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Conveyancing (Domestic/Residential)

Updated 3rd May 2024

CONVEYANCING (Domestic/Residential)

We undertake conveyancing work and our team currently includes

Partner

Solicitor

Legal Assistant

Mark Broughton (Grade A)Sarah Walker (Grade A)Wendy Rintoul (Grade C)
Sharon Connor (Grade C)

WHY CHOOSE GUY WILLIAMS LAYTON LLP

Our conveyancing team have in excess of 40 years’ collective experience in the delivery of high quality work relating to domestic/residential conveyancing matters, including sale, purchase, re-mortgage, transfer of equity, lease extensions and transfers.

No matter the value of your property, we are proud of the personal and professional service we provide to each and every client whilst we support them through what can be a difficult and stressful time. Our personal service is what brings clients back to us time and time again.

We have four members of the team who may work on your matter (three in Heswall and one in Liverpool). Regardless who does work on your matter, they will be supervised by Mark Broughton, Partner. We have been accredited under the SRA Conveyancing Quality Scheme for over ten years, and Peter Marsh is the firm’s Senior Responsible Officer.

Please click on ‘Our People’ for more information. One of the team, Wendy Rintoul, is available for out of hours office appointments in very urgent circumstances.

Our fees cover all work required to complete the purchase/sale of your property. This includes dealing with registration at the Land Registry, payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax or Land Transaction Tax, liaising with Estate Agents/fees and redemption of mortgages.

REFERRAL ARRANGEMENTS

We do have referral arrangements in place with third party Independent Financial Advisers (IFA) and Estate Agents where referral fees are payable.  Referral Fees payable are between £50.00 and £125.00 plus VAT (20%) per matter.

Should a referral arrangement be utilised in your matter, full disclosure including details of the third party and the actual fee payable will be noted in your client care documentation at the outset.

LAND REGISTRY FEES AND STAMP DUTY LAND TAX

Assessment of stamp duty land tax (SDLT) has a basis of the purchase value of land or property which falls above a specific figure. The amount which SDLT becomes applicable is £250,000 for residential properties and £150,000 for non-residential or mixed-use land and properties

Please visit the following link to view the Stamp Duty Land Tax fees:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rates-and-allowances-stamp-duty-land-tax/stamp-duty-land-tax-rates-1-october-2021-to-22-september-2022–2

https://gov.wales/land-transaction-tax-rates-and-bands

PURCHASE TRANSACTION (Freehold)

Legal Fees

(all subject to VAT)(20%)

Property Value – up to £125,000£825.00
Property Value – £125,001 to £250,000£900.00
Property Value – £250,001 to £350,000£950.00
Property Value – £350,001 to £500,000£1,300.00
Property Value – £500,001 to £750,000£1,700.00
Property Value – £750,001 to £950,000£1,995.00
Property Value – £950,001 to £1,000,000£2,750.00
Property Value – £1,000,001 to £1,500,000£3,750.00
Property Value – £1,500,001 +£4,950.00

Uplift (quotes)

The above quotes are based on the matter being a standard, straightforward transaction. If however, through no fault of ours, the transaction becomes more complex, we reserve the right  to increase our costs by up to 50%. Examples of this include, but are not limited to:

  • significant problems within the chain
  • instructions change part way through or things occur outside of our control that require additional time and attention not previously anticipated.
  • the matter becomes more than usually complex
  • if the legal team on the other side do not have the matter allocated to an individual or small team, who have knowledge of the transaction and where we have to hold on the telephone for significant periods to allow them to bring themselves up to speed.

