How much are solicitors' fees for buying a house? In 2026, the average solicitor’s fee for buying a house is £1,575 in the UK, based on our data from 46 firms. On top of this, you’ll pay disbursements (third-party costs) of around £250–£650, which cover things like property searches, Land Registry fees, and ID checks.
Most buyers spend between £1,000 and £2,500+ on solicitor fees when buying a house, depending on property value, whether it’s freehold or leasehold, and how complex the transaction is.
This guide explains average solicitors’ fees for buying a house, breaks down what they include, highlights common extras, and shows you how to save.
To get an accurate price for your purchase, compare conveyancing quotes from solicitors.
Key Takeaways
Typical UK range (legal fees): £1,000-£2,500+
Average fee (2026): £1,575
Disbursements: £250-£650 on top of solicitor's fees
Leasehold purchases: add £200-£300 legal fee + landlord/agent charges
First-time buyers: pay the same as other buyers, but Help to Buy/LISA adds small admin fees
Payment: £250-£450 upfront, balance on completion
Get personalised solicitor costs with our conveyancing fees calculator
How Much Are Solicitors’ Fees When Buying a House in the UK?
Most UK buyers pay £1,000-£2,500+ in solicitor's fees when buying a house, with the national average at £1,575. These fees cover the conveyancing process, including ID checks, contract reviews, mortgage work, and completion. Disbursements are separate and typically cost £250-£650. These are just a part of the overall cost of buying a house.
Higher-value homes, leaseholds, new builds and shared ownership purchases sit at the top end of the scale.
Average Solicitors’ Fees by Property Price (UK 2026)
Solicitors for buying a house or selling a house often base their costs partly on property value. Leasehold purchases usually add £200-£300 due to extra checks and notices. Solicitor fees when selling a house is generally cheaper for sellers than buyers because the legal work involved in selling a property is less complex than the work required for buying one.
Average solicitor fees for buying a house (incl. VAT):
| Property Price | Freehold Solicitor Fee | Leasehold Solicitor Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Up to £100K | £1,090 | £1,270 |
| £100K to £200K | £1,190 | £1,370 |
| £200K to £300K | £1,320 | £1,490 |
| £300K to £400K | £1,390 | £1,560 |
| £400K to £500K | £1,490 | £1,650 |
| £500K to £600K | £1,750 | £1,860 |
| £600K to £700K | £1,800 | £1,960 |
| £700K to £800K | £2,000 | £2,150 |
| £800K to £900K | £2,120 | £2,290 |
| £900K to £1m | £2,160 | £2,340 |
| £1m+ | £2,550 | £2,710 |
If you're buying a flat (leasehold), you'll also face third-party charges like Deeds of Covenant, Certificates of Compliance and Notices of Transfer, which can add £150-£500+. In addition, conveyancing fees in London will be higher due to higher operational overheads for conveyancing firms along with higher property values.
Our conveyancing calculator can provide an estimated cost of conveyancing when buying a home.
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What’s Included in Solicitors’ Fees When Buying a House?
Your solicitor's fee usually covers these six key stages:
- ID and anti-money laundering checks - verifying our identity and funds (£6 - £20 per person).
- Contract review - checking the draft contract and raising enquiries.
- Searches - ordering conveyancing searches like local authority, drainage, and environmental checks (£250 - £450).
- Mortgage liaison - reviewing your mortgage offer and communicating with the lender.
- Exchange of contracts - handling deposits, agreeing dates, and binding the contract.
- Completion - transferring funds, paying Stamp Duty, registering your ownership at Land Registry.
Common extra solicitor fees (if applicable)
Some circumstances add costs on top of the base fee. The most common extras when buying a house are:
| Service | Typical Fee | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Leasehold supplement | £200 - £300 | Reviewing lease, serving notices, liaising with freeholder |
| New build supplement | ~£360 | Extra checks on developer contracts & warranties |
| Shared ownership supplement | £300-£400 | Additional work with housing association |
| Mortgage admin fee | £60-£200 | Handling lender requirements |
| Engrossment fee | ~£145 | Preparing final legal documents |
| Gifted deposit checks | £50-£115 | Verifying the source of gifted funds |
| Help to Buy ISA/LISA fee | £50-£75 | Processing bonus release paperwork |
| Lease extension legal work | ~£2,290 | Negotiating & registering new lease terms |
Tip: Always ask if VAT is included in your quote. If not, add 20% to the total.
Disbursements When Buying a House
Disbursements are third-party costs paid via your solicitor. These are in addition to legal fees:
| Disbursement | Typical Fee |
|---|---|
| Search pack | £250-£450 |
| Bank transfer fee (ITT/CHAPS) | £25-£45 |
| Land Registry search/office | £6-£20 |
| Anti-money laundering checks | £6-£20 per person |
| Stamp Duty filing admin | ~£20 |
Leasehold buyers should also budget £150-£500+ for notices, certificates and covenants from the freeholder or managing agent.
Prices are based on our cost data, received directly from user feedback.
When Do You Pay Solicitors’ Fees When Buying a House?
When do you pay solicitor fees when buying a house?
- Upfront (on account): £250-£450 when you instruct, covering ID checks and searches.
- On completion: Remaining balance of legal fees and disbursements.
With "no sale, no fee" solicitors, you won't pay the legal fee if your purchase falls through before exchange - but you will still pay for disbursements already incurred.
Get your conveyancer lined up early
Instructing a conveyancer early can prevent delays later on. They can complete ID checks and order searches in advance, so things move faster once the sale is agreed.
Avoid delays after your offer is accepted
Reduce last-minute paperwork issues
Keep the purchase moving once contracts are issued
How to Save on Solicitors’ Fees for Buying a House
- Compare at least 3-5 quotes - avoid vague "from" pricing.
- Choose fixed fee conveyancing - prevents hourly billing from escalating costs.
- Check what's included - especially search fees, leasehold suplements, and TT fees.
- Use one firm if buying and selling - many firms offer combined discounts.
- Avoid estate agent referrals - they often add commission.
- Ask about "no sale, no fee" - can protect you if the purchase collapses.
Save up to £900 on Conveyancing Fees
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How to Find a Conveyancer
Choosing a regulated professional helps ensure you get the right service at the best price when buying a house. A professional solicitor can help reduce stress and avoid costly mistakes during the purchase.
When you compare through us, we'll connect you with up to 5 conveyancers in the local area and help you save on your conveyancing costs. All our conveyancing partners have passed our strict verification process and will be regulated by either the SRA, CLC, LSS, LSNI or CILEx.
Need a Surveyor Too?
When buying a house, you may also need the help of a RICS home surveyor to check the condition of the home. Fill in our integrated conveyancing and surveying comparison form to get connected today.
FAQs
How much are solicitors' fees for buying a house?
The average is £1,575 in 2026, with most buyers paying £1,000 - £2,500+. Disbursements are extra (£250 - £650).
What are average solicitor's fees for buying a house if I'm a first-time-buyer?
First-time buyers don't get discounts on legal fees, but cheaper property prices may mean lower fees. Help to Buy or ISA bonuses may add £50 - £75 in admin fees.
Are solicitor fees different for leasehold vs freehold?
Yes. Leasehold purchases usually cost £200-£300 more in legal fees, plus £150-£500 in freeholder charges.
Do solicitors charge if the sale falls through?
With a "no sale, no fee" solicitor, you won't pay their legal fee if the purchase fails before exchange. But you'll still pay for disbursements already spent.
What's the cheapest way to reduce solicitor fees when buying a house?
Compare fixed-fee quotes online, avoid hidden extras, and look for firms offering combined sale-and-purchase discounts.
