New data reveals mixed trends in conveyancing costs
Average fees for freehold property transactions remained relatively stable, while leasehold transactions and remortgages saw notable increases, according to new research from fast sale and auction company Property Solvers.
The analysis, which gathered quotes from 100 conveyancing firms, revealed that the average cost for handling a freehold property sale stood at £1,190.52, reflecting a 0.21% rise from 2024. Meanwhile, freehold property purchases saw a 0.74% decline, with average fees at £1,256.23 (both figures include VAT).
In contrast, leasehold property transactions experienced higher cost increases, exceeding the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate. The average fee for a leasehold sale rose by 7.14%, from £1,401.99 in 2024 to £1,505.80 in 2025. Leasehold purchases also became more expensive, with fees rising 6.16% to £1,586.65, up from £1,491.83 the previous year.
Property Solvers attributed these higher costs to additional leasehold-related disbursements, which typically range from £250 to £600, with sellers bearing most of the expense.
The study also examined conveyancing fees for remortgaging based on a secured loan of £225,000 (representing a 75% loan-to-value on a £300,000 property). The findings showed that average remortgage costs increased by 6.80%, rising from £692.92 in 2024 to £741.67 in 2025.
Property Solvers noted that all quotes assumed the redemption of an existing mortgage upon sale completion or the purchase of a property with a mortgage. The study also specified that property values for purchase or sale did not exceed £300,000, and the quoted fees excluded disbursements such as telegraphic transfer charges, searches, and ID checks.
Commenting on the findings, Ruban Selvanayagam (pictured), co-founder of Property Solvers, observed that conveyancing fees appear to be levelling out after previous sharp increases.
“After rather aggressive price hikes in recent years, it would seem that conveyancing fees have stabilised to a certain degree – reflective of a somewhat more subdued inflationary landscape,” he said. “Nonetheless, the complexity of leasehold property sales and what we see as the increased hurdles that conveyancers face when dealing with remortgages has seen an understandable increase in fees on these types of transactions.”
He also warned against choosing conveyancing services solely based on low prices, advising caution with firms offering unusually cheap rates.
“While more conveyancing firms are rightfully incorporating AI and other associated efficiencies into their processes, we would generally recommend steering clear of anything below the £500 price point. It’s often the case that such firms are operating a conveyancing-by-numbers approach which means you’re unlikely to be offered the best level of service.”
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