Cost Information

Cost Information

We are expert conveyancing solicitors providing a personal service to help you through all aspects of your property transaction. We have also been accredited with the Law Society Conveyancing Quality ( CQS ) quality accreditation.

Please see our cost guide as below and for a detailed quote please email info@oneillsolicitors.co.uk or call us on 01704 549 549 for an immediate quote tailored for your specific transaction value and individual requirements.

Please note all work is carried out by an expert conveyancing solicitor with over 27 years’ experience and your matter will only be dealt with by one solicitor Joanne O’Neill and not a “team”.

CONVEYANCING COSTS – We charge a fixed fee for our residential conveyancing costs and our costs depend on a number of factors including but not limited to the property value .

Please see our costs estimate as below.

SALE OF A PROPERTY

Sale Price below £500 000

Our fees range from £675.00 to £950.00

Plus

Bank Transfer Fee £35.00

Plus vat at the rate of 20%*

Our fees depend on various matters including but not limited to the property value , if the title is unregistered , freehold/leasehold , Apt/house, price and location, a new-build or a new lease or if there are any shared ownership/shared equity or a plot of land

In addition there will be the following disbursements**

(these are costs that are paid to a third party on your behalf by us eg to the land registry )

• Official copy of the register and Title Plan: £3.00 for each copy

• If the property is Leasehold, we will be required to obtain a copy of the Freeholder’s Title and Title Plan £6.00 and a copy of the Lease £3.00.

• If there are any other documents mentioned in the title register, we will be required to obtain these at a cost of £3.00 each.

• If the property is Leasehold, there may be a fee payable to the Freeholder/Managing Agent to provide a Sale Pack, which will be required by the Buyer’s Solicitor. The average charge is approximately £150.00 - £300.00 plus VAT but this can vary depending on the Managing Agent or Freeholder.

In some cases both a Freehold Pack and a Management Pack will be required and the Freeholder and Management Agent may have additional charges.

*indemnity policies may also be needed on your sale and purchase

*Please see below note as fees quoted as above assume various factors

*please see below note re stages of the sale process

*If the property is Leasehold we will charge an extra cost of £150.00 plus VAT as Leasehold sales are more complicated and there are more requirements.

*If the property is unregistered or a sale of part there will be an additional fee of £150.00 - £250.00 plus vat as they are more complicated.

*If the property is a leasehold retirement flat there will be an additional fee of £250.00 plus vat.

Each property is unique therefore please call us for a detailed specific quotation.

PURCHASE OF A PROPERTY

We charge a fixed fee for our residential conveyancing costs and our costs depend on a number of factors including but not limited to the property value .

Please see our costs estimate as below.

Purchase price below £500 000

Our fees range from £675.00 to £950.00

Plus

Stamp duty submission cost £55.00

Bank Transfer Fee £35.00

Plus vat at the rate of 20%*

Our fees depend on various matters including but not limited to the property price , if the title is unregistered or a plot of land, freehold/leasehold , Apt/house, price and location, a new-build or a new lease or if there are any shared ownership/shared equity, Freehold / Leasehold house purchase help to buy issues.

*If the property is a Leasehold we will charge an extra cost of £175.00 plus VAT as Leasehold purchases are more complicated and there are more requirements. You should also be aware that Ground Rent and Service Charges are likely to apply throughout your ownership of the property. We will confirm the Ground Rent and the anticipated Service Charge as soon as we receive this information.

*If the property is a new build we will charge £225.00 plus vat as these are more time consuming.

*If the property is unregistered there will be an additional fee of £150.00 plus vat.

*If the property is a leasehold retirement flat there will be an additional fee of £250.00 plus vat.

Each property is unique therefore please call us for a detailed specific quotation.

In addition there will be the following disbursements**

(costs that are paid to a third party on your behalf by us eg Land Registry );

• Search fees: a typical Search Pack on a purchase is £185.00 but please note this price could increase dependent on the location of your property and the volume and type of Searches required. Extra Searches can be advisable depending on the location of the property requirements of your Lender at an extra cost.

• Land Registry fee: this fee is payable to the Land Registry when we apply to register your ownership of the Property and depends on the price of the property. Please refer to HM Land Registry fee calculator http://landregistry.data.gov.uk/fees-calculator.html

It also depends on whether the application can be made electronically or not and if the property Title is unregistered.

• Land Registry Searches: £8.00 (bankruptcy and priority search)

• Stamp Duty (this depends on the value of your property). You can calculate the amount you will need to pay by using the HMRC’s website https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/calculate-stamp-duty-land-tax or if the property is located in Wales by using the Welsh Revenue Authority’s website

• Lawyer checker fee £15.00, may be required to recheck the sellers solicitors bank details

Further Anticipated Leasehold disbursements in addition to the above**:

• Notice of Transfer fee and Notice of Charge fee if applicable charged by a Freeholder or Landlord or Management Company – This fee may be chargeable and this fee can vary but typically is between £50.00 to £250.00 plus VAT.

