Buying or selling a property comes with legal and administrative fees that can be easy to underestimate. Use this practical conveyancing costs calculator to get a fast estimate before you request formal quotes.
Estimate your conveyancing costs
Adjust the values below and click Calculate. This tool provides an estimate for UK residential transactions and is most accurate for England/Northern Ireland purchases.
What are conveyancing costs?
Conveyancing costs are the legal and third-party charges involved in transferring property ownership. These costs are usually split into:
- Solicitor or conveyancer fees (professional legal work)
- Disbursements (payments your solicitor makes to third parties)
- Property tax (such as Stamp Duty Land Tax in England/Northern Ireland)
What this calculator includes
This calculator estimates common line items you may see on a quote:
- Core legal fee based on transaction type and property value
- Leasehold supplement (if applicable)
- Lender legal work fee (for mortgage cases)
- Search pack estimate (for purchases)
- Land Registry fee estimate (for purchases/remortgage)
- ID checks and telegraphic transfer fees
- Stamp Duty estimate (England/Northern Ireland purchases)
- VAT on legal services
How to use the estimate properly
1) Treat it as a planning number
Use the result to set a budget and compare quotes, not as a legally binding figure.
2) Ask for a full written breakdown
When requesting quotes, always ask what is included in the legal fee and which disbursements are excluded.
3) Check assumptions for your location
Stamp Duty rules differ from Welsh and Scottish property tax systems. If your purchase is in Wales or Scotland, this tool warns you and excludes that tax estimate.
Tips to reduce conveyancing costs
- Compare at least three detailed quotes, not just headline legal fees.
- Check if leasehold supplements are fixed or variable.
- Confirm whether bank transfer fees are charged per transfer.
- Respond quickly to solicitor requests to avoid delays and extra admin.
- Choose a provider with transparent communication and clear timelines.
Frequently asked questions
Are cheap conveyancing quotes always better?
Not always. Very low quotes may exclude key disbursements or add extra fees later. Value and reliability matter as much as price.
Do I pay VAT on everything?
Typically VAT applies to legal service fees, while many disbursements are passed through at cost. Exact treatment varies, so check your quote.
Can costs increase after I get a quote?
Yes, especially if the transaction becomes complex (title issues, leasehold complications, expedited completion, or additional lender requirements).
Disclaimer: This calculator is for education and planning only. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice.