RH SOLICITORS COST FOR RESIDENTIAL CONVEYANCING, PROBATE, IMMIGRATION (EXCLUDING ASYLUM) AND DEBT RECOVERY (UP TO £100,000)

This is a general guide on the potential costs that can be incurred with reference to certain areas of work undertaken by the practice on your behalf.  The figures tendered in this guide are estimates and are subject to change depending on the individual circumstances of the case. Our terms of business set out the circumstances in which costs can vary when services are engaged but our solicitors usually invite clients in for a fixed fee consultation so that a more accurate cost estimate can be provided in accordance with individual circumstances. Our Principal will be responsible for the case handling of your matter.

Conveyancing costs

Purchase of a freehold residential property

RH Solicitors costs

  • Our fees* =      £850.00 no VAT together with
  • Completion of Stamp Duty Return = £150.00
  • AML Checks/Reports = £200.00
  • Acting for Lender = £200.00
  • Indemnity contribution = £80.00
  • Admin/Postage/Copying costs = £80.00

Our fees* cover all of the work required to complete the purchase of your new property, including dealing with registration at the Land Registry and dealing with the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax (Stamp Duty).

The Stamp Duty depends on the purchase price of your property. You can calculate the amount you will need to pay by using HMRC’s website, which will depend on the value of your property and whether this is your first purchase.

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees, search companies etc. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. We anticipate the following disbursements will be levied in relation to your matter, namely;

Disbursements costs:

  • OC1 Title Search/Plans – £3.90 each
  • Pre-Completion Search – £3.90 each
  • Bankruptcy Search – £3.90 per search
  • Registration fee – £270.00 approx (depends on purchase price)
  • Local Authority Search -£100.00 approx (depends on local authority)
  • Drainage Search – £32.70
  • Environmental Search – £70.00
  • Surveyors Fees – £700.00 (varies) – applicable to cash buys.
  • Stamp Duty – (depends on purchase price)
  • TT Charge – £12.00 each
  • Lawyer check £27.00

How long will my house purchase take?

How long it will take from your offer being accepted until you can move in to your house will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 6-8 weeks.

It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain. For example, if you are a first-time buyer, purchasing a new build property with a mortgage in principle, it could take 8-10 weeks. However, if you are buying a leasehold property that requires an extension of the lease, this can take significantly longer, between 3 and 6 months due to back logs with the Land Registry. In such, a situation additional charges would apply.

Stages of the process

The precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, the following stages will occur in relation to your purchase, namely:

  • Take your instructions and give you initial advice
  • Check finances are in place to fund purchase and contact lender, if applicable
  • Contact seller’s solicitors and confirm instructions
  • Receive and advise on pre-contract documents by way of a Report on Title
  • Prepare TR1 (Transfer Deed) on your behalf and advise on ownership
  • Carry out searches
  • Make any necessary enquiries of seller’s solicitor
  • Give you advice on all documents and information received
  • Go through conditions of mortgage offer with you, if lending required
  • Send final contract and TR1 to you for signature
  • Prepare a Completion Statement, detailing all costs associated with your matter and the remaining sum due in order to complete your purchase
  • Agree exchange of contracts date, at which point we will require a 10% deposit and Home Insurance to be in place
  • Agree completion date (date from which you own the property)
  • Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened
  • Arrange for all monies needed to be received from lender or you
  • Complete purchase
  • Prepare your Stamp Duty/Land Tax forms and have this executed by you
  • Deal with application for registration at Land Registry upon receipt of the Tax Certificate (confirmation from the HMRC that the Stamp Duty has been paid)

*Our fee assumes that:

  1. this is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction
  2. the transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complication arise
  3. all parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation
  4. no indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required.

If a variation in the pricing is required, you will be advised in advance of it being incurred.

Purchase of a leasehold residential property

RH Solicitors costs

  • Our costs* = £950.00 together with
  • Completion of Stamp Duty Return = £150.00
  • AML Checks/Reports = £200.00
  • Indemnity contribution = £80.00
  • Admin/Postage/Copying costs = £80.00
  • Acting for Lender = £200.00

Our fees* cover all the work required to complete the purchase of your new home, including dealing with registration at the Land Registry and dealing with the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax (Stamp Duty).

The Stamp Duty depends on the purchase price of your property. You can calculate the amount you will need to pay by using HMRC’s website, which will depend on the value of your property and whether this is your first purchase.

Our fees vary from property to property and can on occasion be significantly more than the ranges given above. We can give you an accurate figure once we have sight of your specific documents.

