Autumn is a great time to move — the property market tends to pick up again after the summer holidays, and motivated buyers and sellers are keen to complete before the Christmas break. But while you might already be factoring in your mortgage, deposit, and Stamp Duty, there’s one area of budgeting that often catches people out: conveyancing fees.
If you’re buying, selling, or both this autumn, it’s essential to understand what’s included — and what’s not — in your conveyancing quote. Some costs are obvious, but others may be buried in the fine print or added later as “extras.”
Here’s a full breakdown of conveyancing fees you might miss — and how to make sure you budget for everything upfront.
What Are Conveyancing Fees?
Conveyancing fees cover the legal work involved in transferring property ownership. This includes things like:
- Drafting or reviewing contracts
- Conducting property searches
- Liaising with the other party’s solicitor
- Handling funds transfer and legal filings
Most conveyancers will quote a base fee for their services — but this often doesn’t include disbursements (third-party costs) or any extras that arise during the transaction.
Common Fees Buyers Often Overlook
1. Search Fees
These are non-negotiable if you’re buying with a mortgage. Typical searches include:
- Local authority search
- Environmental search
- Drainage & water search
💷 Cost: £250–£400
✅ Make sure your quote itemises these separately — or confirms they’re included in the fixed price.
2. Bank Transfer Fees (CHAPS)
Used to send large sums on completion day. Some solicitors charge a flat fee, others mark it up.
💷 Cost: £25–£50
✅ Check whether this is included in your quote or listed as an extra.
3. ID Verification Fees
You’ll need to verify your identity to comply with anti-money laundering regulations. This often applies per person.
💷 Cost: £10–£20 per individual
✅ Not always listed in initial quotes — confirm how many people this applies to.
4. Stamp Duty Filing Fee
Even if you’re exempt from paying SDLT, your solicitor still needs to file a return with HMRC.
💷 Cost: £20–£50
✅ Check if this service is included, especially if you’re a first-time buyer.
5. Leasehold or Shared Ownership Supplements
Buying a leasehold flat? Expect to pay more, as there’s extra legal work involved reviewing the lease, ground rent clauses, and service charges.
💷 Cost: £100–£300
✅ If you’re not sure whether the property is leasehold, ask your agent or solicitor early.
Hidden Costs for Sellers
Sellers can also face unexpected charges, including:
- Office copy entries – Needed from the Land Registry to prove ownership.
💷 Cost: £6–£12 - Leasehold pack – If selling a leasehold property, you’ll need to request a management information pack from the freeholder or managing agent.
💷 Cost: £200–£500 (varies by provider) - Postage/Admin Fees – Some firms still charge for sending documents by post.
💷 Cost: £10–£30
✅ Choose a solicitor with modern, paperless processes to avoid outdated admin costs.
Why These Fees Are Easy to Miss in Autumn
During autumn, many buyers and sellers are rushing to complete before Christmas — and this urgency can lead to poor decision-making. With timelines tight and demand for conveyancers rising again, some firms:
- Provide vague or incomplete quotes
- Advertise “cheap” fees that exclude necessary services
- Charge extra for faster processing
That’s why choosing a detailed, fixed‑fee quote is essential — especially during this season.
How to Stay on Budget with Fixed‑Fee Conveyancing
At Compare Conveyancing, we make it easy to:
✅ Get quotes from trusted solicitors across England & Wales
✅ See a full breakdown of what’s included
✅ Choose fixed‑fee services with no hidden costs
✅ Avoid surprise charges and delays
With clear, upfront pricing, you can plan your move confidently — and stay in control of your budget.
Top Tips for Autumn Conveyancing Budgeting
- Request your quote early – Avoid last-minute surprises.
- Ask for full itemisation – Make sure all disbursements and extras are shown.
- Confirm your property type – Leasehold? Shared ownership? Flag it early.
- Set aside a buffer – Budget 5–10% extra in case of unexpected costs.
- Choose a fixed‑fee solicitor – Avoid “starting from” quotes that change later.
Final Thoughts
Autumn is a popular time to move, but don’t let overlooked legal fees throw off your financial plans. With a bit of upfront planning and the right support, you can budget with confidence and avoid common pitfalls.
Compare fixed‑fee conveyancing quotes today at Compare Conveyancing — and make your autumn move simple, clear, and cost-effective.