• Deed of Covenant fee – charged by the Freeholder Landlord or Management Company for the property and can be difficult to estimate. Often it is between £100.00 and £250.00 plus VAT.

• Certificate of Compliance fee – can be required, to be confirmed upon receipt of the Lease. Costs can range between £50.00 and £250.00 plus VAT.

Please note that these fees can vary from property to property and can, on occasion, be different to the figures given above.

We can give you an accurate figure once we have sight of your specific documents.

You should also be aware that Ground Rent and Service Charges are likely to apply throughout your ownership of the property.

We will confirm the Ground Rent and the anticipated Service Charge as soon as we receive the details.

*indemnity policies may also be needed on your sale and purchase

*Please see below note as fees quoted as above assume various factors

*please see below note re stages of the purchase process

RE-MORTGAGE up to £250 000

Our costs £450.00

Bank Transfer Fee £35.00

Plus VAT at 20%

These quoted fees do not apply to a Transfer of Title or Transfers of Equity or Matrimonial Transfers or Leasehold properties as additional fees may apply and a bespoke quote will be needed

In addition there will be the following disbursements**: ( third party costs)

• Search fees: if required by your new Lender - a typical Search Pack is £170.00 but please note this price could increase dependent on the location of your property and the volume and type of Searches required. Extra Searches can be advisable depending on the location of the property requirements of your Lender.

• Land Registry fee: this fee is payable to the Land Registry when we apply to register your ownership of the Property and depends on the price of the property. Please refer to HM Land Registry fee calculator

http://landregistry.data.gov.uk/fees-calculator.html

It also depends on whether the application can be made electronically or not and if the property Title is unregistered.

• Land Registry Searches: £8.00 (bankruptcy and priority search)

Further Anticipated Leasehold disbursements if applicable **:

• Notice of Transfer fee – Notice of Charge fee (if the property is to be mortgaged) –Deed of Covenant fee – Please see above.

Often these can be between £100.00 and £250.00 per notice plus VAT.

• Certificate of Compliance fee – to be confirmed upon receipt of the Lease and can range between £50.00 and £250.00 plus VAT.

Please note that these fees can vary from property to property and can, on occasion, be different to the figures given above. We can give you an accurate figure once we have sight of your specific documents.

You should also be aware that Ground Rent and Service Charges are likely to apply throughout your ownership of the property. We will confirm the Ground Rent and the anticipated Service Charge as soon as we receive this information.

*Please note that all our fees quoted above assume that:

(a) this is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including (but not limited to) a defect in Title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction

(b) the property is registered at the Land Registry. Whilst most properties are registered, some are not. If the property is unregistered additional work is involved which may incur a further charge.

(c) this is not a new build or grant of a new Lease

(d ) the transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complication arises

(e) all parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from the third parties providing the documentation.

(f ) no indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required.

**Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties such as Search fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. The list is not exhaustive and other disbursements may apply depending on the property type location etc. We will update you on the specific fees upon receipt and review of the lease from the seller’s solicitors.

If the matter becomes complex then there may be an additional fee, for example:

• Where your mortgage Lender instructs its own solicitor • If your Lease purchase includes the purchase of a share of the Freehold

• Where a Lease extension is involved • Shared ownership transactions

• New build instructions • Missing or absentee Landlords

• Where a transaction is required to be expedited • Contract races

*How long will my transaction take?

How long it will take will depend on a number of factors. Covid issues can extend timescales sometimes beyond our control beyond the average process which normally takes between 8 to 12 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 8 weeks. However if you are buying a Leasehold property that requires an extension of the Lease, this can take significantly longer.

*Stages of the process - Purchase

The precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential property vary according to the circumstances but can include;

• Taking your instructions and giving you initial advice • Check finances are in place to fund the purchase and contact Lender’s solicitors if needed

• Receive and advise on contract documents • Carry out Searches

• Obtain further planning documentation if required • Make any necessary enquiries of the seller

• Give you advice on all documents and information received • Go through conditions of mortgage offer

• Send final Contract to you for signature • Draft Transfer

• Advise you on joint ownership • Obtain pre-completion searches

• Agree completion date (date from which you own the property) • Exchange Contracts and notify you that this has happened

• Arrange for all monies needed to be received from the Lender and you • Complete purchase

• Deal with payment of Stamp Duty/Land Tax • Deal with application for registration at Land Registry.

*Stages of the process – Sale

On a sale this may include;

*taking initial instructions *drafting the Contract and providing the Title and any copy documents

*arranging the property forms for you to complete * dealing with buyer’s enquiries

*send the Contract and Transfer to you to sign * obtain Lender redemption statements

*agree a completion date * exchange * pay off your Lender, the Agents and pay you any balance

Referral fees

If you are referred to by an Introducer we may pay if applicable , a referral fee.