You should also be aware that ground rent and service charge are likely to apply throughout your ownership of the property. We will confirm the ground rent and the anticipated service charge as soon as this we receive this information.

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as search fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. There are certain disbursements which will be set out in the individual lease relating to the Property. The disbursements which we anticipate will apply are set out separately below. This list is not exhaustive and other disbursements may apply depending on the term of the lease. We will update you on the specific fees upon receipt and review of the lease from the seller’s solicitors.

Disbursements:

  • OC1 Title Search/Plans – £3.90 each (Freehold & Leasehold)
  • Pre-Completion Search – £3.90
  • Bankruptcy Search – £3.90 per search
  • Registration fee – £270.00 approx (depends on purchase price)
  • Local Authority Search -£100.00 approx (depends on local authority)
  • Drainage Search – £32.70
  • Environmental Search – £70.00
  • Surveyors Fees – £700.00 (varies)
  • Stamp Duty – (depends on purchase price)
  • TT Charge – £12.00
  • Lawyer check £27.00
  • Notice of Transfer fee – This fee if chargeable is set out in the lease. Often the fee is between £100.00-£150.00.
  • Notice of Charge fee (if the property is to be mortgaged) – This fee is set out in the lease. Often the fee is between £50.00-£100.00.
  • Deed of Covenant fee – This fee is provided by the management company for the property and can be difficult to estimate. Often it is between £100.00 and £150.00.
  • Certificate of Compliance fee – To be confirmed upon receipt of the lease, as can range between £50.00-£100.00.

Stages of the process

The precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, the following stages will occur in relation to your purchase, namely:

  • Take your instructions and give you initial advice
  • Check finances are in place to fund purchase and contact lender, if applicable
  • Contact seller’s solicitors and confirm instructions
  • Receive and advise on documents by way of a Report on Title
  • Prepare TR1 (Transfer Deed) on your behalf and advise on ownership
  • Carry out searches
  • Make any necessary enquiries of vendors solicitor
  • Give you advice on all documents and information received
  • Go through conditions of mortgage offer with you, if lending required
  • Send final contract and TR1 to you for signature
  • Prepare a Completion Statement, detailing all costs associated with your matter and the remaining sum due in order to complete your purchase
  • Draft Notice of Transfer
  • Agree exchange of contracts date, at which point I will require a 10% deposit and Home Insurance to be in place
  • Agree completion date (date from which you own the property)
  • Obtain pre-completion searches to ensure priority is given to you
  • Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened
  • Arrange for all monies needed to be received from lender and you
  • Complete purchase
  • Prepare your Stamp Duty/Land Tax forms and have this executed by you
  • Deal with application for registration at Land Registry upon receipt of the Tax Certificate (confirmation from the HMRC that the Stamp Duty has been paid)

How long will my house purchase take?

How long it will take from your offer being accepted until you can move in to your house will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 6-8 weeks. It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain. For example, if you are a first time buyer, purchasing a new build property with a mortgage in principle, it could take 8-10 weeks. However, if you are buying a leasehold property that requires an extension of the lease, this can take significantly longer, between 3 and 6 months. In such, a situation additional charges would apply.

*Our fee assumes that:

  1. this is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction
  2. this is the transfer of an existing lease and is not the grant of a new lease or an extension of one
  3. the transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complication arise
  4. all parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation
  5. no indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required.

If a variation in the pricing is required, you will be advised in advance of it being incurred.

Sale of freehold residential property

RH Solicitors costs

  • Our fees* = £850.00 no VAT together with
  • Admin/Postage/Copying costs = £80.00
  • Indemnity contribution = £80.00
  • AML Checks/Report = £200.00
  • Acting for Lender = £200.00

Our fees* cover all the work required to complete the sale of your home.

Our fees vary from property to property and can on occasion be significantly more than the ranges given above. We can give you an accurate figure once we have sight of your specific documents.

