What a Good Conveyancing Quote Should Include

Choosing a conveyancing solicitor might be the most important decision you make in your whole move. A proactive, communicative solicitor keeps your transaction on track. A slow or vague one can hold everything up, and in the worst cases, cause a sale to collapse.

The good news: you can tell a lot about a firm before you instruct them, just from the quality of their quote. Here’s what a good conveyancing quote looks like, what should be in it, and the questions worth asking before you say yes.

What does a conveyancing solicitor actually do?

We advise choosing a solicitor before you even start the search for your next home. This ensures you have your greatest ally on side from the outset.

Your solicitor (or licensed conveyancer) handles the legal side of your move. That includes:

• Preparing and checking the legal contracts that transfer ownership
• Ordering and reviewing property searches i.e. local authority, drainage and water, environmental – which flag things like planning issues or flood risk
• Raising enquiries with the seller’s solicitor and resolving any problems that surface
• Registering the change of ownership with the Land Registry
• Handling the money – your deposit, the purchase funds, Stamp Duty and other costs
• Advising you throughout, so you understand what you’re signing

In short: they protect your interests in what’s probably the biggest purchase of your life. Which is exactly why their quote deserves a proper look.

The anatomy of a good conveyancing quote

A trustworthy quote is itemised, complete and written in plain English. It should clearly separate two things:

1. The legal fee

This is what the firm charges for its own work. It should state clearly:

• Whether it’s a fixed fee or an hourly rate – fixed is generally better for you, because you know the cost from day one, even if the work turns out to be more complicated than expected
• Whether VAT is included in the figure shown
• What the fee actually covers – and just as importantly, what it doesn’t

2. The disbursements

Disbursements are costs your solicitor pays to third parties on your behalf. They’re not profit for the firm, but they should still be listed line by line, with figures. Typical disbursements include:

• Property searches – local authority, drainage and water, environmental
• Land Registry fees – for registering you as the new owner
• Bank transfer (CHAPS) fee – for sending the purchase money on completion day
• Stamp Duty Land Tax – the quote should confirm they’ll calculate and submit this for you
• ID and anti-money-laundering checks – small, but they add up if charged per person
• Bankruptcy and priority searches – required if you’re buying with a mortgage

If you’re buying a leasehold property, expect extra items, for example: a leasehold supplement on the legal fee, plus fees payable to the freeholder or managing agent for information packs and notices. A good quote flags these upfront rather than springing them on you later.

The warning signs to watch for

• “From” pricing. A headline figure with “from” in front of it usually grows. Ask for a fixed, all-in figure based on your actual transaction.
• Missing disbursements. If searches or Land Registry fees aren’t listed, the quote isn’t complete – it’s just the opening number.
• Vague extras. Watch for fees that only appear later: gifted deposit checks, Lifetime ISA handling, mortgage-related fees, expedition fees. Ask now whether any of these apply to you.
• No mention of what happens if the sale falls through. Many firms offer no-sale, no-fee protection, meaning you don’t pay their legal fee if the transaction collapses through no fault of your own. If it’s offered, check exactly what’s covered – disbursements already paid out usually aren’t refundable.

Three questions to ask before you instruct

When a solicitor gets in touch, ask:

1. Is the fee fixed, and fully itemised including disbursements? You want one complete figure, not a headline price with add-ons.
2. Do you work on a no-sale, no-fee basis? And if so, what exactly does it cover?
3. Who’ll actually be handling my file day to day? You want a named person, their direct contact details, and a sense of how often they’ll update you. Ask who covers when they’re away, too.

Their answers tell you as much as the numbers do. A firm that’s clear, direct and happy to explain its pricing will usually be clear, direct and communicative during your transaction – and that’s what gets moves over the line.

Comparing quotes – cheapest isn’t always best

It’s always worth getting quotes from more than one conveyancer and comparing them side by side. But make sure you’re comparing like for like. Check that each quote includes the same searches, legal work and any additional fees before you focus on the headline price.

And remember, price isn’t a reliable indicator of quality. The cheapest quote could mean an overloaded case handler and slower communication, while paying more doesn’t automatically guarantee a better service.

Instead, think about your experience with the firm. Were they responsive? Did they explain things clearly? Did they leave you feeling confident?

Trust your instincts too. If they impressed you and you felt comfortable dealing with them, that’s often just as important as the fee. A good conveyancing team can make all the difference in keeping your move on track and getting your transaction over the line.

Check they’re regulated

Every conveyancing solicitor should be regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) or the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC). You can check any firm on the SRA or CLC public registers in a couple of minutes. Regulation means there are professional standards behind the service, proper protection for your money, and somewhere to turn if things go wrong.

Every firm on the Move iQ panel is regulated by the SRA or CLC – it’s a condition of being recommended by us.

Ready to get quotes you can trust?

We can introduce you to up to three conveyancers from our hand-picked panel. We don’t work with hundreds of firms – only a handful we trust to look after our customers. They’ll contact you directly to talk through your move and their fees, with no obligation. You choose who to go with.

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Last Updated: July 17th, 2026