We do not operate on a fixed fee basis but do provide estimates to all our clients for all matters. We tailor our estimates to the exact circumstances of our clients needs and specifically to the matter content. Below is an indication of how we calculate these fees:-
Residential Conveyancing
Residential Sale & Purchase Pricing
Welcome to our conveyancing services. We understand that navigating the legal intricacies of property transactions can be daunting, and we’re here to guide you through the process with expertise and professionalism.
As your solicitors, our primary goal is to ensure a smooth and efficient conveyancing experience for you. Whether you’re buying, selling, or remortgaging a property, our team is dedicated to providing you with comprehensive support and expert advice every step of the way.
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one party to another. It involves various legal, financial, and administrative tasks, all of which are essential for a successful property transaction. From conducting searches and surveys to drafting contracts and handling financial transactions, our solicitors are here to manage every aspect of your conveyancing needs.
Our approach is rooted in clear communication, transparency, and client satisfaction. We understand the importance of keeping you informed and empowered throughout the process, which is why we’ll always take the time to explain each stage of the conveyancing procedure in detail, answer any questions you may have, and address any concerns promptly.
Your conveyancing will be dealt with by experienced solicitors, assisted by their support staff. With our wealth of experience and dedication to delivering exceptional service, you can trust us to handle your conveyancing matters with professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail. Our ultimate aim is to help you achieve your property goals efficiently and effectively, while ensuring that your legal rights and interests are protected every step of the way.
We are proud to hold CQS Accreditation, issued by the Law Society. This involves the firm undergoing a rigorous audit process which ensures we maintain high levels of client care.
Our fees are set out as and are based upon an average sale transaction of a property with a value of £200,000. You can obtain a full detailed quote which will reflect your transaction by contacting us direct.
Our fees are set out as:
Residential Sale
Our fees cover all the work required to complete the sale of your current home.
| Item | Amount | VAT | |
| Our Fees – Based on house vale of up to £200,000.00 | 950.00 | 190.00 | |
| Land Registry Search fees | 6.00 | 0 | |
| AML (per person where applicable) | 12.00 | 2.40 | |
| Electronic money transfer arrangement fee | 35.00 | 7.00 | |
| Lender Fee | 95.00 | 19.00 | |
| Secure File Retention | 29.00 | 5.80 | |
| TOTAL £1,351.20 |
Exclusions
We do not undertake tax advice.
Our fees are estimates, however there may be factors which would typically increase the cost of the fees estimated above. Where there is likely to be any additional cost, we will make sure you are informed of this at the earliest opportunity and a clear estimate of those extra costs will be provided.
Factors that may lead to an increase in cost include:
- If a legal title is defective or unregistered
- If crucial documents we have previously requested from you have not been provided to us
- If you require to exchange within 6 weeks of instructing us
- If you require completion within 6 weeks of instructing us
- If you require simultaneous exchange and completion
- The property is leasehold – Additional Fee of £200.00 + Vat of £40.00 total of £240.
- The sale is a via an Executor.
- Sale is via an auction.
- The property is subject to shared ownership.
Time Scales
For any transaction, the timescales are subject to change depending on a number of factors involved, such as:
- Number of parties in the chain
- Whether the buyer has a mortgage in place already
- Any changes required with leasehold property leases (such as extension)
- Whether the searches bring up any significant issues
- Whether buyer’s Survey raises issues
A typical transaction will take between 8-12 weeks. However, if any of the above apply or there are other factors we need to take into consideration, it may increase the time by a further 4-6 weeks and additional charges may occur. We will discuss this with you at the earliest opportunity, so you always have a clear picture of how long things are likely to take.
Key Milestones
With every transaction there are key milestones, which may vary according to individual circumstances. They may be as follows:
- Taking your instructions and giving initial advice based on the information you have provided
- Drafting contracts of sale and any other necessary documents and reviewing these with you
- Sending the contract of sale to the buyer’s solicitor and dealing with any enquires they have
- Providing advice on all documents and information received
- Finalising the contract and sending to you for signature
- Agreeing a completion date (the date from which the buyer will legally own the property)
- Exchanging contracts and notifying you that this has happened
- Completing the purchase
Residential Property Purchase
Our fees cover all the work required to complete the purchase of your new home from instructions to final registration at the Land registry
Our fees will also include disbursements that we pay to third parties on your behalf. The costs below are based on a transaction up to £200,000, prices may be higher depending on the value and the type of property.
| Item | Amount | VAT | |
| Average Legal Fees – Based on a £200,000 property | 950.00 | 190.00 | |
| Search fees | 300.00 | 00.00 | |
| HM Land Registry fee | 100.00 | 0.00 | |
| Electronic money transfer arrangement fee | 35.00 | 7.00 | |
| Bankruptcy Search (per person) | 2.00 | 0.00 | |
| For preparing Land Transaction Tax Submission | 50.00 | 10.00 | |
| For acting for your lender | 95.00 | 19.00 | |
| Secure file retention | 29.00 | 5.80 | |
| Estimate Total £1,758.00 |
Below are additional fees that are not always relevant to every purchase.
| Item | Amount | VAT | Subtotal |
| Unregistered Land | 200.00 | 40.00 | 240.00 |
| Shared Ownership | 225.00 | 45.00 | 270.00 |
| Gifted Deposit | 60.00 | 12.00 | 72.00 |
| Help to Buy ISA | 60.00 | 12.00 | 72.00 |
| Coal/Brine/Salt Search | 94.00 | 18.80 | 112.80 |
| If the property is new build | 250.00 | 50.00 | 300.00 |
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.
