How much are the solicitors fees for arranging a flat buy?

Question

I am planning to buy a flat in London. I went to an agency and they told me that the legal fees for buying a flat would be:

- £ 150 for the searches

- £ 700 for the legal fees

- £ 400 (because it is leasehold, paying cash and other miscellaneous).

So, is in total these costs for the solicitors would be £1250.

Do you think it is a fair price? Do you know any solicitor that can charge less than that?

Answer 1

Yeah that's a fair cost for a flat.

a leasehold property is a lot more complicated than a freehold house.  it will take longer, this is unavoidable i'm afraid.  2 - 4 months is not unrealistic for a flat purchase.

There may be solicitors around who will do it for less, but they may take even longer, or do a worse job.  the quote you have is pretty standard for the work.

Would you be happy to pay less but wait an extra 1-2 months for your flat?  Would you be happy to save £100 if it meant you could never get hold of your lawyer to speak to and find out what is going on?

Answer 2

It is a free market. You don't have to use the solicitors the agency recommend. Get a quote from two other firms & compare them.