Conveyancing Quotes: How to Compare and Avoid Overpaying

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The difference between the cheapest and most expensive conveyancing quote can be over £1,000 — for the exact same transaction. Yet most people accept the first quote they receive without comparing.

This guide shows you how to read conveyancing quotes properly, what hidden costs to watch for, and how to get a genuinely fair price.

Why conveyancing quotes vary so much

Conveyancing fees are not regulated. Unlike stamp duty or Land Registry fees (which are fixed), solicitors and conveyancers set their own prices. The variation comes from overhead costs (a City centre office costs more than a remote operation), the level of service (a dedicated case handler costs more than a call-centre model), volume strategy (some firms compete on price with high volume, others charge more for personalised service), and brand premium (established high-street names often charge more than newer online firms).

Anatomy of a conveyancing quote

A proper quote should contain three sections. The legal fee is the firm's charge for handling your case — this is the negotiable part. Disbursements are third-party costs the firm pays on your behalf (searches, Land Registry, Land Tax) — these are fixed and identical whoever you use. Additional charges are extras for specific circumstances like leasehold supplements, new build fees, lender panel fees, or electronic transfer charges.

The total cost is the only number that matters. A firm with a low legal fee but high "additional charges" may cost more overall than one with a higher headline fee and no extras.

The comparison checklist

When you have multiple quotes in front of you, check these seven things: Does the quote include VAT on the legal fee? Are all disbursements listed individually? Is there a separate charge for acting for your mortgage lender? Are leasehold or new build supplements included? What's the no-completion, no-fee policy? Are there any charges for electronic bank transfers? Is there an excess charge for "complex" cases?

How to get the best price

Get at least three quotes before deciding. Use comparison services to quickly gather multiple fixed-fee quotes. Ask if they'll match a competitor's price — many firms will. Consider online conveyancers for straightforward transactions. Check whether your estate agent's recommendation is truly competitive (they often receive referral fees). Bundle buying and selling with the same firm for a discount.

When cheap is too cheap

Be wary of quotes significantly below the market average. Extremely low prices sometimes indicate inexperienced staff handling your case, a high-volume factory model with poor communication, hidden charges that appear later, or insufficient professional indemnity insurance. The cheapest conveyancer who delays your completion by three weeks costs more than a slightly pricier one who completes on time — especially if you're paying rent, bridging finance, or risking your chain.

Get up to 4 fixed-fee quotes from regulated conveyancers. Free, no obligation, takes 60 seconds. Every quote is fully itemised so you can compare like-for-like.

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