recording your interest at the Land Registry.

The scope of our work will not include:-

• Advice on mortgage products.  We will not advise on mortgage products or provide an opinion about a particular product.  Any advice given in connection with a mortgage product will be limited to advice on the legal effects only and will not recommend that you enter it.
• Advice on investments.  If during any transaction/matter you need advice on investments, we may refer you to someone authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority.
• Tax advice.  For such advice you should rely on an accountant or tax specialist.
• Advising on the business implications of any matter or on financial accounting or actuarial issues, the adequacy of any insurance arrangement or the value or the physical condition of any asset.
• Reviewing Survey results.  As solicitors, we are not qualified to comment on the results of any survey you have carried out on the property.  If your surveyor highlights any specific matters in their report which may have a legal implication, it is your responsibility to bring these to our attention for further comment. 
• Planning advice.  If you have particular plans to carry out works at the property, please let us know so we can advise on any legal restrictions, but you will need to take independent advice from a planning consultant regarding feasibility.
• Environmental advice.  Recent environmental legislation provides that historic contamination of land will require to be remedied.  The cost of remedial work can be prohibitive and in some cases this cost could fall upon the new owner even though they were not responsible for the original contamination.  We will carry out an environmental search as a matter of course, but whilst must of the information in the search will be self-explanatory, parts are technical.  For this reason, lawyers cannot provide specific advice on the contents of environmental searches.  If you require such advice you will need to contact a qualified Environmental Surveyor or Environmental Scientist.

Factors affecting our fee quote:-

The costs quoted assume that the title to the property is straightforward and registered at the Land Registry; the sale terms are agreed; the contract is not conditional; negotiations in relation to the contract and any additional enquiries are not protracted or unusually extensive; and funding or lender’s requirements are not unusually complex. 

Factors that would typically increase the cost of the service:-

• If legal title is defective or the whole or any part of the property is unregistered
• If we discover building regulations or planning permission has not been obtained
• If any party to the transaction is uncooperative and/or there is unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation
• If crucial documents we have requested from you have not been provided

Additional fees and disbursements:-

There are certain matters that arise in transactions more commonly and we have set out below an indication of the additional fees and disbursements that will be incurred if they apply to your transaction.  VAT at 20% applies to the fees unless otherwise stated:-

• Electronic Bank Transfers - £30.00 plus VAT = £36.00
• Accelerated completion (1 week or less) - £200.00 plus VAT =  £240.00
• Statutory Declaration (Simple) - £100.00 plus VAT = £120.00
• Bespoke Indemnity Insurance - £100.00 plus VAT = £120.00
• Retentions - £150.00 plus VAT = £180.00
• Declaration of Trust (Simple) - £200.00 plus VAT =   £240.00
• New Build Properties - £200.00 plus VAT = £240.00
• Help to Buy Mortgages - £150.00 plus VAT = £180.00
• Help to Buy ISAs - £50.00 plus VAT =  £60.00
• Transfer of Part - £200.00 plus VAT = £240.00
• Solar Panel Lease - £300.00 plus VAT = £360.00
• Green Deal - £300.00 plus VAT = £360.00
• Official ID Verification (per person) - £20.00 plus VAT =  £24.00
• Electronic Verification of Funds - £30.00 plus VAT = £36.00
• Land Registry pre-completion search (per title) - £8.50  plus VAT = £10.20
• Land Charges search (unregistered land only) (per name) - £7.50  plus VAT = £9.00
• Bankruptcy search (per name) - £7.50 plus VAT = £9.00
• Index Map Search - £10.50 plus VAT = £12.60
• Chancel Indemnity Insurance (up to £2m) - £14.22 (no VAT) 
• Certificate of compliance fee (generally applicable to new estate properties) -£50.00 to £150.00 (VAT status varies)

It is obviously not possible to predict everything that might arise on every transaction and sometimes, where we can predict something may arise, we cannot immediately predict how involved it will be to resolve.  For example, if all or part of your property is unregistered, additional costs will be incurred and the amount will depend on the quality and complexity of the unregistered deeds but we would expect this to cost an additional £500.00 + 20% VAT = £600.00 as a minimum. 

Where something arises that is not covered by the above list, we will discuss this with you and agree the further costs involved prior to carrying out the extra work.  This will be based on the hourly rate of the solicitor or conveyancer acting for you. 

Our hourly rates are:- 

Additionally, some disbursements vary due to the location of the property or its value.  For more information on these disbursements, please click on the links below.  Dawson Hart cannot be responsible for the content of external sites. 

• Land Registry application fees – click here.  Please note that, wherever possible, we use the Land Registry’s online portal so that you can benefit from the reduced fees.  No VAT applies to these fees. 
• Searches – The normal searches to be carried out include: Local Authority, Water & Drainage and Environmental.  These costs vary but generally the average cost of searches is £300 to £500 (including VAT at 20% where applicable).  Additional searches may be required depending on the location of your property but we can advise further in due course. 

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), or Land Transaction Tax (LTT) in Wales, is a complex area and whilst it is one of the disbursements we will handle on your behalf, we are not tax advisors or specialists.  The links below will take you to the relevant tax authority’s web calculator where you can obtain an indication of the likely tax applicable to your purchase, but we can say that the level of tax increases dependent on the purchase price of your property.  As SDLT and LTT are both taxes, no VAT is applicable to them. 

• SDLT calculator
• LTT calculator

How long will my house purchase take?

How long it will take from offers being accepted until you can move into your house will depend on a number of factors. The national average at present is between 3 and 4 months.

Factors that affect the speed include the number of people in the chain, the presence of leasehold properties, the requirement for mortgage finance, whether a grant of probate needs to be obtained etc. 

Buying a leasehold property:-

Every property transaction is unique because your home is unique and therefore we tailor our services to suit your particular transaction and requirements. 

Our fees operate on a sliding scale which is dependent on the value of the property and the complexity of the transaction and we will provide you with a quotation based on the specific and personalised information you give us.  

Our starting point will be as follows:

In addition to the above fees, you will have to pay disbursements.  These are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as the Land Registry or Managing Agents.  We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.  Please click here to see the separate list of disbursements below that may be incurred in this type of transaction.

You should also be aware that ground rent and service charge 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.  You will have to make a partial payment for the current year as part of the completion process. 

What our fees cover:-

Our fees cover all the work required to complete the purchase of your property, including:-

• Taking your instructions and giving you initial advice.
• Checking finances are in place to fund purchase and contact lender’s solicitors if needed.
• The investigation of the Seller’s title to the Property.
• The review and negotiation of the draft Contract provided by the Seller’s Solicitors.
• The raising and subsequent review of Searches over the Property.
• Raising enquiries with the Seller and their Solicitors in relation to the Property and pursuing any matters revealed to a satisfactory conclusion.
• Advising you on any mortgage/security documentation (if applicable).
• Reporting to you on the results of our investigations.
• Sending final contract to you for signature.
• Arranging for all monies needed to be received from lender and you
• Effecting exchange and completion.
• Reporting the transaction to HM Revenue and Customs (if applicable).
• Recording your interest at the Land Registry.

The scope of our work will not include:-

• Any negotiation of the price or other items as it is assumed that they are agreed.  The estate agent will be able to assist with any negotiations that arise during the transaction.
• on mortgage products.  We will not advise on mortgage products or provide an opinion about a particular product.  Any advice given in connection with a mortgage product will be limited to advice on the legal effects only and will not recommend that you enter it.
• Advice on investments.  If during any transaction/matter you need advice on investments, we may refer you to someone authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority.
• Tax advice.  For such advice you should rely on an accountant or tax specialist.
• Advising on the business implications of any matter or on financial accounting or actuarial issues, the adequacy of any insurance arrangement or the value or the physical condition of any asset.
• Reviewing Survey results.  As solicitors, we are not qualified to comment on the results of any survey you have carried out on the property.  If your surveyor highlights any specific matters in their report which may have a legal implication, it is your responsibility to bring these to our attention for further comment. 
• Planning advice.  If you have particular plans to carry out works at the property, please let us know so we can advise on any legal restrictions, but you will need to take independent advice from a planning consultant regarding feasibility.
• Environmental advice.  Recent environmental legislation provides that historic contamination of land will require to be remedied.  The cost of remedial work can be prohibitive and in some cases this cost could fall upon the new owner even though they were not responsible for the original contamination.  We will carry out an environmental search as a matter of course, but whilst must of the information in the search will be self-explanatory, parts are technical.  For this reason, lawyers cannot provide specific advice on the contents of environmental searches.  If you require such advice you will need to contact a qualified Environmental Surveyor or Environmental Scientist.

Factors affecting our fee quote:-

The costs quoted assume that the title to the property is straightforward and registered at the Land Registry; the transaction does not involve a new lease or lease extension; the sale terms are agreed; the contract is not conditional; negotiations in relation to the contract and any additional enquiries are not protracted or unusually extensive; and funding or lender’s requirements are not unusually complex. 

