How to compare conveyancing quotes
Conveyancing quotes vary widely — from around £800 to over £2,500 all-in for a standard freehold purchase. The key to comparing accurately is looking at total cost including all disbursements, not just the headline professional fee.
What changes this cost
- Whether the quote is fixed or whether supplements can be added for complications arising mid-transaction.
- Whether disbursements are included as a total or listed as 'approximate' — the latter allows the final bill to increase.
- Whether the quote covers both buyer and lender in a single retainer (standard for most residential purchases with a mortgage).
- What the no-completion policy covers — professional fee only, or also disbursements.
- Turnaround time commitments and communication standards — relevant to chain purchases where speed matters.
Understanding how to compare conveyancing quotes
The most common mistake when comparing conveyancing quotes is comparing the professional fee alone. A solicitor quoting £700 plus 'disbursements to be advised' may work out more expensive than one quoting £1,300 all-inclusive once searches, Land Registry and other charges are confirmed.
Request at least three quotes, each showing the full breakdown: professional fee, each disbursement itemised, and total all-in cost. Insist on a written quote rather than a verbal estimate — this gives you something to refer back to if the final bill differs.
Check the regulatory status of the firm. Solicitors must be regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Licensed conveyancers are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC). Both are reputable regulatory bodies. Unregulated 'DIY conveyancing' services are available for unmortgaged cash purchases but are not suitable for most buyers.
Review speed and communication as carefully as price. Slow conveyancing is one of the most frequent causes of chain collapse. Check Trustpilot and Google reviews, and ask specifically how quickly the firm responds to emails and how it handles urgent exchange situations.
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Frequently asked questions
What should a conveyancing quote include?
A complete conveyancing quote should show: (1) the professional fee (fixed), (2) each disbursement itemised — local authority search, drainage search, environmental search, Land Registry fee, bank transfer fee, (3) any leasehold supplement if applicable, (4) VAT where applicable, and (5) a total all-in figure. If a quote does not show disbursements explicitly, ask for them before committing.
How do I know if a conveyancing quote is good value?
Compare three quotes on a like-for-like basis (same property type, same transaction complexity). A mid-market quote from a regulated firm with good reviews is usually better value than the cheapest quote from a firm with slow turnaround times. The cost of a delayed transaction — extended mortgage offer, bridging interest, chain collapse — typically exceeds any saving on legal fees.
What red flags should I look for in a conveyancing quote?
Red flags include: disbursements listed as 'approximately' without specific figures, supplements for every complication (even standard ones like electronic ID checks), very low headline fees that exclude searches, and firms not regulated by the SRA or CLC. Also avoid firms that cannot confirm their panel membership for your specific lender.
Should I use the cheapest conveyancer?
Not necessarily. The cheapest quote often excludes disbursements or carries qualifications that raise the final cost. More importantly, slow or poorly-communicated conveyancing can result in exchange delays, chain collapses or mortgage offer expiry — all of which cost considerably more than the difference between quotes. Use price as one factor alongside reviews and turnaround time.