We will provide you with details of the arrangement and the fee we pay in the client care information that we send you at the start of your transaction.

This fee is paid by us from our costs so that there is no additional charge for you to pay.

The fee earner which will deal with your case is an expert qualified solicitor with over 27 years’ experience.

Please email or call us for an immediate quote to your specific transaction value and requirements.

WILLS

Our average cost for a simple will with no tax planning or trusts or business interests is;

Single £175.00 plus VAT

Joint Mirror £250.00 plus VAT

In unusual cases or more complex cases the fees will vary. This will be discussed at the outset. Our charges for our will work is based on an hourly rate of £175.00 plus vat

PROBATE

Our Probate work is carried out by Joanne O’Neill who was admitted as a solicitor in 1994 and who will assist you through the legal steps at this difficult time and we can help you by obtaining the Grant of Probate on your behalf and can also undertake the collecting and distributing of assets and the estate administration.

Our charges depend upon the complexity of the probate and the estate. The below costs are a guide but we will need to take detailed instructions before we can give an accurate fee quote.

Please call us on 01704 549 549 or email us at info@oneillsolicitors.co.uk

Costs guide

*The exact cost estimate will depend on the individual circumstances of the matter. For example, if there is one beneficiary and no property, costs will be at the lower end of the range. If there are multiple beneficiaries, multiple properties and multiple bank accounts, costs will be at the higher end. We can have a detailed no obligation telephone call to go through any factors which may lower or higher our costs.

* Probate costs are charged on an hourly rate based on the time spent by the solicitor and staff dealing with your file. Our current hourly rate is £175.00 plus vat and disbursements . When instructed by you we will provide a client care letter which details our terms, the hourly rate and a detailed cost estimate and the work we are providing.

* Our cost estimate ;

Applying and obtaining the Grant of Probate only range from £700.00 to £1,000 plus vat and disbursements and Court fee.

Our costs for obtaining probate and collecting and administrating and distributing an estate range from £700.00 to £9,000 plus vat and plus disbursements as the exact costs depend on the complexity and value of the estate.

A typical cost example if there is a valid will, there is only one house, no more than 4 UK bank accounts, there are no stocks or shares, no life or pensions, there are no more than 4 beneficiaries and no inheritance tax is due and there are no claims or disputes (if disputes arise this is likely to lead to an increase in costs), there is no inheritance tax payable or tax advice provided and the executors do not need to submit a full account to HMRC and there are no foreign assets ;

Costs to obtain probate grant £700.00 plus vat and disbursements and court fee

based at 4 hours work at £175.00 per hour. We will obtain the probate information and submit the probate application . As part of our fee this work will not involve , valuations , closing accounts and distributing / paying beneficiaries and preparing accounts.

costs to obtain probate and administer and distribute the estate

£1,225 plus vat and disbursements and court fee based on 7 hours work @ £175.00 per hour and this work will include obtaining the grant, collecting assets and distributing them and providing statements

*Work that may be carried out for you as part of our administrating and distributing costs may be

meetings and advice, applying for the probate/ grant, drafting and checking documents, correspondence with the Court, executors and beneficiaries as well as regards the assets, preparing statements and accounts and updates, administrating the assets, dealing with debts , expenses.

*Disbursements are costs that we pay on your behalf and are in addition to our costs eg

Court fees £155.00

Oath fee £7.00

Bankruptcy fee £2.00 per beneficiary

Notices £250-300

Additional copies of the grant £1.50p per copy

*Any property sale will be charged as an extra cost and at our conveyancing rates as above.

*Our probate service can provide you with a dedicated and experienced probate solicitor to work on your matter, Identify the legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries, Accurately identify the type of Probate application you will require, Obtain the relevant documents required to make the application, Complete the Probate Application and the relevant HMRC forms, draft a legal oath for you to swear, make the application to the Probate Court on your behalf, Obtain the Probate and securely send two copies to you and if required collect and distribute all assets in the estate.

*Other factors that affect probate costs are ; business interests and assets, estate value , number of beneficiaries, number of assets held and their complexities , stocks and shares, assets held abroad, trusts, number of properties, if any tax is due, if there is a will, any claims or disputes. If it is a high value estate there may be following Law Society guidelines a value element that is fair and reasonable to all parties due to the responsibility falling on the firm at the rate of 1% of the estate value and 0.5% for the property value. Potential additional costs - If there is no will or the estate consists of any share holdings (stocks and bonds) there is likely to be additional costs that could range significantly depending on the estate and how it is to be dealt with. We can give you a more accurate quote once we have more information.

*Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included in our probate costs.

*The average timescale for obtaining a simple Grant is approx. 8-12 weeks mainly based on the Court’s timescales and administration and distribution can take between 4-8 weeks thereafter.

If you have any enquiry regarding a Wil or Probate matter please call us on 01704 549 549

Many thanks