Solicitors Fees for Selling a House: UK 2025 Costs & What’s Included

When you’re selling a property, legal support is essential. But with so many variables—from location to property type—understanding the solicitor's fees for selling a house can feel overwhelming.

In this 2025 guide, we break down the typical solicitor charges for selling a house, what’s included, when to pay, and how to budget accurately. Whether you’re selling only or managing both ends of a move, this blog has you covered.

How much do solicitors charge for selling a house UK?

In the UK, the average solicitor's fees for selling a house typically range from £500 to £1,500 + VAT, depending on:

• Property type (freehold vs. leasehold)
  
  

• Location (London is often more expensive)
  
  

• Complexity (e.g. unregistered titles, mortgage redemption)
  
  

• Fee structure (fixed fee vs hourly)
  
  

Many firms offer combined solicitors' fees for buying and selling a house, especially if you’re using the same conveyancer for both transactions.

What’s included in the solicitor’s fee when selling a house?

Your solicitor’s core responsibilities include:

• Drafting the contract of sale
  
  

• Managing enquiries from the buyer’s solicitor
  
  

• Handling the title deeds and official copies
  
  

• Redeeming any outstanding mortgage
  
  

• Facilitating the exchange and completion process
  
  

These services make up the cost of solicitors' fees for selling a house, excluding disbursements (third-party costs).

Disbursements: Additional legal costs explained

Disbursements are separate from the solicitor’s basic fee and can include:

Make sure your quote includes full itemisation, especially for solicitors costs for buying and selling a house.

When do you pay solicitors' fees when selling a house?

In most cases, you pay your solicitor at completion. However, some solicitors may request a small upfront payment or a retainer, particularly when disbursements are incurred early in the process.

If you opt for a “no sale, no fee” solicitor, you won’t pay legal fees unless the sale completes, though disbursements may still apply.

Are solicitor fees cheaper for sellers or buyers?

Generally, solicitors' fees for buying a house UK are higher than for selling. This is due to additional legal tasks, such as:

• Property searches
  
  

• Mortgage paperwork
  
  

• Stamp Duty calculations
  
  

However, when managing a simultaneous sale and purchase, many solicitors offer bundled quotes to reduce the solicitor's fees for buying and selling the house.

Freehold vs Leasehold: How it affects legal fees

• Freehold sales: Simpler and cheaper, with fees from £500–£850
  
  

• Leasehold sales: More complex, with fees from £800–£1,500 due to lease checks and communication with managing agents
  
  

Always clarify your property type when requesting a quote.

What about different parts of the UK?

Solicitor fees vary across regions:

• Solicitors' fees for selling a house in Scotland may follow a different legal process (Scottish missives), and typically range between £600 and £1,200.
  
  

• Average solicitors' fees for selling a house in Northern Ireland also vary but usually fall in the £500–£1,000 bracket.
  
  

• Solicitors' fees for selling a house in Ireland (Republic) may include additional costs due to differences in conveyancing law, often ranging from €1,000–€1,800 plus VAT.
  
  

Solicitor vs Conveyancer: Who should you choose?

• Solicitors are fully qualified legal professionals and can handle more complex cases.
  
  

• Conveyancers specialise in property transactions and are often more cost-effective.
  
  

Both are suitable, but for complex chains or leasehold issues, a solicitor may offer broader expertise.

Can you sell a house without a solicitor?

While it is legally possible to sell without a solicitor or conveyancer, it is highly discouraged. Selling a house involves critical legal documentation, and any errors could delay or derail the sale.

What happens if your sale falls through?

If the sale doesn’t go ahead:

• You may still be charged for disbursements.
  
  

• If you’ve chosen a “no sale, no fee” service, you typically don’t pay for legal time.
  
  

• Always confirm cancellation terms in writing.
  
  

Using the same solicitor to sell and buy

Many sellers also buy a property at the same time. In this case, using the same solicitor for both can:

• Save money via combined solicitors' fees when selling and buying a house
  
  

• Speed up communications and contract coordination
  
  

• Reduce delays between exchange and completion
  
  

You can use a solicitor's fees for buying and selling a house calculator online to estimate your total legal spend.

How to compare quotes and avoid hidden costs

Before choosing a solicitor, ensure:

✅ Quotes are fully itemised
✅ VAT and disbursements are included
✅ They offer fixed-fee or no-sale, no-fee options
✅ Reviews indicate strong communication and transparency

Avoid vague “from” pricing that doesn’t reflect your specific property type.

FAQs: Solicitors' Fees for Selling a House

How much do solicitors charge for selling a house in the UK?
Usually between £500 and £1,500 + VAT. Leasehold sales are more expensive due to added complexity.

Do you need a solicitor when selling a house?
Yes. While not legally required, it's highly recommended to avoid delays, legal errors, and buyer disputes.

What do you need to pay for when selling a house?
You’ll pay your solicitor’s basic legal fee, plus disbursements like title copies, bank transfer fees, and management packs (if leasehold).

How much are solicitors' fees for selling a house in Ireland?
Typically €1,000–€1,800 + VAT, depending on region and property type.

Summary

Final word

Understanding the solicitor's fees for selling a house can help you avoid surprises and budget with confidence. Whether you're selling only or also buying a new property, it's important to compare quotes, understand what's included, and choose a solicitor or conveyancer that suits your needs.

By doing so, you’ll save money, reduce stress, and make your move smoother from start to finish.