How to choose the right conveyancing solicitor for your home purchase
Buying a house is one of the most exciting and financially significant steps many of us will take in our lives. But along with the thrill of finding your perfect property comes a list of associated costs that can often feel overwhelming or unclear. Among the most important of these is solicitor fees.
If you’re wondering how much solicitor fees cost when buying a house, and how to make sure you’re getting great value, this guide provides a detailed breakdown. We’ll also explain why partnering with a trusted provider like ONP Solicitors can make the conveyancing process faster, smoother, and less stressful.
What Are Solicitor Fees?
Solicitor fees refer to the legal costs involved in the conveyancing process—the series of legal and administrative steps required to transfer ownership of a property from one person to another.
A solicitor for buying a house is responsible for tasks such as:
- Conducting property searches
- Drafting and reviewing contracts
- Liaising with the seller’s solicitor
- Managing exchange and completion
- Transferring funds between parties
- Registering the new ownership with HM Land Registry
In short, they make sure the legal side of your house purchase is handled correctly. Choosing an experienced solicitor is essential to avoid delays, legal pitfalls, or costly mistakes.
At ONP Solicitors, our dedicated conveyancing team is built to handle exactly this, with thousands of transactions completed every year and a seamless, tech-enabled approach to customer service.
How Much Do Solicitor Fees Typically Cost?
Solicitor fees for buying a house in the UK can vary widely depending on several factors. The type of property, its location, the complexity of the purchase, and whether you’re buying under a government scheme can all influence the price.
Average Range (Excluding VAT)
- Freehold property: £500 – £1,500
- Leasehold property: £800 – £1,800
- New build property: May incur additional fees
- Help to Buy or Shared Ownership: Expect supplementary charges
VAT at 20% will be added to most solicitor quotes, so it’s always worth checking whether the price you’ve been quoted includes VAT or not.
At ONP Solicitors, we pride ourselves on offering fixed-fee conveyancing with transparent pricing. You can get an instant quote online with no hidden extras.
What’s Included in Solicitor Fees?
When you hire a house solicitor for buying a house, the total cost usually includes two components: legal fees (the fee charged by the solicitor for their time and services) and disbursements (third-party costs the solicitor pays on your behalf).
Let’s take a closer look at what’s included.
1. Legal Fees
These cover your solicitor’s time, expertise, and work in progressing your transaction. It includes:
- Reviewing and advising on contracts
- Communicating with the seller’s solicitor
- Drafting the transfer of ownership
- Checking the mortgage offer (if applicable)
- Preparing for the exchange of contracts
- Coordinating the completion day
- Registering the property in your name
At ONP, our team of conveyancing specialists work to a streamlined, efficient process to keep things moving—while still giving your case the attention it deserves.
2. Disbursements
These are unavoidable costs that all buyers will encounter, paid by your solicitor to external organisations and then passed on to you.
Common disbursements include:
| Disbursement | Estimated Cost |
| Local Authority Search | £150 – £300 |
| Environmental Search | £30 – £70 |
| Water & Drainage Search | £30 – £70 |
| Land Registry Search | £3 – £7 |
| Land Registry Fee (registration) | £20 – £910 (sliding scale) |
| Bank Transfer (CHAPS) Fee | £20 – £45 |
| Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) | Based on property price and buyer status |
To learn more about how these disbursements work or to see an exact breakdown based on your property, you can get a personalised quote here.
3. Additional Costs for Specific Scenarios
There are certain cases where additional solicitor fees may apply. These could include:
- Leasehold properties – More complex legal work due to service charges, ground rent, and leaseholder responsibilities
- Help to Buy scheme – Additional forms and checks may be needed
- Shared Ownership – Involves both purchasing and leasehold legal work
- Gifted deposits – Requires declaration forms and anti-money laundering checks
At ONP Solicitors, we are upfront about all potential extra costs before you commit. No surprises, just honest, transparent pricing.
How Do I Know I’m Getting a Good Deal?
While it’s tempting to simply go with the cheapest quote available online, solicitor fees should not be your only deciding factor.
Key things to consider when comparing quotes:
- Are the fees fixed or variable?
Hidden hourly rates can cause costs to spiral unexpectedly. - Is the solicitor experienced in residential conveyancing?
Specialist experience means fewer delays. - Is there a dedicated point of contact?
Communication is key—avoid firms that leave you chasing updates. - Can you track progress digitally?
ONP Solicitors provides a secure online portal and mobile app so you can monitor your transactions 24/7.
Why Choose ONP Solicitors?
With over 35 years of conveyancing experience, ONP Solicitors is one of the UK’s largest conveyancing firms. Our clients benefit from an expert legal team, cutting-edge technology, and a transparent, people-first approach.
Here’s why thousands of buyers choose us every year:
Fixed Fees With No Hidden Costs
Our pricing is competitive, and we provide full transparency from the start. You can get a quote in under 60 seconds.
Track Your Case 24/7
We offer digital case tracking through our customer portal and mobile app, giving you control and visibility at every stage of the process.
Fast, Efficient Turnaround
Our process is built for speed—whether you’re in a chain, under a deadline, or just keen to move quickly.
Excellent Customer Support
Every client has a dedicated conveyancer, backed by a larger team. We pride ourselves on proactive communication and real-time updates.
Trusted by Major Lenders
We work with all major mortgage lenders, so your bank is likely to already be familiar with us.
What Can You Do to Keep Fees Down?
While solicitor fees are an essential part of the home-buying journey, there are ways to manage them effectively:
- Opt for fixed-fee quotes from firms like ONP to avoid hidden charges
- Respond to requests quickly – delays can increase admin time
- Have your documents ready (ID, proof of funds)
- Choose digital-first firms that streamline admin and speed up transactions
- Avoid unnecessary extras unless genuinely needed for your situation
Budgeting for Buying a House Solicitor Fees
So, how much are solicitor fees for buying a house? In general, you should budget between £1,000 and £2,000 for the complete conveyancing process, including legal work and disbursements. The actual figure will depend on your specific circumstances—but what’s most important is that your solicitor provides clarity, communication, and confidence.
At ONP Solicitors, we do just that. Our team is here to guide you through the buying journey with fixed fees, fast service, and expert legal advice at every step.
If you’re ready to move forward, you can get your conveyancing quote now or explore our full range of services to see how we can help.