Factors that would typically increase the cost of the service:-

• If legal title is defective or the whole or any part of the property is unregistered
• If we discover building regulations or planning permission has not been obtained
• If any party to the transaction is uncooperative and/or there is unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation
• If crucial documents we have requested from you have not been provided

Additional fees and disbursements:-

There are certain matters that arise in transactions more commonly and we have set out below an indication of the additional fees and disbursements that will be incurred if they apply to your transaction.  VAT at 20% applies to the fees unless otherwise stated:-

• Electronic Bank Transfers - £30.00 plus VAT = £36.00
• Accelerated completion (1 week or less) - £200.00 plus VAT =  £240.00
• Statutory Declaration (Simple) - £100.00 plus VAT = £120.00
• Bespoke Indemnity Insurance - £100.00 plus VAT = £120.00
• Retentions - £150.00 plus VAT = £180.00
• Declaration of Trust (Simple) - £200.00 plus VAT =   £240.00
• New Build Properties - £200.00 plus VAT = £240.00
• Help to Buy Mortgages - £150.00 plus VAT = £180.00
• Help to Buy ISAs - £50.00 plus VAT =  £60.00
• Transfer of Part - £200.00 plus VAT = £240.00
• Solar Panel Lease - £300.00 plus VAT = £360.00
• Green Deal - £300.00 plus VAT = £360.00
• Official ID Verification (per person) - £20.00 plus VAT =  £24.00
• Electronic Verification of Funds - £30.00 plus VAT = £36.00
• Land Registry pre-completion search (per title) - £8.50  plus VAT = £10.20
• Land Charges search (unregistered land only) (per name) - £7.50  plus VAT = £9.00
• Bankruptcy search (per name) - £7.50 plus VAT = £9.00
• Index Map Search - £10.50 plus VAT = £12.60
• Chancel Indemnity Insurance (up to £2m) - £14.22 (no VAT) 
• Deed of Variation (Simple) - £300.00 plus VAT =  £360.00
• Notice of Transfer Fee - £50.00 to £150.00 (VAT status varies)
• Notice of Charge Fee (if the property is to be mortgaged) - £50.00 to £150.00 (VAT status varies)
• Deed of Covenant Fee (if required by the landlord) -£150.00 to £300.00 (VAT status varies). 
• Certificate of compliance fee -£50.00 to £150.00 (VAT status varies).

It is obviously not possible to predict everything that might arise on every transaction and sometimes, where we can predict something may arise, we cannot immediately predict how involved it will be to resolve.  For example, if the building in which your flat is located is subject to the Building Safety Act 2022, additional costs will be incurred but the amount will depend on the quality of the information available and the additional steps required but we would expect this to cost an additional £500.00 + 20% VAT = £600.00 as a minimum. 

Where something arises that is not covered by the above list, we will discuss this with you and agree the further costs involved prior to carrying out the extra work.  This will be based on the hourly rate of the solicitor or conveyancer acting for you. 

Our hourly rates are:- 

Additionally, some disbursements vary due to the location of the property or its value.  For more information on these disbursements, please click on the links below.  Dawson Hart cannot be responsible for the content of external sites. 

• Land Registry application fees – click here.  Please note that, wherever possible, we use the Land Registry’s online portal so that you can benefit from the reduced fees.  No VAT applies to these fees. 
• Searches – The normal searches to be carried out include: Local Authority, Water & Drainage and Environmental.  These costs vary but generally the average cost of searches if £300 to £500 (including VAT at 20%).  Additional searches may be required depending on the location of your property but we can advise further in due course.  VAT is applicable to the majority of searches. 

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), or Land Transaction Tax (LTT) in Wales, is a complex area and whilst it is one of the disbursements we will handle on your behalf, we are not tax advisors or specialists.  The links below will take you to the relevant tax authority’s web calculator where you can obtain an indication of the likely tax applicable to your purchase, but we can say that the level of tax increases dependent on the purchase price of your property.  As SDLT and LTT are both taxes, no VAT is applicable to them. 

• SDLT calculator
• LTT calculator

How long will my flat purchase take?

How long it will take from offers being accepted until you can move into your house will depend on a number of factors. The national average at present is between 3 and 4 months.

Factors that affect the speed include the number of people in the chain, the presence of leasehold properties, the requirement for mortgage finance, whether a grant of probate needs to be obtained etc. 

Remortgaging a residential property:-

If you are thinking of remortgaging your property, our fees would normally be somewhere between £850 to £950 plus 20% VAT = £1,020 to £1,140 together with disbursements.  Different mortgage lenders have different requirements and these may not be known until we receive your mortgage offer.

What do our fees cover?

Our fees cover all the work required in connection with your re-mortgage, including:-

• The preparation or review of relevant documentation.
• The raising and subsequent review of Searches over the Property (if applicable).
• Advising you on any mortgage/security documentation.
• Effecting completion.
• Discharging any existing mortgage secured on the Property (if applicable).
• Accounting to you for the net funds.
• Updating the records at the Land Registry.