Additional Costs

Same Day Electronic Money Transfer (per transfer)£40.00 plus VAT
Anti Money Laundering ID Check Fee£15.00 plus VAT (per client/giftor)
Source of Funds Check Fee£95.00 plus VAT (per client / giftor) *

* We reserve the right to charge at an hourly rate for source of funds/wealth checks if the source of funds/wealth is or becomes exceptionally complex. For example, but not limited to, where funds were accrued or are held outside of the UK, from multiple sources or where it has been transferred between accounts.  We will inform you of the fee in advance wherever possible

Anticipated Disbursements (expenses)

Final search Fee£3.00 (per Title)
Final Bankruptcy Fee£2.00 per name

HMLR (Land Registry) Fee (dependant on purchase price – see link below)

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hm-land-registry-registration-services-fees#scale-1-fees

Search Fees£250.00 – £300.00
Lawyer Check (if applicable)£22.00
SDLT Filing Fee£12.00
LMS Panel Fee (if applicable)£42.00

Key work we will undertake

  1. Take instructions and give initial advice
  2. Check finances are in place to fund purchase and contact lender’s solicitors if needed
  3. Receive and advise on contract documents
  4. Carry out searches
  5. Obtain further planning documentation if required
  6. Make any necessary enquiries of seller’s solicitor
  7. Give you advice on all documents and information received
  8. Go through mortgage conditions with you
  9. Send final contract to you for signing
  10. Agree completion date
  11. Exchange contracts and confirm once done
  12. Arrange for all money needed to be received from parties
  13. Complete purchase
  14. Deal with payment of Stamp Duty and /or Land Tax
  15. Deal with the application for Land Registry Registration

Key Stages

  1. Preliminary Matters
  2. Initial Paperwork
  3. Investigation of Title
  4. Mortgage Offer
  5. Signing the Contract
  6. Exchange of Contracts
  7. Preparing for Completion
  8. Completion Day
  9. Post Completion

How long will it take

Length of time to complete is dependent on different factors although the average process takes between 6-12 weeks. Factors include how many parties are in the chain, whether you are a first time buyer, have a linked transaction, are purchasing a new build property and whether you will be buying with or without the aid of a mortgage.  The anticipated length of time to complete your matter will be discussed at instruction and during the matter as it progresses.

We provide a timescale to you in order to give an indication as to how long this matter will take to complete. However, there are a number of external parties involved with your matter which could either reduce or extend this timeframe. These other parties include surveyors, estate agents, mortgage providers, mortgage brokers, search providers, other firms of solicitors and finally buyers and sellers in the chain.  We are not able to control their actions and as such the process will move as quickly as each party will allow.  Please be assured, however, that you will be fully involved with any discussions regarding exchange of contracts and completion.  These dates are collectively agreed by members of the chain in co-operation with one another.

PURCHASE TRANSACTION (Leasehold)

Legal Fees

(all subject to VAT)(20%)

Property Value – up to £125,000£1,150.00
Property Value – £125,001 – £250,000£1,300.00
Property Value – £250,001 to £350,000£1,485.00
Property Value – £350,000.01 – £500,000£1,695.00
Property Value – £500,000.01 – £750,000£1,895.00
Property Value – £750,000.01 – £950,000£2,275.00
Property Value – £950,001 to £1,000,000£2,795.00
Property Value – £1,000,001 to £1,500,000£3,850.00
Property Value – £1,500,001 +£5,000.00

Uplift (quotes)

The above quotes are based on the matter being a standard, straightforward transaction. If however, through no fault of ours, the transaction becomes more complex, we reserve the right  to increase our costs by up to 50%. Examples of this include, but are not limited to:

  • significant problems within the chain
  • instructions change part way through or things occur outside of our control that require additional time and attention not previously anticipated.
  • the matter becomes more than usually complex
  • if the legal team on the other side do not have the matter allocated to an individual or small team, who have knowledge of the transaction and where we have to hold on the telephone for significant periods to allow them to bring themselves up to speed.

Additional Costs

Electronic Money Transfer (per transfer)£40.00 plus VAT
Anti Money Laundering ID Check Fee£15.00 plus VAT (per client / giftor)
Source of Funds Check Fee£95.00 plus VAT (per client / giftor) *

*We reserve the right to charge at an hourly rate for source of funds/wealth checks if the source of funds/wealth is or becomes exceptionally complex. For example, but not limited to, where funds were accrued or are held outside of the UK, from multiple sources or where it has been transferred between accounts.  We will inform you of the fee in advance wherever possible.