These fees may be subject to change if further information relating to your property becomes available.
Leasehold
Extra costs are payable for leasehold purchases in the sum of £200 plus vat (£40.00) as well as disbursements as follows:
Anticipated Disbursements
| Item | Range from | Range to | Plus VAT |
| Notice of Transfer fee, this fee if chargeable is set out in the lease. Often the fee is: | £150.00 | £300 | from£30 to £60 |
| Notice of Charge fee (if the property is to be mortgaged), this fee is set out in the lease. Often the fee is: | £150 | £300 | From £30 to £60 |
| Deed of Covenant fee, this fee is provided by the management company for the property and can be difficult to estimate. Often the fee is: | £185 | £350 | From £37 to £70 |
| Certificate of Compliance fee – to be confirm upon receipt of the lease, as the range can be | £200 | £400 | From £40 to £80 |
Land Transaction Tax
This will depend on the purchase price of your property. You can calculate the amount you will need to pay by using the Welsh Revenue Authority’s website here. If in England then please refer back to us .
Exclusions
We do not undertake tax advice.
Our fees are estimated but there could be factors that increase the cost,
Factors that may lead to an increase in cost include:
- If a legal title is defective or part of the property is unregistered
- If you discover building regulations or planning permission has not been obtained
- If crucial documents we have previously requested from you have not been provided to us
- If the property is a new build
- If the property is less than 10 years old
- If you require to exchange within 6 weeks of instructing us
- If you require completion within 6 weeks of instructing us
- If you require simultaneous exchange and completion
Time Scales
For any transaction, the timescales are subject to change depending on when your offer is accepted and factors involved such as:
- Number of parties in the chain
- Whether you have a mortgage in place
- Whether you are buying a new build property
- Whether you need a lease extension for a leasehold property
A typical transaction will take between 8-12 weeks. However, if any of the above apply, or there are other factors we need to take into consideration, it may increase the time by a further 4-6 weeks and additional charges may occur. We will discuss this with you at the earliest opportunity so you always have a clear picture of how long things are likely to take. If costs are to increase we discuss these fully with you and explain why.
Key Milestones
With every transaction there are key milestones, which may vary according to individual circumstances. They may be as follows:
- Taking your instructions and giving initial advice based on the information you have provided
- Checking finances are in place to fund the purchase and contacting the lender’s solicitors if needed
- Receiving and advising on contract documents
- Undertaking searches
- Obtaining further planning documentation if required
- Making any necessary enquiries of the seller’s solicitor
- Providing advice on all documents and information received
- Advising you of the mortgage offer conditions
- Finalising contracts and sending to you for signature
- Agreeing a completion date (the date from which you will legally own the property)
- Exchanging contracts and notifying you that this has happened
- Ensuring all monies have been received from you and the lender(s)
- Completing the purchase
- Dealing with payment of Land Transaction Tax
- Completing and submitting an application for registration at the Land Registry
Commercial Conveyancing
Due to the nature of work involved in commercial conveyancing which can be the granting of a lease by a landlord or the taking of a lease by a tenant, or a purchase/sale of development land or commercial premises, we offer a bespoke service and provide an estimate of costs depending on the type and complexity of the matter. As an indication we would expect a granting of a lease new of premises to cost upwards of £950 plus VAT of £160, disbursements would be similar to residential disbursements above though do depend on the exact circumstance of the transaction, similarly for the taking of a lease by a tenant. Freehold purchase/sale costs are entirely dependent on the type of matter but we would be happy to provide an estimate of costs tailored to those exact circumstances.
Probate Pricing
Dealing with the legal intricacies following the passing of a loved one can be an emotionally challenging and daunting task. In the United Kingdom, the process of probate, which involves administering the estate of someone who has passed away, requires meticulous attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the legal framework.
For many individuals, seeking the assistance of a solicitor experienced in probate matters is not just advisable but essential. As solicitors we offer invaluable expertise and support to navigate through the complexities of probate, ensuring that the deceased’s assets are distributed according to their wishes and in compliance with the law.
We have an experienced team under Mrs Bowie who can assist you with every aspect of the probate process, reducing the administrative burden and advising sensitively on key decisions which need to be made when managing an estate. We are aware that administering an estate comes at a time of grief and high emotion, and that most people do not know the processes and legal requirements involved.
Mrs Bowie is proud to be a Fully Accredited member of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers which ensures we maintain high levels of client care and expertise in this specialised area of law.
Pricing
The fees involved in a probate matter can vary and this will depend on the individual circumstances involved.