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as search fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. Although sales do not have many disbursements, you may be liable for indemnity polices for any breaches with regards to planning permission, missing documents, etc. If this occurs, I will advise you beforehand of the costs ramifications. This list is not exhaustive and other disbursements may apply. We will update you on the specific fees upon receipt of your documents:

  • OC1 Title Search/Plans – £3.90 each
  • Land Registry fee for request of a document – £3.90 each
  • Bankruptcy Search – £3.90 per search
  • TT Charge – £12.00
  • Indemnity Policies – Depends if required
  • Estate Agent fees (depends on the agreed percentage figure)
  • Lawyer Checker £27.00

Stages of the process

The precise stages involved in a sale of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, the following stages will occur in relation to your matter, namely:

  • Take your instructions and give you initial advice
  • Obtain evidence of ownership from the Land Registry
  • Contact purchaser’s solicitors and Estate Agents (if any) to confirm instructions
  • Complete pre-contract documents in line with your instructions, giving the purchaser details of your property
  • Obtain the Land Registry Title Plan and Registry for the purchaser solicitors
  • Draft the contract
  • Deal with any enquiries received from the purchaser’s solicitors with your instructions and advise you on all documents and enquiries received
  • Forward the TR1 (Transfer Deed) for your approval
  • Send final contract and TR1 to you for signature
  • Prepare a Completion Statement, detailing all costs associated with your matter and the anticipated sum due to you following the sale of your property
  • Agree exchange of contracts date
  • Agree completion date (date from which you no longer own the property)
  • Exchange contracts and notify you and the Estate Agents that this has happened
  • Deal with any payments required to third parties, such as Estate Agent fees.
  • Complete sale and authorise the release of your keys to the purchaser
  • Remit any sale proceeds due to you in accordance with your instructions, i.e bank transfer or cheque
  • Obtain a bankruptcy search to confirm that you are not bankrupt

How long will my house sale take?

How long it will take from the offer being accepted until the sale of your property will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 6-8 weeks. It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain. For example, if the purchase is obtaining a mortgage in order to purchase your property, it could take 8-10 weeks.

*Our fee assumes that:

  1. this is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction
  2. the transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complication arise
  3. all parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation
  4. no indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required.

Sale of leasehold residential property

RH Solicitors costs

  • Our fees* = £950.00 no VAT together with
  • Indemnity contribution = £80.00
  • Admin/Postage/Copying costs = £80.00
  • Acting for Lender = £200.00
  • AML Checks/Report = £200.00

Our fees* cover all the work required to complete the sale of your home.

Our fees vary from property to property and can on occasion be significantly more than the ranges given above. We can give you an accurate figure once we have sight of your specific documents.

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as search fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. Although sales do not have many disbursements, you may be liable for indemnity polices for any breaches with regards to planning permission, missing documents, etc. If this occurs, I will advise you beforehand of the costs ramifications. You will also be required to obtain a Management Pack (if a Managing Agent is involved) and ensure that any ground rent, service charge and rent is paid up to the point of completion. You may also be required to provide a retention, which is a sum of money post completion in order to deal with any adjustments with the service charges as these are to fixed. If this transpires, I will advise you accordingly. This list is not exhaustive and other disbursements may apply. We will update you on the specific fees upon receipt of your documents:

  • OC1 Title Search/Plans – £3.90 each (Freehold & Leasehold)
  • Land Registry fee for request of a document – £3.90 each
  • Bankruptcy Search – £3.90 per search
  • TT Charge – £12.00
  • Estate Agent fees (depends on the agreed percentage figure)
  • Lawyer Checker £27.00
  • Indemnity Policies – Depends if required
  • Management Pack – TBA

 Stages of the process

The precise stages involved in a sale of a residential leasehold property vary according to the circumstances. However, the following stages will occur in relation to your matter, namely:

  • Take your instructions and give you initial advice
  • Obtain evidence of ownership from the Land Registry
  • Contact purchaser’s solicitors and Estate Agents (if any) to confirm instructions
  • Complete pre-contract documents in line with your instructions, giving the purchaser details of your property
  • Obtain the Land Registry Title Plan and Registry for the purchaser solicitors
  • Contact the Managing Agents (if any) and obtain a Management Pack
  • Draft the contract
  • Deal with any enquiries received from the purchaser’s solicitors with your instructions and advise you on all documents and enquiries received
  • Forward the TR1 (Transfer Deed) for your approval
  • Send final contract and TR1 to you for signature
  • Prepare a Completion Statement, detailing all costs associated with your matter and the anticipated sum due to you following the sale of your property
  • Ensure that the ground rent and service charge is paid to the point of completion
  • Agree exchange of contracts date
  • Agree completion date (date from which you no longer own the property)
  • Exchange contracts and notify you and the Estate Agents that this has happened
  • Deal with any payments required to third parties, such as Estate Agent fees.
  • Complete sale and authorise the release of your keys to the purchaser
  • Remit any sale proceeds due to you in accordance with your instructions, i.e bank transfer or cheque
  • Obtain a bankruptcy search to confirm that you are not bankrupt
  • Deal with any retention with regards to the service charges and remit any balance do to you

How long will my house sale take?

