How Much Does Conveyancing Cost for First-Time Buyers?

Conveyancing is an essential part of buying your first home, and understanding the costs involved helps you budget effectively. The process is now faster and more digital, but the total cost will depend on your law firm, property type, and the complexity of the transaction. 

A breakdown of typical costs 

Conveyancing fees vary by firm, property type, and complexity, but first-time buyers generally pay: 

Legal fees: typically around £800-£1,500 at the time of writing. This covers your solicitor or conveyancer’s time for reviewing contracts, liaising with lenders, raising enquiries, and managing exchange and completion. 

Properties with leasehold titles, shared ownership, or those falling under the Building Safety Act 2022 (such as certain high-rise flats) typically sit at the higher end of this range due to the extra legal work involved. 

Disbursements: around £300-£500. These are third-party costs for searches and administrative tasks. They include: 

• Property searches – essential checks for local authority, environmental, and drainage issues 

• Land Registry fees – the mandatory fee to register you as the official owner 

• Administrative charges – such as bank transfer fees for sending large sums securely on completion day 

Understanding Stamp Duty 

One of the biggest budget factors for first-time buyers is Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). At the time of writing, thresholds are: 

• 0% tax – for first-time buyers on properties up to £300,000 

• 5% tax – on the portion between £300,001 and £500,000 

• No relief – if you’re buying a property worth over £500,000, you pay standard rates rather than the first-time buyer rate 

In Wales, you pay Land Transaction Tax (LTT) instead. While there’s no specific first-time buyer relief, the 0% threshold for all residential buyers is currently £225,000. 

For a full overview of what to budget for, see our guide on what to do before buying your first house. 

Choosing the right team 

Costs differ between firms, so it’s vital to ask for a full quote that includes all potential fees and disbursements. 

• Look for fixed fees – many modern firms, including Setfords, offer fixed legal fees so you don’t face unexpected costs if the transaction becomes more complex 

• Digital integration – most firms now use biometric Digital ID verification and secure portals. This makes the process faster and more cost-effective by reducing paperwork and administrative delays 

Not sure whether to instruct a solicitor or licensed conveyancer? See our guide on the difference between a solicitor and a conveyancer. 

Final Thoughts 

While price is important, choosing an experienced conveyancing team can prevent costly errors or delays. Transparency is key to a stress-free move. At Setfords, we provide clear, upfront quotes so you can budget for your first home with confidence. 

Get your free conveyancing quote today. 

What you can expect with Setfords

More time, more attention: With no targets, Setfords lawyers can dedicate more time to you.

Ultimate flexibility: Our lawyers can tailor their schedules to meet your needs.

Nationwide coverage: with hundreds of consultant lawyers across the UK, we’ll connect you with the right expert.

Dedicated specialist legal partner: work directly with your chosen lawyer from start to finish.

Highly experienced: Setfords lawyers have an average of 20 years’ experience, so you can be assured you’re in safe hands.

Capacity-based allocation: our lawyers never take on more work than they can handle, so you get the focus and attention you deserve.

Get a Quote