Pricing for Conveyancing Transactions (Residential)

ABOUT ALFRED JAMES & CO

Our team has over 54 years of combined experience in delivering high quality work in all matters relating to residential conveyancing.

We have four members of the team who may work on your matter. Regardless of who works on your matter, they will be supervised by our Senior Partner.

Please take a look at Our Staff page to see further details about our Conveyancing Team.

WHY CHOOSE US?

The buying and selling of your home is probably the largest transaction that most people undertake in their lives.

We are accredited by the Law Society’s CQS Conveyancing Quality Scheme as we have the necessary skills and expertise to provide residential conveyancing advice. We will provide all the information you need to understand the process, options, costs and timescales from the outset.

We are also proud to have achieved the Specialist Quality Mark (SQM) accreditation for demonstrating that we are well managed, provide excellent levels of client care and have systems in place to ensure delivery of good quality advice.

SALES (Freehold)

AJS Fees
Our fee for dealing with the transaction

	*Property Freehold Sales Price*	*AJS Fees*
*Option 1*	£60,000 – £250,000	£1,200.00 + VAT Plus Acting for Lender fee of £150 plus vat
*Option 2*	Properties £251,000 – £500,000	£1,550 + VAT Plus acting for lender fee of £200 plus vat
*Option 3*	Properties £501.000 – £800,000	£2,500 + VAT Plus Acting for Lender Fee of £250 Plus Vat
*Option 4*	£801, 000- £1 million	£5,500 + VAT Plus Acting for Lender Fee of £300 Plus Vat
*Option 5*	£1,000,001 – £5million	To be discussed with the firm due to the high values of the transaction

Additional Costs:

Bank to bank transfer administration fee

£35 per transfer

+ VAT

Other Additional Fees (If applicable to your transaction which are chargeable at our discretion):

Leasehold: £200 – £300
Administrative Telegraphic Administration fee – £42.00 inc vat
TR Guarantee (optional): £70
Islamic Mortgage (Redemption): £195 – £395
Limited Company Sale: £250

Referral fee (if any)

Amount of average referral fee paid £120 – £500.00.
This fee will vary depending on the source of the instruction and we will inform you about the same in our client care letter.

Disbursements (third party costs)

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as management packs (if applicable). We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. You will be asked to put money on account to enable us place this order or pay for these disbursements upfront or at the completion of your matter with the exclusion of the management pack. We will contact the management company to obtain a quote for the same and will then make you aware of the fee for the same.

Management Pack- TBA
Office Copies: £6 – per copy
Admin Fee – eCOS ID/AML Checks = £14.40 per person

Please note the fee range will vary depending on the work required. Factors which may increase the fees charged include:

If the property is leasehold;
If there is a referral fee;
If you wish for us to expedite your transaction;
If we cannot meet you in person and will need to complete an electronic ID check;
If you are a non-UK resident.

How long will the sale of my house take?

The length of time between instructing us (once receiving an offer on your property) to moving out of your property will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 6-13 weeks.

It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain and the timeliness of each party’s responses and returning documents. For example, if you are selling a property that is leasehold, we will need to apply for the management pack; this can take significantly longer depending on the timeframes of the individual management company. Another example would be if you are selling a property with structural issues such as subsidence, this can take significantly longer than 6-13 weeks and in such a situation, additional charges would apply.

Stages of the process

The precise stages involved in the sale of a residential property vary according to the circumstances; however below we have outlined the traditional stages we carry out on a standard sale.

Take your instructions and give you initial advice;
Check finances are in place to fund any related purchase (if applicable);
Respond to any pre contract enquiries;
Obtain a copy of the Title and prepare a contract to send to purchasers Solicitors;
Collate information on fixtures and fittings and send to purchasers Solicitors;
Respond to any raised enquiries;
Receive transfer and arrange signature with you;
Arrange an exchange and completion date;
Obtain redemption statement from any relevant Lender to settle any outstanding amount on the mortgage;
Transfer any remaining money from sale to the seller.

*Our fee assumes 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;
The transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complication 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;
You are referring to us directly and not through a panel or agent where referral fees may apply, these will be disclosed to you in our client care letter.

PURCHASE (LEASEHOLD)

AJS Fees

	*Property Leasehold Purchase Price*	*AJS Fees*
*Option 1*	£60,000 – £250,000	£1,200 + VAT Plus Acting for Lender fee of £150 plus VAT
*Option 2*	Properties £251,000 – £500,000	£1,550 + VAT Plus Acting for Lender Fee of £200 Plus Vat
*Option 3*	Properties £501,000 – £800,000	£2750 + VAT Plus Acting for Lender Fee of £250 Plus Vat
*Option 4*	£801, 000 to £1 million	£5,500 + VAT Plus acting for lender fee of £300 Plus Vat
*Option 5*	£1,000,001 to £5 Million	£6000 Plus Vat Plus Acting for Lender Fee of £500 plus vat Purchase fees over £5million is to be discussed with client based on complexity of matter

Additional Costs:

Bank to bank transfer administration fee

£35.00

+ vat each

Any unforeseen disbursements will be discussed with client

Other Additional Fees (If applicable to your transaction and chargeable at our discretion exclusive of vat):

Leasehold: £100 – £300
Help To Buy: £100 – £500
Help To Buy ISA: £50
Telegraphic Transfer admin costs: £35
SDLT Admin: £50 – £125
Acting For Lender: £100 – £500
Islamic Mortgage: £195- £350
Administering Gifted Deposit – from a third party: £100 – £380
Administration for Applying Unilateral Notice – with the Land Registry: £50
Update to External Portals: £30
Limited Company Purchase: £350

Referral fee (if any)

Amount of average referral fee paid £150 to £500.
This fee will vary depending on the source of the instruction.