How long it will take from the offer being accepted until the sale of your property will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 6-8 weeks. It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain. For example, if the purchase is obtaining a mortgage in order to purchase your property, it could take 8-10 weeks. However, if you are selling a leasehold property that requires an extension of the lease, this can take significantly longer, between 3 and 6 months. In such, a situation additional charges would apply.

*Our fee assumes that:

  1. this is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction
  2. this is the assignment of an existing lease and is not the grant of a new lease
  3. the transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complication arise
  4. all parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation
  5. no indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required.

If a variation in the pricing is required, you will be advised in advance of it being incurred.

Probate

Administration of an Estate where the Deceased has or had not left a Will in a non-taxable estate

We can help you through this difficult process by preparing your application for a Grant of Probate on an uncontested basis, on your behalf.  This is based on an unbundled retainer in completing the application forms based on the instructions of the client only. Our costs are:

Our costs = £1,500.00 no VAT

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as court fees. The fee for applying for probate or letters of administration depends on the value of the estate. There is no fee where the value of the estate is less than £5,000.00. The fee for an estate valued at £5,000.00 or more is currently £215.00. Once we are in receipt of your documents, we will advise you of any tax due.

The costs quoted here do not include:

  • Any Court Fees such as Probate Court Fee and Fees for additional Copies of Grant of Probate.
  • Law Society Gazette Wills & Whereabouts advertisement of £300-£500London Gazette
  • London Gazette Advertisement to protect against creditors £185 plus VAT (Approx.)

As part of our fixed fee we will:

  • Provide you with a dedicated and experienced probate Solicitor to work on your matter
  • Identify the legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries
  • Accurately identify the type of Probate application you will require
  • Obtain the relevant documents required to make the application
  • Prepare the Probate and IHT forms on your behalf and provide detailed instructions.

How long will it take?

The time it takes to get probate or letters of administration varies according to the circumstances. It may only take six to eight weeks if there are no complications, inheritance tax is not payable, the estate is straightforward, etc. However, in more complicated cases, it may take much longer.

Administration of an Estate where the Deceased has or had not left a Will in a taxable estate

We can help you through this difficult process by preparing your application for a Grant of Probate on an uncontested basis, on your behalf. This is based on an unbundled retainer in completing the application/tax forms based on the instructions of the client only. Our costs are:

Our costs = £5,000.00 no VAT

The costs quoted here do not include:
  • Any Court Fees such as Probate Court Fee and Fees for additional Copies of Grant of Probate. .
  • Law Society Gazette Wills & Whereabouts advertisement of £300-£500.
  • London Gazette Advertisement to protect against creditors £185 plus VAT (Approx.)
  • Any tax liability due from the estate payable to the HMRC

As part of our fixed fee we will:

  • Initial attendance and consideration of the options and assessing most appropriate way forward based on client’s circumstances;
  • Determining who is entitled to be Personal Representative of the Estate;
  • Determining who are the beneficiaries to the Estate by reference to intestacy law;
  • Taking out appropriate adverts for the purposes of establishing whether the Deceased made a Will;
  • Completing the IHT 400 and supplemental documentation;
  • Satisfying the IHT bill by arranging either arranging for the Personal Representatives to make payment on an instalment basis or for arranging for release of sums from the Deceased’s assets to make a lump sum payment;
  • Preparing the oath and submitting the application for letters of Administration;
  • Preparing a final estate account;

How long will it take?

  • On average estates that fall within this range are dealt with in between 5 months to 18 months from initial instructions.
  • Typically obtaining the Letters of Administration takes 7-27 weeks from initial instructions.

Immigration

We provide a wide range of services in relation to immigration matters and can help you with preparation of your application on your behalf, excluding Asylum cases.

RH Solicitors costs

  • FLR Application = £850.00 no VAT
  • Naturalisation Application = £750.00 no VAT
  • EEA QP Application = £150.00 no VAT
  • EEA PR Application = £850.00 no VAT
  • EEA FM Application = £850.00 no VAT

The costs quoted do not include:

  • Any Home Office fees for making the application. You will pay this to the Home Office directly as part of the application process via debit card or cheque.
  • Where the Home Office refuse your application, advice and assistance in relation to any appeal may be offered  at a fixed cost excluding disbursements. These will be provided following the outcome of applications that have been refused.