Anticipated Disbursements (expenses)

Final search Fee£3.00 (per Title)
Final Bankruptcy Fee£2.00 per name
Search Fees£250.00 – £300.00
Deed of Covenant Fee£100.00 – £300.00 (payable to seller’ solicitors)
Notice of Charge (if property is to be mortgaged)£50.00 – £200.00 (payable to transferor’ solicitor)
Notice of Transfer Fee£50.00 – £200.00 (payable to transferor’ solicitor)
Lawyer Check Fee (if applicable)£22.00

HMLR (Land Registry) Fee (dependant on purchase price – see link below)

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hm-land-registry-registration-services-fees#scale-1-fees

SDLT Filing Fee£12.00
LMS Panel Fee (if applicable)£42.00

Key work we will undertake

  1. Take instructions and give initial advice
  2. Check finances are in place to fund purchase and contact lender’s solicitors if needed
  3. Receive and advise on contract documents
  4. Carry out searches
  5. Obtain further planning documentation if needed
  6. Make any necessary enquiries of seller’s solicitors
  7. Inspect the lease to see if any restrictions require attention
  8. Advise on any Deed of Covenants required with management company
  9. Give you advice on all documents received
  10. Go through mortgage conditions with you
  11. Send final contract to you for signing
  12. Agree completion date
  13. Exchange contracts and notify you once done
  14. Arrange for all money needed to be received from parties
  15. Send relevant notices to relevant management companies to comply with lease
  16. Complete purchase
  17. Deal with payment of Stamp Duty or Land Tax
  18. Deal with the application for Land Registry Registration

Key Stages

  1. Preliminary matters
  2. Initial paperwork
  3. Investigation of Title
  4. Mortgage offer
  5. Signing the contract
  6. Exchange of contracts
  7. Preparing for completion and completion day

How long will it take

Length of time to complete is dependent on different factors although the average process takes between 12-16 weeks. Factors include how many parties are in the chain, whether you are a first time buyer, have a linked transaction, are purchasing a new build property and whether you will be buying with or without the aid of a mortgage.  The anticipated length of time to complete your matter will be discussed at instruction and during the matter as it progresses.

We provide a timescale to you in order to give an indication as to how long this matter will take to complete. However, there are a number of external parties involved with your matter which could either reduce or extend this timeframe. These other parties include surveyors, estate agents, mortgage providers, mortgage brokers, search providers, other firms of solicitors and finally buyers and sellers in the chain.  We are not able to control their actions and as such the process will move as quickly as each party will allow.  Please be assured, however, that you will be fully involved with any discussions regarding exchange of contracts and completion.  These dates are collectively agreed by members of the chain in co-operation with one another.

SALE TRANSACTION (Freehold)

Legal Fees (all subject to VAT)(20%)

Property Value – up to £125,000£730.00
Property Value – £125,001 – £250,000£830.00
Property Value – £250,001 to £350,000£980.00
Property Value – £350,001 to £500,000£1,125.00
Property Value – £500,001 to £750,000£1,425.00
Property Value – £750,000.01 – £950,000£1,775.00
Property Value – £950,001 to £1,000,000£1,985.00
Property Value – £1,000,001 – £1,500,000£2,995.00
Property Value – £1,500,001 +£3,995.00

Uplift (quotes)

The above quotes are based on the matter being a standard, straightforward transaction. If however, through no fault of ours, the transaction becomes more complex, we reserve the right  to increase our costs by up to 50%. Examples of this include, but are not limited to:

  • significant problems within the chain
  • instructions change part way through or things occur outside of our control that require additional time and attention not previously anticipated.
  • the matter becomes more than usually complex
  • if the legal team on the other side do not have the matter allocated to an individual or small team, who have knowledge of the transaction and where we have to hold on the telephone for significant periods to allow them to bring themselves up to speed.

