Fees
Our fee estimate will be based upon the time that we think we are likely to spend on the matter and will cover all of the work required to complete the sale of your property.
The total cost of carrying out a residential leasehold sale will depend on the individual circumstances of the matter. For example, there may be a need for seniority due to the complexity of the property, the value of the property, or any risk or urgency in the matter. We stress that we prefer to discuss a matter with you well in advance before giving you a firm and transparent estimate.
As a general guide, we have found in practice that dealing with a straightforward UK residential leasehold property sale typically leads to an overall charge falling within the range of 0.5% - 2.0% of the sale price, plus VAT. We would not normally accept instructions to act in such a matter where the minimum fee was to be less than £3,500 plus VAT and disbursements.
Our fee estimate assumes that:
- This is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including, for example:
◊ A defect in title which needs to be remedied prior to completion; or ◊ The preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction such as: • A deed of variation of lease • A lease extension or acquisition of the freehold (statutory or negotiated) • A licence for alterations.
- Title is registered and you are resident and domiciled in the UK
- The transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complications arise
- All parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from the parties providing documentation
- Your landlord(s) and management company(ies) is/are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay in their providing documentation
- No indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required
- The property is not sold at auction or by sub-sale
- The transaction is not a ‘probate sale’ or a Trustees’ sale.
If the transaction falls outside these standard parameters, then our fee estimate is likely to be higher than the range indicated above.
Disbursements
On a leasehold sale your disbursements will include:
- CHAPS transfer fees – we suggest allowing for two CHAPS transfer fees and VAT (total £48)
- HM Land Registry official copies - you should allow up to £100 for HM Land Registry official copies.
- Management pack from your landlord or managing agent – these amounts vary widely depending on the management arrangements for the block and the managing agency or landlord involved. We have seen fees as low as £250 plus VAT and we have seen them as high as £1,500 plus VAT.
- If your lease requires licence to assign or a deed of covenant, then it is likely that you will need to pay fees to the landlord or their solicitor or agents for producing these documents. These fees vary widely. We have seen them as low as £250 plus VAT and we have seen them as high as £1,500 plus VAT. We suggest allowing up to £1,500 plus VAT.
Tax
You will have to seek separate advice (our Private Wealth department can assist you) on the taxes that may apply to you on your sale.
9 New Square, Lincoln’s Inn, London WC2A 3QN Tel: +44 (0) 20 7412 0050 | Fax: +44 (0) 20 7412 0049 Email: info@hunterslaw.com