Leasehold conveyancing fees
Leasehold conveyancing costs £200–£500 more than an equivalent freehold transaction. A standard leasehold purchase in England or Wales typically costs £1,500–£3,000 all-in, depending on lease complexity, management company responsiveness and the solicitor used.
What changes this cost
- Long lease reviews (99+ years, standard terms) carry a smaller supplement than short or complex leases requiring specialist advice.
- Management company pack fees — charged by the freeholder or managing agent — are a disbursement typically running from £150 to £400.
- Deed of covenant, notice of transfer and notice of charge fees apply to most leasehold purchases, adding £150–£300 in total.
- Short leases (under 80 years) require formal valuation and lease extension advice, significantly increasing legal costs.
- Lease extension simultaneous with purchase adds complexity and cost; budget for separate specialist advice if the lease has fewer than 90 years remaining.
Understanding leasehold conveyancing fees
Leasehold conveyancing is more complex than freehold because the solicitor must review the lease itself (which can run to hundreds of pages), raise enquiries with the management company or freeholder, and register a series of post-completion notices with the relevant parties. Each of these steps adds time and cost.
The main leasehold disbursements are the management company information pack (typically £150–£400, charged by the freeholder or managing agent), deed of covenant execution fee, notice of transfer fee and notice of charge fee. These are payable regardless of which solicitor you use.
Lease length is a critical factor. Leases with fewer than 80 years remaining lose value and become harder to mortgage. Lenders typically require at least 70–85 years on the lease at completion. If the lease is short, factor in lease extension costs — either pre-purchase or immediately afterwards — when budgeting.
When comparing leasehold conveyancing quotes, confirm whether the quoted price includes all management company disbursements or whether these will be passed through as extras. Some firms quote a base fee and then list leasehold supplements separately.
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Frequently asked questions
How much extra does leasehold conveyancing cost?
Leasehold conveyancing typically costs £200–£500 more than an equivalent freehold transaction, mainly due to lease review, management company enquiries, and post-completion notice fees. Management company information packs alone can cost £150–£400 depending on the freeholder.
What are leasehold conveyancing disbursements?
Typical leasehold disbursements include: management company information pack (£150–£400), deed of covenant fee (£50–£150), notice of transfer fee (£50–£150), notice of charge fee (£50–£150 if buying with a mortgage), and Land Registry registration fee (which applies to all purchases, freehold or leasehold).
Is leasehold conveyancing slower than freehold?
Usually yes, because management company packs can take several weeks to arrive, and enquiries about service charges, major works plans and ground rent reviews often require back-and-forth correspondence. Instructing your solicitor promptly and chasing the management company early reduces delays.
Should I get a lease extension before buying?
If the lease has fewer than 80 years remaining, a lease extension is strongly advisable — either as a condition of purchase or immediately after. Below 80 years, the cost of extending increases significantly and some lenders will not lend. Your solicitor can advise on the premium calculation and process.