Conveyancing costs guide
Conveyancing Costs in Kent (2026)
Conveyancing costs in Kent are usually £900 to £1,500 + VAT in legal fees for a freehold purchase, plus about £300 to £500 for searches and other disbursements. Here’s what each cost is for, and how to keep the total down.
- Fees checked September 2026
- Legal fees and disbursements explained
- Get a fixed-fee quote
Conveyancing costs in Kent at a glance
Typical ranges for Kent in September 2026. Your quote shows the exact figures.
Legal fees
What are conveyancing legal fees?
The legal fee is what the firm charges for its own work: checking the title and contract, raising enquiries, dealing with your lender and handling exchange and completion.
Most Kent firms quote a fixed fee based on the price, whether the property is freehold or leasehold, and whether there’s a mortgage. VAT at 20% is added on top.
Disbursements are costs the firm pays to others on your behalf, such as the council for searches or HM Land Registry. They’re passed on at cost.
- A fixed fee means no surprises if the work is straightforward
- Leasehold, new build, shared ownership and Help to Buy redemptions usually add a supplement
- No-sale-no-fee terms are often available
Buying
What does conveyancing cost when buying?
A typical freehold purchase with a mortgage.
| Cost | Typical amount | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Legal fee (fixed, freehold) | £900–£1,500 + VAT | The solicitor’s own work |
| Local authority search | £120–£300 | Set by the district council |
| Drainage and water search | £50–£70 | Southern Water or South East Water |
| Environmental and flood search | £50–£70 | Important near the coast |
| Land Registry fee | Depends on price | HM Land Registry scale fee |
| ID and anti-money-laundering checks | £10–£25 | Per buyer |
| Bank transfer fee | £20–£50 | Sending funds on completion |
| Stamp Duty Land Tax | Depends on price | Paid to HMRC, not the solicitor |
Selling
What does conveyancing cost when selling?
A typical freehold sale, paying off one mortgage.
| Cost | Typical amount | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Legal fee (fixed, freehold) | £800–£1,300 + VAT | The solicitor’s own work |
| Official copies of the title | Around £10 | From HM Land Registry |
| ID and anti-money-laundering checks | £10–£25 | Per seller |
| Bank transfer fee | £20–£50 | Paying off your mortgage and sending you the balance |
| Leasehold management pack | Set by the managing agent | Leasehold sales only |
| Estate agent’s fee | Agreed with your agent | Paid from the sale proceeds |
Other moves
Leasehold, new build and other costs
Some moves involve extra work, so the fee is higher.
Leasehold
Legal fees of £1,200 to £1,900 + VAT for a purchase, plus the management pack fee set by the managing agent, often £200 to £500.
New build
Usually a supplement of £150 to £300, because of developer deadlines and extra documents such as the warranty and estate plan.
Transfer of equity
Typically £300 to £600 + VAT, plus Land Registry fees and any Stamp Duty on the share transferred.
Remortgage
Often low or free when your new lender offers a legal package. Otherwise a fixed fee of a few hundred pounds.
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Do I have to pay Stamp Duty?
Stamp Duty Land Tax is paid to HMRC, not your solicitor, though your solicitor files the return and pays it for you within 14 days of completion.
How much you pay depends on the price, whether you’re a first-time buyer and whether you own another home. Rates change, so check the current bands on GOV.UK or ask your solicitor.
Ways to save
How can I keep conveyancing costs down?
A few simple steps make a real difference.
Compare like for like
Check each quote includes the same searches and disbursements.
Instruct early
Instructing as soon as your offer is accepted avoids rushed, costly delays.
Ask about no sale, no fee
Protects you if the purchase falls through.
Have paperwork ready
Missing documents mean extra letters and time.
FAQs
Conveyancing cost FAQs
How much is conveyancing in Kent?
For a freehold purchase, legal fees are usually £900 to £1,500 + VAT, plus around £300 to £500 of searches and disbursements. Selling usually costs a little less.
Are searches included in the legal fee?
No. Searches are disbursements, listed separately in your quote. In Kent they typically total £220 to £440.
Why do leasehold properties cost more?
The solicitor must check the lease, service charges, ground rent and the management pack, which takes more time.
Do I pay conveyancing fees upfront?
Most firms ask for a small payment on account for searches, with the rest due just before completion.
Is the cheapest quote the best?
Not always. Check what’s included, whether the firm is regulated and accredited, and how quickly they respond.
Is VAT charged on conveyancing?
Yes, VAT at 20% is charged on the legal fee and some disbursements.
Related guides
Related guides
Official guidance on conveyancing costs in Kent: Stamp Duty Land Tax (GOV.UK) · HM Land Registry fees (GOV.UK) · SRA register of solicitors
Fees and timescales checked for Kent · Last updated September 2026
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