conveyancing cost calculator

What is conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one person to another. Whether you are buying, selling, or remortgaging, your conveyancer or solicitor handles legal checks, contract work, funds transfer, and registration with the Land Registry.

Most people focus on mortgage payments and deposit size, but legal costs can still add up quickly. A good conveyancing cost calculator helps you budget early and avoid surprises near completion day.

What costs are included in a conveyancing quote?

1) Solicitor legal fee

This is the professional fee your solicitor charges for handling your file. It usually depends on transaction type, property value, and complexity. Leasehold properties, for example, often involve extra legal work and additional legal fees.

2) Disbursements

Disbursements are third-party costs paid by your solicitor on your behalf. Common disbursements include:

• Local authority, drainage, and environmental searches (mainly for purchases)
• Land Registry fees
• Bank transfer fees (telegraphic transfer/CHAPS)
• ID verification and anti-money laundering checks

3) Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)

For residential purchases in England, SDLT can be one of the largest upfront costs. Rates are banded and can change over time. First-time buyers may qualify for relief, which can reduce or eliminate SDLT on lower-value properties.

4) VAT

VAT is usually charged on your solicitor’s legal fee and some admin-related charges. It is generally not charged on taxes or many third-party disbursements, but actual treatment may vary by firm and item.

How this conveyancing cost calculator works

This calculator estimates your total by combining legal fees, likely disbursements, VAT, and SDLT (for purchases). It is designed for fast planning and uses clear assumptions you can adjust:

• Choose purchase, sale, or remortgage
• Enter your property price and mortgage amount
• Tick first-time buyer relief if eligible
• Add leasehold status and editable fee assumptions

The result section gives you a line-by-line breakdown so you can see exactly where the estimate comes from.

Purchase vs sale vs remortgage: why costs differ

Purchase

Usually the highest legal total. You may pay searches, mortgage lender requirements, Land Registry registration, and SDLT. Leasehold purchases can increase complexity and cost.

Sale

Typically simpler than a purchase. You generally won’t pay SDLT or buyer searches, but you still have legal fees and transfer/admin costs. (Estate agent fees are separate and not included in this calculator.)

Remortgage

Often lower cost than buying or selling because ownership is not changing hands. However, there can still be legal fees, lender-related checks, and Land Registry updates.

Tips to reduce your conveyancing bill

• Ask for an itemized quote: Make sure legal fees and disbursements are clearly separated.
• Check what “fixed fee” means: Some firms exclude common extras from headline pricing.
• Compare turnaround time: Cheapest is not always best if delays risk your chain.
• Confirm leasehold supplements upfront: Leasehold admin can vary widely by firm.
• Verify SDLT assumptions: Especially if you are a first-time buyer or buying at higher values.

Important note

This calculator is for budgeting only and should not be treated as legal or tax advice. Final costs depend on your solicitor’s terms, property location, lender requirements, and current government tax rules. Always request a formal written quote before proceeding.