Additional Costs

Electronic Money Transfer (per transfer)£40.00 plus VAT
Anti Money Laundering ID Check Fee£15.00 plus VAT (per client/giftor)

Anticipated Disbursements (expenses)

HM Land Registry Office Copies£3.00 per document

Key work we will undertake

  1. Take instructions and give initial advice
  2. Obtain title documents
  3. Prepare contract papers and agree these with the buyer’s solicitors
  4. Reply to any legal enquiries raised by buyer’s solicitors
  5. Approve the Transfer Deed and deal with any pre-completion enquiries
  6. Obtain any redemption statements required with mortgage lender
  7. Exchange contracts and procure the deposit from the buyer’s solicitors
  8. Complete the transaction and obtain funds from buyer’s solicitors
  9. Redeem any existing mortgage and accounting to you with proceeds of sale
  10. Confirm to you once all completed

Key Stages

  1. Preliminary Matters
  2. Before Exchange of Contracts
  3. Exchange of Contracts
  4. Preparing for Completion
  5. Completion Day

How long will it take

Length of time to complete is dependent on different factors although the average process takes between 6-10  weeks. Factors include how many parties are in the chain or elements surrounding the situation of the property e.g. if the sale is by probate then a limited amount of knowledge can be given on the property, which means the buyers have to rely on their own inspection more so than if you were selling your own property

We provide a timescale to you in order to give an indication as to how long this matter will take to complete. However, there are a number of external parties involved with your matter which could either reduce or extend this timeframe. These other parties include surveyors, estate agents, mortgage providers, mortgage brokers, search providers, other firms of solicitors and finally buyers and sellers in the chain.  We are not able to control their actions and as such the process will move as quickly as each party will allow.  Please be assured, however, that you will be fully involved with any discussions regarding exchange of contracts and completion.  These dates are collectively agreed by members of the chain in co-operation with one another.

SALE TRANSACTION (Leasehold)

Legal Fees (all subject to VAT)(20%)

Property Value – up to £125,000£1,095.00
Property Value – £125,001 – £250,000£1,125.00
Property Value – £250,001 to £350,000£1,245.00
Property Value – £350,001 to £500,000£1,525.00
Property Value – £500,001 to £750,000£1,745.00
Property Value – £750,001 to £950,000£1,945.00
Property Value – £950,001 to £1,000,000£2,550.00
Property Value – £1,000,001 – £1,500,000£3,295.00
Property Value – £1,500,001 +£4,995.00

Uplift (quotes)

The above quotes are based on the matter being a standard, straightforward transaction. If however, through no fault of ours, the transaction becomes more complex, we reserve the right  to increase our costs by up to 50%. Examples of this include, but are not limited to:

  • significant problems within the chain
  • instructions change part way through or things occur outside of our control that require additional time and attention not previously anticipated.
  • the matter becomes more than usually complex
  • if the legal team on the other side do not have the matter allocated to an individual or small team, who have knowledge of the transaction and where we have to hold on the telephone for significant periods to allow them to bring themselves up to speed.

Additional Costs

Electronic Money Transfer (per transfer)£40.00 plus VAT
Anti Money Laundering ID Check Fee£15.00 plus VAT (per client / giftor)

Anticipated Disbursements (expenses)

HM Land Registry Office Copies£3.00 per document

Key work we will undertake

  1. Take instructions and give initial advice
  2. Obtain title documents
  3. Obtain details and documents about any management companies involved
  4. Prepare contract papers and agree these with the buyer’s solicitors
  5. Reply to any legal enquiries raised by buyer’s solicitors
  6. Inspect and deal with any leasehold restrictions placed upon the property
  7. Supply information to management company for extra documentation to be sent once completed
  8. Approve the Transfer Deed and deal with any pre-completion enquiries
  9. Obtain any redemption statements required with mortgage lender
  10. Agree any apportionment figures for the ground rent/service charge
  11. Exchange contracts and procure the deposit from the buyer’s solicitors
  12. Complete the transaction and obtain funds from buyer’s solicitors
  13. Redeem any existing mortgage and accounting to you with proceeds of sale
  14. Confirm once all completed

