Conveyancing fees

[Froghat]

Is the estimate that the lawyer provides at the outset a fixed quotation or is it an estimate? I.e. is it possible that what you end up paying for legal fees is much higher than the figure you were given when you instructed them?

Bump!

There could be some increases on it but usually they include all the standard searches etc - I guess it would just increase if they had any extra work to do following outcomes

We paid what the quote was when we sold and bought last year. I can't remember what it was but we were given 2 seperate costs for the 2 transactions and that was what we paid.

You need to ask the solicitor.

Conveyancing is a fairly set process so costs are normally as quoted. If there's anything that could increase the cost the solicitor should discuss it with you as early as possible

It'll say on it what it covers.

IME - no, there can be loads of add ones. I'm at least glad I asked for a revised estimate when I was near the end! The full figure was a shock but not as much as it would have been if they were requiring payment in the next few days or whatever....

Look at the details in your client care letter. It will say if it a fixed quote or an estimate based on a hourly rate. It may even be a quote but with a proviso if certain things outside the scope of the quote occur you will incur extra costs. You should have an initial letter wetting all thisnout together with the name of the solicitor or conveyancer dealing with the matter and who you complain to if there are issues.

Thanks all! Will look at engagement letter and speak to them too. Don’t want a shock.

What are you looking to buy OP? Some firms charge extra for certain things that they might not know about at the outset. They will be set out in the client care letter.

They have to be transparent and explain exactly what the charge covers. It will also say something along the lines of assuming it is a straightforward purchase.
I've always been charged what they've said at the outset, any extra expenses I've been warned/asked about before they are acted on.

This is unacceptable. Solicitors are not meant to deviate from the quote unless explanation and consent given and sought. Unless you didn't use a solicitor?

I feel like in some cases they said the unexpected parts would involve extra fees, but not others?!

Also I don't feel I can argue about it when they want payment of it all for exchange date, don't want to further delay things?

Presumably I can pay and then attempt to get some money back afterwards... I know that's never the best position to argue from, but feel it might be necessary in this case.

I've bought and sold several times, I've never paid more than the quoted amount, sometimes there's an added cost like Indemnity Insurance etc but this is all transparent and set out with you beforehand.

I forget the rules for solicitors firms as it’s so long since I worked at one but licensed conveyancers can add extra fees if something comes up so long as the possibility is set out in the client care letter.