How Much Does Seller's Conveyancing Cost?
Typical cost: £700–£1,300 depending on property type and value. Selling costs less than buying because there are fewer searches, less legal complexity, and no mortgage to arrange.
Cost Breakdown: £300,000 Freehold Sale
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Legal fees (+ VAT) | £900 |
| Bank transfer fee | £40 |
| ID verification | £20 |
| Land Registry documents | £6 |
| Total (freehold) | ~£966 |
Leasehold sellers pay an extra £200–£400 for the management information pack and freeholder admin fees - total £950–£1,450.
What Does Your Conveyancer Do When You Sell?
1. Prepare the Contract Pack
Your conveyancer gathers title deeds, property information forms (TA6/TA10 - covering boundaries, building work, planning permissions, guarantees), fixtures and fittings details, and lease documents if leasehold. This pack is sent to the buyer's solicitor within 1–2 weeks of offer acceptance.
2. Answer the Buyer's Enquiries
The buyer's solicitor will ask about disputes with neighbours, boundary ownership, whether work was done with proper consent, and service charges. You must answer honestly - misrepresentation can lead to a claim after completion. Your conveyancer helps you respond appropriately.
3. Negotiate Contract Terms
Your conveyancer agrees the completion date, deposit amount (usually 10%), what fixtures and fittings are included, and any special conditions with the buyer's solicitor.
4. Exchange Contracts
When both sides are ready, contracts are signed and exchanged. The transaction is now legally binding. The buyer pays their deposit; you and the buyer are committed to a completion date.
5. Completion Day
The buyer's solicitor transfers the purchase price. Your solicitor pays off your mortgage, releases keys to the estate agent, and sends you the net proceeds. You're done.
Selling Timeline
| Stage | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Offer accepted to contract pack sent | 1–2 weeks |
| Buyer's searches | 2–4 weeks |
| Buyer's mortgage offer | 2–6 weeks |
| Enquiries and responses | 1–3 weeks |
| Exchange to completion | 1–4 weeks |
| Total average | 12–16 weeks |
Documents You'll Need to Provide
Essential: Photo ID, proof of address, Energy Performance Certificate (EPC - legally required to market the property).
If applicable: Building regulation certificates for extensions, planning permissions, FENSA certificates for double glazing, Gas Safe certificates, electrical safety certificates, damp proof guarantees, NHBC warranty, lease and service charge statements.
Don't have a certificate? Your conveyancer can often arrange indemnity insurance (£20–£100) that most lenders will accept as an alternative.
Common Selling Problems
Buyer's Survey Finds Issues
The buyer may ask for a price reduction or request repairs. Your options: fix the issue, reduce the price, refuse (and risk losing the sale), or get a second survey to dispute their findings. Your conveyancer advises on the legal implications of each path.
Buyer Can't Get a Mortgage
Before exchange, the buyer can walk away with no penalty - even if you've waited months. Reduce this risk by asking for a mortgage in principle before accepting their offer.
Missing Documents
Your conveyancer can usually resolve missing certificates with indemnity insurance. This protects the buyer and satisfies most lenders, typically costing £20–£100.
Buyer Delays Exchange
If a buyer stalls without good reason, set a formal deadline. If they don't exchange by that date, you can put the property back on the market.
Selling Leasehold
Add £200–£400 and 4–6 weeks for the management information pack (service charge accounts, building insurance, planned major works, ground rent details) and freeholder admin fees.
Selling Without Buying (Chain-Free)
If you're downsizing to rent, relocating, or handling an inheritance sale, chain-free transactions complete faster (6–8 weeks instead of 12–16) and buyers often pay a premium for the certainty.
Selling and Buying Simultaneously
Both transactions must exchange on the same day and complete on the same day. Your conveyancer coordinates both. Total conveyancing cost: £1,900–£3,300. Some firms discount if they handle both sides.
Questions to Ask Your Conveyancer
- What's your total fee for selling, including disbursements?
- How quickly can you prepare the contract pack?
- Will you also handle my purchase? (If applicable)
- Who specifically will handle my case?
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