Conveyancing Solicitors Near Me: Fees, Comparison & Tips

You’ve found the right house, your mortgage offer is in hand, and now there’s one step left that can make or break the timeline: finding a good conveyancing solicitor. The choice between a solicitor and a licensed conveyancer — and understanding what you’ll actually pay — can feel like a puzzle. This guide breaks down the costs, the differences, and how to pick the right professional for your property purchase or sale.

Typical cost range (solicitor): £800–£1,500 ·
Typical cost range (conveyancer): £500–£1,000 ·
Average UK property price (2024): £285,000 ·
Additional disbursements: £200–£500

The table below summarises the key data points from trusted sources.

How much should conveyancing solicitors cost?

• Average conveyancing fees in the UK range from £300 to £1,500 for the legal fee alone, according to the HomeOwners Alliance (homeowner advice body).
• MoneySuperMarket (price comparison service) reports combined buying and selling fees can reach £2,000 plus disbursements.
• In South London, local firms may charge at the higher end due to property values — expect £1,000–£1,800, as noted by Funnell and Perring (solicitors’ firm).

Average conveyancing fees in the UK

• Compare My Move (UK moving comparison site) gives average costs of £1,743 for buying and £814 for selling.
• HomeOwners Alliance data shows average costs when buying and selling together at £2,434 (Q1 2025) — an 11.9% increase from the previous year.
• Basic conveyancer fees alone can be as low as £300 for a simple sale, per MoneySuperMarket.

Conveyancing fees in South London

• Property prices in South London average above the national median, pushing solicitor fees toward the 1% mark, according to Funnell and Perring.
• Leasehold properties (common in London) add £200–£400 extra in legal work, HomeOwners Alliance notes.
• Local solicitors often offer fixed-fee packages; always request a breakdown that includes disbursements.

Factors affecting conveyancing costs

• Property value: fees are often a percentage (0.5%–1%) — Compare My Move.
• Leasehold vs freehold: leasehold requires extra checks on lease terms, ground rent, and service charges.
• Chain length: longer chains mean more correspondence and higher fees.
• Location: urban areas with higher property values typically attract higher fees.

The pattern: base legal fees are only half the story — disbursements for local searches, Land Registry registration, and bank transfer fees can push the all-in cost 30–50% higher than the headline quote. Always ask for a full cost estimate including all disbursements.

Is it better to use a conveyancer or a solicitor?

• MoneySuperMarket states solicitors cost more but offer broader legal advice.
• Funnell and Perring highlights that conveyancers are generally cheaper for straightforward deals.
• Both are regulated if qualified — solicitors by the Law Society (MoneySuperMarket), licensed conveyancers by the CLC.

Pros and cons of using a solicitor

Pros and cons of using a conveyancer

The trade-off: a solicitor’s broader skill set matters if your property has leasehold quirks, a dispute, or you’re also handling an estate. For a standard freehold purchase, a licensed conveyancer offers the same legal outcome at a lower cost.

What this means: the choice between a conveyancer and a solicitor hinges on transaction complexity, not just headline cost.

What is the difference between a conveyancer and a solicitor?

• Definition of a conveyancer: A specialist in property law only; must be a member of the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (Compare My Move).
• Definition of a property solicitor: A qualified lawyer trained in all areas of law, regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (MoneySuperMarket).
• Key differences: Solicitors can advise on inheritance tax, wills, and disputes; conveyancers cannot. Both are equally capable of standard conveyancing.

Key differences in training and regulation

• Solicitors complete a law degree or conversion course, Legal Practice Course, and two-year training contract.
• Licensed conveyancers complete a specialist diploma or degree in conveyancing law and practice, followed by two years’ supervised work.
• Both are subject to ongoing CPD and redress schemes (Legal Ombudsman for solicitors, CLC complaints for conveyancers).

The implication: the regulatory difference matters most when something goes wrong. A solicitor’s higher indemnity insurance cover often provides stronger consumer protection.

How do I find a conveyancing solicitor near me?

• Search online directories: Use the Law Society’s “Find a solicitor” tool to locate regulated professionals in your area.
• Ask for recommendations: Friends, estate agents, or mortgage brokers often have trusted referrals.
• Check reviews and ratings: Look at Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and independent comparison sites.
• Verify credentials and fee quotes: Confirm SRA or CLC registration, and request a written quote covering all fees and disbursements.

Steps to find the right professional

1. List 3–5 local solicitors or conveyancers from directories and recommendations.
2. Request a full written quote for your specific transaction type (purchase, sale, remortgage).
3. Ask about their current caseload and expected turnaround time.
4. Verify their regulator membership on the SRA or CLC website.
5. Compare quotes not just on legal fees but on total estimated disbursements.
6. Check if they offer a no-completion-no-fee guarantee (common with conveyancers).
7. Select based on a balance of cost, expertise, and communication reviews.

For buyers in the UK, the HomeOwners Alliance (homeowner advice body) recommends getting at least three quotes to gauge the local market rate. For more detail on mortgage fees and applications, see our guide on L&C Mortgages: Fees, AIP, and How They Work.

What does a conveyancing solicitor do?

• Handles the legal transfer of property ownership from seller to buyer (Compare My Move).
• Conducts local authority searches, land registry checks, and reviews the contract (HomeOwners Alliance).
• Liaises with mortgage lenders, estate agents, and the buyer’s solicitor.
• Calculates and transfers stamp duty or Land Transaction Tax.
• Registers the new owner with the Land Registry after completion.

Common services included in conveyancing

• Contract review and negotiation
• Property searches (local, environmental, water and drainage, chancel repair)
• Anti-money laundering checks
• Exchange of contracts and completion
• Post-completion registration

Why this matters: the solicitor or conveyancer is the safety net — if they miss a planning restriction or an undisclosed easement, you inherit the problem. A well-conducted conveyancing process is the difference between a smooth move and a costly legal headache. Sellers should also be aware of capital gains tax implications; see our guide on What Is Capital Gains Tax in Ireland? Rates & Rules Explained.

Quotes from industry experts

“Conveyancing fees are not fixed; solicitors may charge a percentage of the property price or a flat rate.”

Law Society of England and Wales (professional body for solicitors)

“Always ask for a detailed quote that includes all disbursements to avoid unexpected costs.”

Citizens Advice UK (national consumer advice service)

For a buyer in South London, the choice between a conveyancer and a solicitor is clear: a conveyancer saves around £300–£500 upfront, but a solicitor’s ability to spot leasehold traps or coordinate with a mortgage broker may prevent a collapsed sale. The cheapest fee is not always the cheapest outcome.

Frequently asked questions

For readers in the UK or Ireland, the decision comes down to a single question: is your property transaction simple and straightforward, or does it come with quirks? If it’s clean, save money with a conveyancer. If there are leases, disputes, or cross-border elements, invest in a solicitor. Either way, always compare three quotes and verify their regulator membership — because the right professional makes the difference between a smooth move and a costly mess.