We do not offer fixed fees but operate on an hourly rate charging rate, whereby you will be charged for each hour of work undertaken and therefore only work that is done can be charged. More specifically our charging method when dealing with probate matters is that we charge strictly on the basis of the work actually carried out. We are permitted to charge in addition a percentage of the value of the estate. We do not do so, because we do not think it is fair. A charge is made for every letter or email written and phone call. We do not charge for letters received. This charge depends on our terms of business in force at the time, and currently is £32.50 plus VAT for each letter, email or phone call. Time spent in going through paperwork to establish the extent of assets and liabilities, and in drafting and finalising the application for the grant of probate is charged depending on the time spent, again in accordance with our terms of business in force at the time. Currently, each hour spent is charged at £325.00 plus VAT.
There are two main stages of the Probate process, firstly obtaining the Grant of Probate and secondly administering the estate itself:
Grant of Probate
We can help you through this difficult process by obtaining the Grant of Probate on your behalf. We will:
- Provide you with a dedicated and experienced Probate solicitor to work on your matter
- Identify the legally appointed executors, administrators and beneficiaries from the will
- Accurately identify the type of Probate application you will require and advise you of this
- Obtain relevant documents required to make the application
- Identify whether Inheritance Tax is payable
- Complete the Probate Application and relevant HMRC Forms
- Draft a Legal Statement for you to swear in respect of the will
- Make the application to the Probate Court on your behalf for the Grant of Probate
- Obtain the Probate
Full Estate Administration
Our legal fees will generally range between £1000 to £8000 plus VAT and disbursements for a straight forward estate whether just obtaining probate or fully administering the estate. The fees will vary and are dependent upon individual circumstances.
These fees include us collecting in all of the information for the estate, preparing the relevant probate application and thereafter collecting in the assets of the estate, attending to payment of liabilities and distributing the estate.
The range of fees will depend on issues such as the number of beneficiaries and whether the estate includes any property. Probate fees will also typically increase, depending on whether there are multiple bank accounts, shares and based on the number and value of any properties.
We will handle the full process for you including considering whether:
- There is a valid Will
- Whether or not any executors have died or refuse to act
- There is a property or properties
- There are bank or building society accounts
- There are other intangible assets
- There are beneficiaries who do not have capacity under the Mental Health Act or minors
- There are disputes between beneficiaries on the division of assets. If disputes arise this will lead to an increase of costs
- There are trusts in the Will
- There are any missing beneficiaries
- There is inheritance tax payable and the executors need to submit a full account to HMRC
- There are claims made against the estate
| Item | Amount | VAT | Subtotal |
| Legal Fees for Grant of Probate and Full Estate Administration | From 1000.00 to 8000.00 | 200.00 to 1600.00 | 3600.00 to 7200.00 |
Disbursements
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees or court fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.
Anticipated Disbursements
| Item | Amount | VAT |
| Probate Fee | 273.00 | n/a |
| Office Copies for the Grant of Probate (per copy) | 1.50 | n/a |
| Bankruptcy Search fee (per deceased/ executor/beneficiary) | 2.00 | n/a |
| Asset Search | 185.00 | 37.00 |
| Section 27 Notices for Local Paper and London Gazette | 270.00 | 54.00 |
Some of these are optional and we will discuss them with you before incurring the disbursements
Inheritance Tax
There are several factors that will affect any Inheritance Tax due on an estate, including the size of the estate and any measures that were put in place by the deceased to limit the estates tax liability. It isn’t possible to attempt to provide an estimate of any tax liability without looking at the specifics of the estate but a calculator can be found at the HMRC website that may assist at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hmrc-tools-and-calculators#inheritance-tax-and-bereavement
Additional Costs
Additional issues such as there being no will or where the estate consists of multiple share holdings may increase the work involved in dealing with the estate and we will be able to discuss this with you and advise.
The cost of selling or transferring a property is not included in this price, if you require this service, please let us know and we will provide you with an estimate in that regard.
Some estates will need advice from third parties such as tax advice and valuations of property, investments or other assets which will incur additional costs.
Our fees include items detailed above, however there may be factors which would typically increase the cost of the fees involved. Where there is likely to be any additional cost, we will make sure you are informed of this at the earliest opportunity and a clear estimate of those extra costs will be provided.
Time Scales
It is very difficult to give an estimate of time frames for dealing with an estate due to procedural delays with The Probate Court in obtaining Grant of Probate and the complexity of the estate. On average, probate for the typical estate will take between 6 – 12 months. Generally, the time taken to obtain the Grant of Probate will take between 4 – 6 months, followed by the collection of assets and distribution of the assets which can take between 6 -12 months. More complex estates can take longer to deal with.
Key Milestones
With every transaction there are key milestones, which may vary according to individual circumstances. They may be as follows:
- Researching the assets of the estate and then applying for Grant of Probate
- Obtaining Grant of Probate
- Settling Liabilities of the estate
- Collecting funds from banks, investments etc ready for distribution
- Preparing estate accounts
- Distributing funds to beneficiaries