Understanding All Property Transaction Fees
Complete breakdown of costs when buying or selling
Property transactions involve various fees and costs beyond the purchase price. Understanding these helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.
Buying Costs
Legal Fees
- Basic conveyancing: £800-1,500
- Leasehold premium: £200-500 extra
- New build premium: £300-600 extra
- VAT: 20% on legal fees
Typical total: £960-£2,400 inc VAT
Survey Costs
- Condition Report: £300-400
- HomeBuyer Report: £400-600
- Building Survey: £600-1,500
Choose based on property age/condition
Search Fees
- Local authority: £250-350
- Environmental: £50-100
- Water & drainage: £50-100
- Optional searches: £50-150 each
Typical total: £350-£600
Mortgage Costs
- Arrangement fee: £0-2,000
- Valuation fee: £150-1,500
- Booking fee: £99-250
- Broker fee: £0-500
Varies widely by lender
Selling Costs
Estate Agent Fees
- High street: 1-2% + VAT
- Online: £300-1,500 fixed
- London: Often 2-3% + VAT
On £250k property: £3,000-£6,000
Legal Fees
- Basic sale: £700-1,200
- Leasehold: £200-400 extra
Typical total: £840-£1,920 inc VAT
Other Selling Costs
- EPC: £60-120
- Mortgage exit fee: £0-300
- Removal costs: £300-1,500
Budget: £500-£2,000
Additional Costs
| Cost Type | Amount | When Payable | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stamp Duty | Varies by price | Within 14 days of completion | Calculate here → |
| Land Registry | £40-910 | On completion | Based on property value |
| Transfer Deed | £40-150 | On completion | Legal document fee |
| Bank Transfer Fees | £25-50 | Various stages | Per transaction |
💰 Ways to Save
✓ Compare multiple quotes
✓ Look for fixed-fee deals
✓ Check what’s included
✓ Negotiate where possible
✓ Consider online options
Calculate Your Total Costs
Use our calculators to get an accurate estimate of all your property transaction costs