Pricing

We can act for you in recovering debts over £10,000. The costs below relate to uncontested debt claims only.  If the matter becomes contested or disputed at any stage, we will discuss any further work required and provide a revised estimate depending on the complexity and extent of additional work needed. 

Hourly rates: £180 – £300 plus VAT depending on the level of legal advisor instructed. 

Typical time required for simple uncontested claims: 3 – 6 hours There are various factors that determine the amount of work involved and we would always review the financial viability of your case at the very outset and once the claim has been issued if the matter is defended. 

When claiming costs from the debtor, it is important to note that although we will ask the debtor to pay your fixed costs it is not mandatory that these will be paid. You can claim interest and compensation and we will advise you of the applicable rates. 

Court fees that you will be required to pay in addition to our legal fees are (based on claim value): 

• £10,001 – £200,000: 5% of claim value 

• Over £200,000: £10,000 

Additional court fees may apply depending on how the case progresses (e.g. hearings, enforcement). 

Our estimate for uncontested claims typically include: 

• Taking your instructions, reviewing documentation, investigating debtors and advising on your legal position (including interest/compensation entitlement). This may include advising on the use of tracing agent searches or property searches to ensure there appears to be reasonable prospects of recovering the sum owed. Any such searches will attract an additional fee. 

• Preparing and issuing a legally compliant letter before action, outlining the details of your case, the extent of the legal relief you are entitled to and requesting payment from the debtor 

• Agreeing a settlement, payment plan or otherwise receiving the full demanded sum from the Debtor 

• Drafting and issuing a claim form to the relevant court if the debt is not paid and no settled agreement is made. 

• Applying to the court to enter a Judgement in Default if the debtor fails to respond to court proceedings promptly 

• Contacting the other side to request payment where a Judgement in Default has been issued by the court 

• In the event payment is not forthcoming, advising you on enforcement options and next steps. Separate court or third-party fees will be payable for enforcement of a Judgement. 

Additional costs (if applicable): 

• Tracing agents 

• Financial viability searches 

• Enforcement searches 

We will always advise you of additional costs at the earliest opportunity. 

The costs above apply to uncontested debt claims only.  If the matter becomes contested or disputed at any stage, we will discuss any further work required and provide a revised estimate depending on the complexity and extent of additional work needed.

Insolvency

This work is fact specific and is carried out on an hourly rate basis according to legal advisor

Settlement Agreements

it is important to note that the employer usually pays all legal fees. Our fees typically range between £400 – £600 plus VAT, however this is something we can discuss with you at the appropriate juncture.

We have helped clients buy and sell their homes since 1955, offering a personal, end-to-end service with no hidden extras. Our reviews demonstrate our commitment to customer excellence. All fees below are exclusive of VAT and disbursements.

We are on all the major lending panels. This means that if you are purchasing by way of a mortgage you do not have to instruct a separate solicitor to act for the mortgage lender, we can do it all for you. You will be clear of what your costs are at the outset enabling you to plan your budget accurately with no surprises at the end.

We are proud to hold Lexcel and CQS Accreditations, issued by the Law Society. This involves the firm undergoing a rigorous audit process which ensures we maintain high levels of client care.

We always agree costs with you in advance before we start any work and will not exceed any agreed costs without prior agreement first. Our range of fees is based upon the agreed sale or purchase price of the property.

If during the transaction there is a new development, we will discuss the change in fees with you and agree a way forward.

What is included in our fee?

• Take your instructions and give you initial advice
• Check finances are in place to fund purchase and contact lender’s solicitors if needed
• Act for your mortgage lender (we are on all the major lending panels and will act for the lender saving you the cost of instructing another solicitor to deal with this)
• Receive and advise on contract documents
• Carry out searches
• Receive and advise on Lease ( if leasehold)
• Obtain further planning documentation if required
• Make any necessary enquiries of seller’s solicitor
• Give you advice on all documents and information received
• Preparation and serving of notices of transfer and or mortgage to the Landlord or Managing Agent ( Leasehold)
• Preparation of a Deed of Covenant if applicable ( Leasehold)
• Research and set up an Indemnity Policy for defective title or lack of planning consent/building regulations or covenant consent if required
• Prepare a Statutory Declaration of Title if required
• Go through conditions of mortgage offer with you
• Prepare a Deed of Variation or Occupier Deed of Consent to mortgage or re-mortgage if required
• Send final contract to you for signature
• Agree completion date (date from which you own the property)
• Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened
• Prepare or approve a key undertaking
• Arrange for all monies needed to be received from lender and you
• Complete the purchase
• Deal with payment of Stamp Duty/Land Tax
• Deal with application for registration at Land Registry including registering a restriction if necessary

All of our legal advisors are experienced in the property work they undertake. For a full description individuals experience and qualifications please refer to our ‘Meet The Team’ page.

What’s not included: 

• Stamp Duty Land Tax or Land Transaction Tax
• Payment of disbursements which are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties.
• HM Land Registry fees
• Local search fees
• Lease-related disbursements (e.g. notice fees, compliance certificates)
• Tax advice

Visit the Stamp Duty calculator or Land Registry fees to estimate additional costs. 

Disbursements/Expenses to be paid to third parties, not included in our fees will typically include:

• Search Fees (These will be specific to your property and can be quoted for upon request)
• HM Land Registry Fee (to register your property at the Land Registry)
• Electronic Money Transfer Fee – payable when sending money to sellers upon completion
• Stamp Duty Land Tax
• Vat payable

Timescales

It is really difficult to give an accurate time estimate on conveyancing transactions as they are dependant on so many external factors such as searches, length of chain, if you have a lender and the cooperation of all parties in the chain. Our best guess is that freehold purchases or sales should take between 8-12 weeks  and for leasehold 10-14 weeks.