Key Stages

  1. Preliminary matters
  2. Before change of contracts
  3. Exchange of contracts
  4. Preparing for completion
  5. Completion day

How long will it take

Length of time to complete is dependent on different factors although the average process takes between 6-12  weeks. Factors include how many parties are in the chain or elements surrounding the situation of the property e.g. you would be required to obtain further documentation for the freehold areas of the property.

We provide a timescale to you in order to give an indication as to how long this matter will take to complete. However, there are a number of external parties involved with your matter which could either reduce or extend this timeframe. These other parties include surveyors, estate agents, mortgage providers, mortgage brokers, search providers, other firms of solicitors and finally buyers and sellers in the chain.  We are not able to control their actions and as such the process will move as quickly as each party will allow.  Please be assured, however, that you will be fully involved with any discussions regarding exchange of contracts and completion.  These dates are collectively agreed by members of the chain in co-operation with one another.

Remortgage Transaction

Legal Fees (all subject to VAT)(20%)

Individuals – £775.00
Companies – £995.00

Uplift (quotes)

The above quotes are based on the matter being a standard, straightforward transaction. If however, through no fault of ours, the transaction becomes more complex, we reserve the right  to increase our costs by up to 50%. An example of this is if the matter becomes more than usually complex, instructions change part way through or things occur outside of our control that require additional time and attention not previously anticipated or if the legal team on the other side do not have the matter allocated to an individual or small team, who have knowledge of the transaction and where we have to hold on the telephone for significant periods to allow them to bring themselves up to speed.

Additional Costs

Electronic Money Transfer (per transfer)£40.00 plus VAT
Anti Money Laundering ID Check Fee£15.00 plus VAT (per client/giftor)
Source of Funds Check Fee£95.00 plus VAT (per client/giftor) *

* We reserve the right to charge at an hourly rate for source of funds/wealth checks if the source of funds/wealth is or becomes exceptionally complex. For example, but not limited to, where funds were accrued or are held outside of the UK, from multiple sources or where it has been transferred between accounts.  We will inform you of the fee in advance.

Anticipated Disbursements (expenses)

Companies House Fees (if applicable)
£22.20 (subject to Companies House changes)

You will be advised if there are any other disbursements (expenses) as part of your matter.

Key work we will undertake

  1. Take instructions and give initial advice
  2. Issue client care documentation and obtain Identification documentation required
  3. Check finances are in place to fund purchase and contact lender if needed
  4. Receive and advise on Title
  5. Carry out searches
  6. Obtain further planning documentation if required
  7. Make necessary enquiries of you and/or your mortgage provider
  8. Give you advice on all documents and information received
  9. Go through mortgage conditions with you
  10. Send final mortgage deed to you for signing
  11. Agree completion date
  12. Complete purchase and if applicable redeem existing mortgage
  13. Deal with the application for Land Registry registration

Key Stages

  1. Preliminary matters
  2. Initial paperwork
  3. Investigation of Title
  4. Mortgage offer
  5. Signing the Mortgage Deed
  6. Preparing for completion
  7. Completion day and post completion

How long will it take

Length of time to complete is dependent on different factors although the average process takes between 4-8  weeks. Factors include requirements and conditions of your offer of mortgage.

We provide a timescale to you in order to give an indication as to how long this matter will take to complete. However, there are a number of external parties involved with your matter which could either reduce or extend this timeframe. These other parties include surveyors, estate agents, mortgage providers, mortgage brokers, search providers, other firms of solicitors and finally buyers and sellers in the chain.  We are not able to control their actions and as such the process will move as quickly as each party will allow.  Please be assured, however, that you will be fully involved with any discussions regarding exchange of contracts and completion.  These dates are collectively agreed by members of the chain in co-operation with one another.