Disbursements (third party costs)

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

Search Pack: £549 (excluding VAT, Varies)
Bankruptcy Search: £2 per person
ID/AML Checks: £6 – £12 per person
Land Registry Search: £6 (Help to Buy) £3 (Non-Help to Buy)
Land Registry Fee: £40 – £910

Please note the fee range will vary depending on the work required. Factors which may increase the fees charged include:

If the property is leasehold;
If a lease extension of deed of variation is required;
If there is Help to Buy involvement;
If you wish for us to expedite your transaction;
If we also need to act for your lender;
If there is a referral fee;
If the purchase is off-plan;
If we cannot meet you in person and will need to complete an electronic ID check;
If a unilateral notice is required to be registered with the Land Registry;
If you are a non-UK resident.

Stamp Duty /Land Tax (SDLT)

This depends on the purchase price of your 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.

How long will my house purchase take?

How long it will take from your offer being accepted until you can move in to your house will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 8-12 weeks.

It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain and the timeliness of each party’s responses and returning documents. For example, if you are a first-time buyer, purchasing a new build property with a mortgage in principle, it could take 8 weeks. However, if you are buying a leasehold property that requires an extension of the lease, this can take significantly longer, between 12 to 18 weeks. In such a situation additional charges would apply.

Stages of the process

The precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential property vary according to the circumstances; however below we have outlined the traditional stages we carry out on a standard purchase.

Take your instructions and give you initial advice;
Check finances are in place to fund purchase and contact lender’s solicitors if needed;
Receive and advise on contract documents;
Carry out searches;
Obtain further planning documentation if required;
Make any necessary enquiries of seller’s solicitor;
Give you advice on all documents and information received;
Go through conditions of mortgage offer with you;
Send final contract to you for signature;
Agree completion date (date from which you own the property);
Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened;
Arrange for all monies needed to be received from lender and you
Complete purchase;
Deal with payment of Stamp Duty/Land Tax;
Deal with application for registration at Land Registry.

*Our fee assumes 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;
this 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 complication 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;
you are referring to us directly and not through a panel or agent where referral fees may apply, these will be disclosed to you in our client care letter.

PURCHASE (FREEHOLD)

AJS Fees

	*Property Freehold Purchase Price*	*AJS Fees*
*Option 1*	£60,000 – £250,000	£995.00 + VAT Plus Acting for Lender fee of £150 plus vat
*Option 2*	Properties £251,000 – £500,000	£1,550 + VAT Plus acting for lender fee of £200 plus vat
*Option 3*	Properties £501.000 – £800,000	£2,500 + VAT Plus Acting for Lender Fee of £250 Plus Vat
*Option 4*	£801, 000- £1 million	£5,500 + VAT Plus Acting for Lender Fee of £300 Plus Vat
*Option 5*	£1,000,001 – £5million	To be discussed with the firm due to the high values of the transaction

Additional Payments to Others (Disbursements)

Bank to Bank transfer administration fee £35.00 + vat for each transfer

Other Additional Fees excluding of vat (If applicable to your transaction and chargeable at our discretion):

Leasehold: £100 – £300
Help To Buy: £100 – £500
Help To Buy ISA: £50
Telegraphic Transfer: £45
SDLT Admin: £50 – £125
Acting For Lender: £100 – £500
TR Guarantee (optional): £50
Islamic Mortgage: £195- £350
Administering Gifted Deposit – from a third party: £100 – £380
Administration for Applying Unilateral Notice – with the Land Registry: £50
Update to External Portals: £30
Limited Company Purchase: £350

Referral fee (if any)

Amount of average referral fee paid £150 to £500.
This fee will vary depending on the source of the instruction.

Disbursements (third party costs)

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

Search Pack: £549 (excluding VAT, Varies)
Bankruptcy Search: £2 per person
ID/AML Checks: £6 – £12 per person
Land Registry Search: £6 (Help to Buy) £3 (Non-Help to Buy)
Land Registry Fee: £40 – £910

Please note the fee range will vary depending on the work required. Factors which may increase the fees charged include:

If the property is leasehold;
If a lease extension of deed of variation is required;
If there is Help to Buy involvement;
If you wish for us to expedite your transaction;
If we also need to act for your lender;
If there is a referral fee;
If the purchase is off-plan;
If we cannot meet you in person and will need to complete an electronic ID check;
If a unilateral notice is required to be registered with the Land Registry;
If you are a non-UK resident.

