Comparing Cheap Conveyancing Quotes

Written by Martha Lott Reviewed by Jonathan Rolande

6th Feb 2023 (Last updated on 19th Apr 2024) 6 minute read

Should I use a Cheap Conveyancer?

Before accepting a cheap conveyancing quote, it’s important to make sure you read the quote breakdown carefully. This allows you to identify any hidden costs and helps promote a fast and efficient service.

Conveyancing quotes should always include the solicitor’s legal fee and conveyancing disbursements. These will include the cost of property searches and Land Registry fees. Take time to read our guide on the average solicitor fees when buying a house to get a better understanding of how costs are broken down.

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of using a cheap conveyancer:

Advantages

• Lower upfront cost

Disadvantages

• The quote may not include all conveyancing costs
• Cost can increase in complex cases
• There may be a risk of a potential scam

If you want to compare cheap conveyancers, you can use our Conveyancing Calculator to receive an estimated cost dependent on the property price and location.

Understanding Conveyancing Costs

The average solicitor fees for buying a house are £2,339 and the average solicitor fees for selling a house are £1,690. This includes the legal fees, disbursements, and other potential costs.

Many conveyancers will offer a fixed fee conveyancing service. This means the price you're quoted upfront won’t change. Some conveyancers offer no sale no fee conveyancing. With this service, you're not required to pay the solicitor’s legal fee if your sale falls through. You will still have to pay other third-party costs.

Some conveyancers still charge an hourly rate. This may seem to be a cheaper option at first, but it doesn’t include third-party costs. This can quickly add up.

What to Expect in a Conveyancing Quote

We’ve included a breakdown of the usual costs you’ll find in a conveyancing quote when buying a house at the UK average price of £277,000. This is based on our conveyancing fees cost data:

Is Online Conveyancing Cheaper?

Online conveyancing services tend to be cheaper than traditional conveyancers. This is because all communication and processes are carried out because they are not office-based or on the high street. Many people choose this option thanks to the convenience. Conveyancers that promote themselves as "fast conveyancing solicitors" are typically online.

Online firms can charge less because they take on a lot more cases at once compared to traditional conveyancers. However, there is a risk that an online conveyancer will not have the same local knowledge as traditional conveyancers. This means that they may not be able to advise on making informed decisions. They may also not include hidden fees in their initial quote.

In complex cases, this can make a huge difference to the overall cost as the process may not be as efficient. You can also look at independent reviews to ensure the company is legitimate and trustworthy.

What to Look Out For in Low Price Quotes

Cheap online conveyancing quotes may be advertised as low as £99. This will likely be the solicitor’s legal fee and won’t include other important costs.

Depending on the price and property location, it’s important to avoid any quotes that are well under £1,000. If you think a quote is too cheap, it probably does not include every cost. You want to be sure that your conveyancer offers services of the highest standard.

Checking the costs that factor into the quote provided helps to avoid hidden fees and keeps the overall cost as low as possible.

What Type of Property is the Cheapest for Conveyancing?

Conveyancing solicitors base their quotes on the value of the property you are buying or selling. A general rule of thumb is the higher the house is priced, the higher your conveyancing costs will be.

If you’re buying a freehold property, you’ll experience cheaper conveyancing fees in comparison to a leasehold property. Buying a leasehold involves additional conveyancing work and, therefore, a higher legal fee.

Conveyancing for a Shared Ownership or Help to Buy property will also require more conveyancing work. This is due to the extra paperwork and forms that must be submitted, making the process more expensive.

What's the Difference Between an Estimate and a Quote?

A quote is an agreed price that should not change throughout the process. An estimate is a rough idea of the price that is subject to change.

It’s essential to get a full breakdown of the quote before you pay for the service. This ensures all the costs are included and there are no hidden charges.

Do You Get Cheaper Quotes in Different Parts of the UK?

Conveyancing searches are an important part of the conveyancing quote. The cost of these varies depending on each local council and their set prices.

A Local Authority Search typically consists of the Con29 and LLC1. Make sure the quote covers both elements and includes VAT.

Here are some costs of Local Authority searches across the UK:

Does Paying More Mean You'll Get a Better Service?

Paying more for your conveyancing doesn’t guarantee a better service. Here are some reasons why you may pay more for your conveyancing fees:

• The property has a high value
• You're buying a leasehold property
• You're buying with Help to Buy
• You're buying with Shared Ownership

The conveyancing process usually takes between 8-12 weeks, regardless of how much you pay. Conveyancing searches take the longest time to be returned. Although some councils offer a quicker service for an additional fee.

The majority of the process is made up of legal practices and dealings with mortgages. As these are third-party services, they will take the same amount of time for most people.

Are Conveyancers Cheaper Than Solicitors?

Solicitors tend to charge more because they can assist with a wider range of legal services alongside property law. On the other hand, conveyancers specialise in property law. This means they are more likely to have relevant experience when dealing with complex cases. This includes lease extensions or transfer of equity.

If you are unhappy with your chosen professional, it's possible to change solicitors or conveyancers. However, you are not guaranteed to receive any money you have spent up to that point.

How to Get Cheap Conveyancing Quotes When Moving

Compare My Move connects customers with up to 6 conveyancers operating in their local area. Simply fill in our conveyancing comparison form to compare quotes and save up to 70% on your conveyancing fees.

All our conveyancing partners have passed our strict verification process. To ensure exceptional customer service, all conveyancers must be regulated by one of the following:

• Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
• Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC)
• Law Society of Scotland (LSS)
• Law Society of Northern Ireland (LSNI)
• Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX)

You can also ask family and friends for recommendations. However, it’s important to carry out extensive research beforehand to ensure the solicitor can take your case on.

Your estate agent may recommend a conveyancer. However, keep in mind that they may receive a referral fee or commission should you choose them.

Learn More About Conveyancing

This is part of our conveyancing guide. In our next article, we discuss completing conveyancing yourself. To read more on this topic see our article: DIY Conveyancing Explained.