Lease Extensions

Legal Fees (all subject to VAT)

£775.00  (without a mortgage)

£995.00 (with a mortgage)

Uplift (quotes)

The above quotes are based on the matter being a standard, straightforward transaction. If however, through no fault of ours, the transaction becomes more complex, we reserve the right  to increase our costs by up to 50%. An example of this is if the matter becomes more than usually complex, instructions change part way through or things occur outside of our control that require additional time and attention not previously anticipated or if the legal team on the other side do not have the matter allocated to an individual or small team, who have knowledge of the transaction and where we have to hold on the telephone for significant periods to allow them to bring themselves up to speed.

Additional Costs

Electronic Money Transfer (per transfer)£40.00 plus VAT
Anti Money Laundering ID Check Fee£15.00 plus VAT per client

Anticipated Disbursements (expenses)

HM Land Registry Registration Fee£40.00 (subject to HMLR changes)

You will be advised if there are any other disbursements (expenses) as part of your matter.

Transfers

Legal Fees (all subject to VAT)

£775.00  (without a re-mortgage)

£995.00 (with a re-mortgage)

Uplift (quotes)

The above quotes are based on the matter being a standard, straightforward transaction. If however, through no fault of ours, the transaction becomes more complex, we reserve the right  to increase our costs by up to 50%. An example of this is if the matter becomes more than usually complex, instructions change part way through or things occur outside of our control that require additional time and attention not previously anticipated or if the legal team on the other side do not have the matter allocated to an individual or small team, who have knowledge of the transaction and where we have to hold on the telephone for significant periods to allow them to bring themselves up to speed.

Additional Costs

Electronic Money Transfer (per transfer)£40.00 plus VAT
Anti Money Laundering ID Check Fee£15.00 plus VAT per client

Anticipated Disbursements (expenses)

You will be advised if there are any other disbursements (expenses) as part of your matter.

General Information

Land Registry Fees are dependent upon several factors including property value and method of application e.g. application via post, using the portal or voluntary first registration.

Please visit the following link to view the Land Registry Fees applicable to your matter:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hm-land-registry-registration-services-fees

You may also contact the HM Land Registry

8.30 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. Monday – Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) – 0300 006 0411

Calls are charged at the national rate by your telephone service provider and are recorded.

Hourly Charging Rates (plus VAT at the prevailing rate)(20%)

Partner/Solicitors & Legal Executives with 8+ years’ experience£290.00   Grade A
Solicitors/Legal Executives with 4+ years’ experience£230.00   Grade B
Other fee earners of equivalent experience£190.00   Grade C
Trainee Solicitors/other fee earners£150.00   Grade D
PA/Secretarial and other non-fee earning/management£100.00    Grade E

Our Costs & Abortive Matters

If the matter becomes protracted and falls outside of the timescale anticipated for this transaction to complete, then I reserve the right to send you interim bills every month for the work done to date.  Please note that this will not exceed the amount quoted, or any revised cost estimate that has been agreed (if applicable).

If, for whatever reason, the transaction does not complete, we will charge for the work done and expenses incurred.  These abortive charges will be calculated on a pro-rata basis according to the amount of work carried out on the matter.  Please note this will not exceed the amount quoted, or any revised cost estimate that has been agreed (if applicable).

Our payment terms of invoices are immediately on presentation. If they remain unpaid we reserve the right to charge £25 plus VAT for each telephone call and letter or email that is needed to chase for payment before any application to Court is made for recovery, after which additional fees will apply.

If you do not pay our abortive invoice

Our payment terms of invoices are immediately on presentation. If they remain unpaid we reserve the right to charge £40 for each telephone call and letter or email that is needed to chase for payment before any application to Court is made for recovery, after which additional fees will apply. Interest will also accrue at 8%.