What services are included

The work will involve:

  • Initial attendance and consideration of the options and assessing most appropriate application ( if any ) based on client’s circumstances
  • Advising on requirements of the immigration rules /guidance and specified evidence
  • Advising on method of submission priority. premium standard servicing
  • Assessing supporting evidence and advising on the same
  • Assisting with obtaining further evidence including, engaging with 3rd parties where permitted to etc. medical experts/ banks/employers
  • Preparing application with supporting evidence
  • Preparing detailed representations with index and finalising application submission.
  • Further submission/ providing updates on progress
  • Advising on outcome of application /implications of status/application and next steps’

How long will my application take?

Timescale to submit application: Applications from instructions take up to  6 months on average depending on complexity of Applicant’s immigration history. We will let you know at the earliest opportunity if it is likely to take longer than this.

We cannot guarantee how long the Home Office will take to process your application and please refer to the current processing times as detailed on the Home Office website.

Debt recovery (up to £100,000) – undisputed

Hourly Rate: £150.00 no VAT

The range could be between anywhere between £4,500.00 – £6,500.00 depending on the matter settling with the Debtor’s consent.

It is not envisaged that disbursements will incur if the Debtor has agreed to settle the debt without recourse to legal proceedings.

The exact number of hours it will take depends on the circumstances in your case. Factors that may affect the hours can be:

  • The amount of supporting evidence that we need to consider
  • Lack of co-operation from the opponent
  • Number of Parties
  • Historical background
  • Jurisdictions of parties (should a defendant live outside the jurisdiction we would have to revisit costs estimates dependant on the country in question).
  • Complications relating to service
  • Investigations on the defendants and address of the defendant
  • Unforeseen complexities that may arise
  • Language barriers or translations

Our fee includes:

  • Initial attendance and consideration of the options and assessing most appropriate way forward based on client’s circumstances
  • Reviewing documentation advising on the same
  • Undertaking appropriate searches
  • Sending a letter before action
  • Receiving payment and sending onto you,

Time Scales

  • 3 – 6 Months from initial instructions

This fee range has been quoted strictly on the basis of the Debtor accepting liability for the amount due to the Creditor and undertaking the appropriate steps to recover such sums without recourse to legal proceedings.

Debt recovery (up to £100,000) – disputed

Hourly Rate: £150.00 no VAT

The range could be between anywhere between £10,000 – £15,000.00 depending on the matter settling prior to Court proceedings and between £35,000 to £55,0000 if proceedings are issued excluding disbursement costs.

Likely disbursements, and their costs

  • Counsel’s Fees – dependent on seniority of Counsel
  • Expert reports – fees depend on expert and level of reporting required
  • Court fees- fees -depend on value of debt
  • Mediation costs- depend on value of debt

The exact number of hours it will take depends on the circumstances in your case. Factors that may affect the hours can be:

  • The amount of supporting evidence that we need to consider
  • Lack of cooperation from the opponent
  • Number of Parties
  • Historical background
  • Jurisdictions of parties (should a defendant live outside the jurisdiction we would have to revisit costs estimates dependant on the country in question).
  • Complications relating to service
  • Investigations on the defendants and address of the defendant
  • Unforeseen complexities that may arise
  • Language barriers or translations
  • Further applications to the court

Our fee includes:

  • Initial attendance and consideration of the options and assessing most appropriate way forward based on client’s circumstances
  • Reviewing documentation advising on the same
  • Undertaking appropriate searches
  • Sending a letter before action
  • Mediation referral
  • Drafting pleadings
  • Instructing counsel
  • Preparing witness statements
  • Completing disclosure/ listing checklists
  • Preparing bundles
  • Representation at hearings and trial

The costs quoted here do not include:

  • Court Fees such as Issue Fees. Find updated list of Court fees.
  • Disbursements such as Barristers fees, experts’ fees, search fees e.t.c
  •  Disbursements such as not limited to Barrister’s fees, expert’s fees, search fees, translation costs etc. if they become necessary;
  • Cost of asset trace
  • Counterclaims
  • Interest and compensation may take the debt into a higher banding, with a higher cost.
  • Complexities with issuing the claim in England, jurisdiction issues
  • Complex background or history to the claim, which may involve considerable number of hours to investigate
  • Interest and compensation may take the debt into a higher banding, with a higher cost.

We will let you know at the earliest opportunity and before any such fees are incurred by yourself, if any of these are applicable.

Time scale (on average):

  • 12 – 24 Months from response

Please note the anticipated number of hours, fees and timescales are an estimate based on the facts above. All services are likely to vary and of course, we can give you a more accurate estimate once we have more information about your specific case.