At Hart Jacksons we are proud to be open and transparent with regards to our costs. Whilst no property is the same and the issues arising in a purchase will differ from one property to the next, we recommend that you telephone us with as much information as possible about your purchase and to discuss your particular requirements so that we can provide you with an accurate quote at the outset.
We pride ourselves on our personalised service which includes our bespoke property report with full details on your purchase (something not all firms do). Our experience in dealing with all manner of properties, in particular those in rural locations, means that we are well placed to consider the potential issues which may arise early on in the transaction and our quotes are tailored accordingly.
Services Included
Our fees cover all of the work required to complete the purchase of your new home, including dealing with registration of the Transfer at the Land Registry and dealing with the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax (Stamp Duty) if the property is in England, or Land Transaction Tax (Land Tax) if the property you wish to buy is in Wales. Many other solicitors firms charge for the preparation of a Stamp Duty return however it is our view that this an integral part of the process and is included in our fixed fee.
Conveyancer’s fees and disbursements
Purchase price |
Legal fee |
Total fee |
|---|---|---|
| Up to £125,000 | £1530 + £306 VAT | £1836 |
| £125,001 to £250,000 | £1785 + £357 VAT | £2142 |
| £250,001 to £350,000 | £2040 + £408 VAT | £2448 |
| £350,001 to £500,000 | £2550 + £510 VAT | £3060 |
| £500,001 to £750,000 | £3060 + £612 VAT | £3672 |
| £750,001 to £2,000,000 | 0.30% of Purchase Price + 20% VAT | TBC |
The above charges are based on the assumptions that:
- the property is currently held under a single title at the Land Registry with no title defects;
- you are not in a contract race
- the purchase will be on the basis of an unconditional contract and the property is acquired with vacant possession;
- completion takes place on the date agreed in the contract.
Additional fees may be charged if the transaction requires the following:
| Purchase of a new build: £450 (+ £90 VAT) to the above charges with a minimum total fee of £1500 (+ £300 VAT) |
| Statutory Declaration/Statement of Truth – Starting from £250 (+ £50 VAT) |
| Mortgage Lender £75 (+ £15.00 VAT) |
| Private Water and Drainage £250 (+ £50 VAT) each |
| Upgrading titles (from possessory to full): £200 (+ £40 VAT) |
| Dealing with an unregistered property sale/purchase: increase of £250 (+ £50 VAT) |
| Help to Buy ISA: £50 (+ £10 VAT) |
| Transfer of Part £250 (+ £50 VAT) |
| Indemnity Fee standard £25 (+ £5 VAT) , bespoke £75 (+ £15 VAT) |
Disbursements
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. The usual disbursements are as follows:
Search fees (Local, water and drainage and environmental): £300.00 inclusive of VAT (approx. – depending on the location of the property)
HM Land Registry fee: click here to navigate to the HM Land registry website for further details (fees range from £20 to £1105 dependent on value and how applications are made)
Land Registry Bankruptcy search fee per person: £6 plus VAT (£7.20)
Land Registry search fee: £3.75 plus VAT (£4.50)
Identification Search fee per person: £12 plus VAT (£14.40)
Electronic money transfer fee: £25.00 plus VAT (£30.00)
If it becomes apparent that there are unforeseen circumstances in connection with the purchase we may have to increase our charges, but if that is the case, we would inform you before we incur any additional costs.
Stamp Duty or Land Tax (on purchase)
This depends on the purchase price of your property. You can calculate the amount you need pay by using HMRC’s website or, if the property is located in Wales, by using the by using the Welsh Revenue Authority’s website. Please click here to navigate to the HMRC Stamp Duty Land Tax web page.
Total Costs
Whilst the total cost of your purchase will be dependent on a number of factors we provide the following illustration as to how the total costs are calculated:
For the purchase of a property by a couple with the assistance of a mortgage, who have owned property in the past and which is registered at the Land Registry for £200,000:
| Hart Jackson and Sons fees | £1785 |
| VAT on our fees | £357 |
| Local Drainage and Environmental searches | £300 (approx) |
| Stamp Duty Land Tax | £1500 |
| Bankruptcy search fee | £7.20 |
| Land Registry search fee | £4.50 |
| Land Registration fees | £95 |
| Identification search fees | £14.40 |
| Telegraphic Transfer fees | £30 |
| Total (Including VAT) | £4,093.1 |
How long will my house purchase take?
How long it will take from your offer being accepted until you can move into your house will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 12 – 16 weeks.
It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain. For example, if you are a first-time buyer purchasing a new build property with a mortgage in principle, it could take 10 weeks. However, if you are buying a leasehold property that requires an extension of the lease, this can take significantly longer, between 3-6 months. In such a situation, additional charges would apply.
Professionals
Our team has over 20 years of collective experience in delivering high quality work in all Conveyancing matters. They have particular expertise in Trust and Estates, Commercial and 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 Naomi Marczak, Partner and head of the property team.
Naomi qualified as a Solicitor in 2008 after gaining an LLB (Hons) from the University of Warwick, she completed her training contract at Hart Jackson & Sons. Naomi has completed a STEP qualification and is a Trust and Estate Practitioner.
More information on the property team can be found on our Meet the Team page. Click here