The scope of our work will not include:-

• Advice on mortgage products.  We will not advise on mortgage products or provide an opinion about a particular product.  Any advice given in connection with a mortgage product will be limited to advice on the legal effects only and will not recommend that you enter it.
• Investigation of title.  Other than as required by your lender, we will not investigate the title to the property on the basis that you already own it.
• Advice on investments.  If during any transaction/matter you need advice on investments, we may refer you to someone authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority.
• Tax advice.  For such advice you should rely on an accountant or tax specialist.
• Advising on the business implications of any matter or on financial accounting or actuarial issues, the adequacy of any insurance arrangement or the value or the physical condition of any asset.
• Reviewing Survey results.  As solicitors, we are not qualified to comment on the results of any survey you have carried out on the property.  If your surveyor highlights any specific matters in their report which may have a legal implication, it is your responsibility to bring these to our attention for further comment. 
• Planning advice.  If you have particular plans to carry out works at the property, please let us know so we can advise on any legal restrictions, but you will need to take independent advice from a planning consultant regarding feasibility.

Factors affecting our fee quote

The  costs quoted assume that: the title to the property is straightforward and registered at the Land Registry; the matter is not protracted or unusually extensive; and your lender’s requirements are not unusually complex.  

Factors that would typically increase the cost of the service:-

• If legal title is defective or the whole or any part of the property is unregistered
• If we discover building regulations or planning permission has not been obtained
• If any party to the transaction is uncooperative and/or there is unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation
• If crucial documents we have requested from you have not been provided

Additional fees and disbursements:-

There are certain matters that arise in remortgages more commonly and we have set out below an indication of the additional fees and disbursements that will be incurred if they apply to your transaction.  VAT at 20% applies to the fees unless otherwise stated:-

• Electronic Bank Transfers - £30.00 plus VAT =  £36.00
• Statutory Declaration (Simple) - £100.00 plus VAT = £120.00
• Bespoke Indemnity Insurance - £100.00 plus VAT = £120.00
• Help to Buy Mortgages - £150.00 plus VAT = £180.00
• Solar Panel Lease - £300.00 plus VAT = £360.00
• Green Deal - £300.00 plus VAT = £360.00
• Official ID Verification (per person) - £20.00 plus VAT =  £24.00
• Electronic Verification of Funds - £30.00  plus VAT = £36.00
• Land Registry Official Copies (per title) - £17.00  plus VAT = £20.40
• Land Registry Copy Documents (per document) - £8.50 plus VAT = £10.20
• Land Registry pre-completion search (per title) - £8.50  plus VAT = £10.20
• Land Charges search (unregistered land only) (per name) - £7.50  plus VAT = £9.00
• Bankruptcy search (per name) - £7.50 plus VAT = £9.00
• Chancel Indemnity Insurance (up to £2m) - £14.22 (no VAT)

If your property is leasehold, the following may also apply:

• Deed of Variation (Simple) - £300.00 plus VAT =  £360.00
• Notice of Charge Fee (if the property is to be mortgaged - £50.00 to £150.00 (VAT status varies)
• Deed of Covenant Fee (if required by the landlord) - £150.00 to £300.00 (VAT status varies). 
• Certificate of compliance fee - £50.00 to £150.00 (VAT status varies).

It is obviously not possible to predict everything that might arise on every transaction and sometimes, where we can predict something may arise, we cannot immediately predict how involved it will be to resolve.  For example, if all or part of your property is unregistered, additional costs will be incurred and the amount will depend on the quality and complexity of the unregistered deeds but we would expect this to cost an additional £500.00 + 20% VAT = £600.00 as a minimum.  Alternatively, with a leasehold property, if the building in which your flat is located is subject to the Building Safety Act 2022, additional costs will be incurred but the amount will depend on the quality of the information available and the additional steps required but we would again expect this to cost an additional £500.00 + 20% VAT = £600.00 as a minimum. 

Where something arises that is not covered by the above list, we will discuss this with you and agree the further costs involved prior to carrying out the extra work.  This will be based on the hourly rate of the solicitor or conveyancer acting for you. 

Our hourly rates are:- 

Additionally, some disbursements vary due to the location of the property or its value.  For more information on these disbursements, please click on the links below.  Dawson Hart cannot be responsible for the content of external sites. 

• Land Registry application fees – click here.  Please note that, wherever possible, we use the Land Registry’s online portal so that you can benefit from the reduced fees.  No VAT applies to these fees. 
• Searches – The normal searches to be carried out include: Local Authority, Water & Drainage and Environmental.  These costs vary but generally the average cost of searches if £300 to £500 (including VAT at 20%).  Additional searches may be required depending on the location of your property but we can advise further in due course.  VAT is applicable to the majority of searches. 
• Depending on your lender’s requirements, it may be possible to obtain indemnity insurance instead of conducting searches.  The cost of this will depend on the value of the loan and the property but is usually in the region of £50.00 - £100.00 (no VAT).

How long will a remortgage take?

How long it will take from receipt of a mortgage offer to completion of the remortgage will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the lender's requirements and the availability of relevant paperwork about the property.