Stamp Duty /Land Tax (SDLT)

How long will my house purchase take?

How long it will take from your offer being accepted until you can move in to your house will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 8-12 weeks.

Stages of the process

The precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential property vary according to the circumstances; however below we have outlined the traditional stages we carry out on a standard purchase.

Take your instructions and give you initial advice;
Check finances are in place to fund purchase and contact lender’s solicitors if needed;
Receive and advise on contract documents;
Carry out searches;
Obtain further planning documentation if required;
Make any necessary enquiries of seller’s solicitor;
Give you advice on all documents and information received;
Go through conditions of mortgage offer with you;
Send final contract to you for signature;
Agree completion date (date from which you own the property);
Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened;
Arrange for all monies needed to be received from lender and you;
Complete purchase;
Deal with payment of Stamp Duty/Land Tax;
Deal with application for registration at Land Registry.

*Our fee assumes that:

7. 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;
8. this is the assignment of an existing lease and is not the grant of a new lease;
9. the transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complication arise;
10. all parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation;
11. no indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required;
12. you are referring to us directly and not through a panel or agent where referral fees may apply, these will be disclosed to you in our client care letter.

MORTGAGES AND REMORTGAGES

AJS Fees

	REMORTGAGE	*AJS Fees*
*Option 1*	*Property Sale Price* £60,000 – £300,000	£900.00 + VAT Plus Acting for Lender fee of £150 plus vat
*Option 2*	Properties £300,000 – £650,000	£1,550.00 + VAT Plus acting for lender fee of £200 plus vat
*Option 3*	Properties £651.000 – £800,000	£2,500 + VAT and keep the lender fee the same. Plus Acting for Lender Fee of £250 Plus Vat
*Option 4*	£801, 000- £1 million	£5,500 + VAT and keep the lender fee the same. Plus Acting for Lender Fee of £300 Plus Vat
*Option 5*	£1,000,001 – £5million	To be discussed with the firm due to the high values of the transaction

Additional Payments to Others (Disbursements)

Land Registry Fee Varies depending on price of mortgage offer

Bank Transfer Admin Fees £35.00 per transfer + VAT

Land Registry Search £3 each

Bankruptcy Search £2 each

Office Copy Entries £3 each

Plan £3 each

Any unforeseen disbursements will be discussed with client

MORTGAGE

If only acting for mortgage lender

Alfred James Fees £135.00 + VAT

Additional Payments to Others (Disbursements)

Office Copy Entries £3 each
Plan £3 each

Any unforeseen disbursements will be discussed with client

Other Additional Fees (If applicable to your transaction which we can apply to our charges at our discretion and subject to the nature of your transaction)

Leasehold: £100 – £300
Telegraphic Transfer: £35 plus Vat for each transfer
TR Guarantee (optional): £50
Islamic Mortgage: £180 – £360
Second Equity Charge Redemption: £80

Referral fee (if any)

Amount of average referral fee paid £120 – £150.
This fee will vary depending on the source of the instruction.

Disbursements (third party costs)

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

Office Copies: £20 – £95
ID/AML Checks: £6 – £12 per person
Search Indemnity: £50
Search Pack (If required by your lender): £260 – £549
Land Registration Search: £3

Please note the fee range will vary depending on the work required. Factors which may increase the fees charged include:

If the property is leasehold;
If there is a referral fee;
If you wish for us to expedite your transaction;
If we cannot meet you in person and will need to complete an electronic ID check;
If you are a non-UK resident.

How long will the remortgage of my house take?

The length of time between instructing us to successfully completing the remortgage process and your new lender details being submitted to the Land Registry, will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 4-6 weeks.
It can be quicker or slower, depending on the nature of your individual circumstances, the timeliness of each party’s responses and returning of documents. For example, if you are remortgaging a property with a second equity redemption charge, this can increase the timeframes when corresponding with the relevant Help To Buy authority, who will have their own timeframes, to remove the charge.

Stages of the process

The precise stages involved in the remortgage of a residential property vary according to the circumstances; however below we have outlined the traditional stages we carry out on a standard remortgage.

Take your instructions and give you initial advice;
Obtain the Title Deeds from HM Land Registry;
Receive your mortgage offer and report to you on this;
Apply for searches or search indemnity (dependent on what your lender requires);
Request an initial redemption statement from the lender;
Send a draft completion statement for you to check;
Report to lender and confirm you can comply with the mortgage conditions;
Set a completion date;
Reconfirm redemption figure;
Transfer any remaining surplus to you;
An application will be made to the Land Registry with the new lender’s interest.

*Our fee assumes 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;
The transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complication 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;
You are referring to us directly and not through a panel or agent where referral fees may apply, these will be disclosed to you in our client care letter.

Abortive fees on all conveyancing transactions

Please note that we charge abortive fees of between £300 to £600 on each transaction

Abortive fees are when for unforeseen circumstances your transaction cannot proceed any longer after we have commenced work on the same. The level of our charge will reflect the level of the work we would have done for you on your transaction. Your conveyancing solicitor will discuss this fee with you should your matter need to be aborted.