The Cost of Conveyancing For the First Time Buyer
Buying your first home is a huge step, and it is easy to assume your biggest financial challenge is saving for a deposit. But in reality, there’s a lot more to budget for. From legal fees to surveys, moving costs to unexpected extras, knowing the full picture can help you avoid nasty surprises. This guide breaks down the most important first-time buyer costs to expect in 2025, including up-to-date figures and how a trusted first-time buyer solicitor can help you plan ahead. Our First time buyer Stamp Duty calculator on our website is extremely helpful for first-time buyers.
If you’re starting your home buying journey, you’re probably already familiar with the need for a deposit. But have you thought about solicitor fees, property surveys, insurance, and the cost of simply moving your stuff? It all adds up and it adds up fast. Whether you’re using a first-time buyer checklist or applying through a first-time buyer’s scheme, getting a clear understanding of your total costs will help you budget wisely and avoid delays.
What Are Solicitor Fees for First-Time Buyers?
When you buy a home, conveyancing is the legal process that transfers the ownership from the seller to you. Your conveyancing solicitor handles all the behind-the-scenes work, drafting contracts, organising searches, registering your ownership with the Land Registry, and transferring funds.
At Starck Uberoi, we understand that legal jargon and unclear pricing can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first purchase. That’s why we offer fixed-fee conveyancing packages tailored for first-time buyers, with no hidden costs. You’ll always know exactly what you’re paying for, and our experienced conveyancing solicitors will keep you informed from offer to completion.
How Much Do Solicitor Fees Typically Cost in 2025?
On average, you can expect to pay around £500 to £1,500 for conveyancing in 2025. Leasehold properties or homes purchased through schemes like Shared Ownership may cost more due to the additional paperwork involved. Starck Uberoi always provides an itemised quote, so you’re never caught off guard.
Calculate first time buyer solicitor fees with our conveyancing fees calculator.
Beyond solicitor fees, there are disbursements, necessary third-party costs paid on your behalf. These include local authority searches, Land Registry fees, and identity checks. We break all of this down in your quote so you can plan ahead with confidence.
Other Essential First-Time Buyer Costs
Mortgage-related fees can be a surprise. Arrangement fees charged by lenders often range from £500 to £2,000 on average. While some lenders let you add this to your mortgage, doing so increases the total interest you’ll pay. You may also be charged for a valuation or broker service.
View our guide on first time buyer mortgages.
Then there are property surveys. A basic valuation (which only satisfies your lender) may not highlight serious issues. A homebuyer report or full structural survey can cost anywhere from £400 to over £1,200, but it’s money well spent if it reveals costly defects.
Stamp duty is another key factor. As of April 2025, first-time buyers in England no longer benefit from the increased temporary thresholds. You now pay no stamp duty on properties up to £300,000. For homes between £300,001 and £500,000, you pay 5% on the amount over £300,000. If your purchase price exceeds £500,000, standard rates apply.
And of course, don’t forget your deposit, usually 5–10% of the property price, payable on exchange of contracts.
Our First-time Buyer Stamp Duty Calculator can help you calculate your stamp duty liability.
Other essentials include building insurance (required by most lenders), contents insurance (optional but recommended), and removal costs. Depending on how far you’re moving and how much you’re transporting, moving house can cost anywhere from £300 to £1,200.
Disbursements
Many buyers are surprised by smaller costs that crop up near completion. These might include CHAPS bank transfer fees (typically around £20–£35), or leasehold-specific charges like notice fees or service charge apportionments. Post-completion fees for registering ownership or managing freeholder notices can also sneak in.
When you work with Starck Uberoi, we outline these in advance so you’re not left scrambling at the last minute. Our experienced first time buyer solicitors specialise in first-time purchases and know exactly which extra fees to flag and budget for.
Tips for Reducing Costs and Choosing the Right Solicitor
Not all solicitors are the same, and neither are their quotes. Cheap deals found online can sometimes lead to poor service, missed deadlines, or hidden costs. At Starck Uberoi, we combine value with quality. You’ll get personalised support from a real human who explains the process clearly and keeps your transaction moving. With over 400 5-star reviews, we understand the needs of our clients.
We recommend getting a fixed-fee quote and checking what’s included. Read reviews, ask about their experience with first-time buyers, and choose a team that makes you feel supported from the start.
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it’s not just about saving a deposit. First-time buyer solicitor fees, mortgage charges, surveys, insurance, and unexpected extras can easily add thousands to your overall cost. But with early planning and the right legal support, you can stay in control.
Using a first-time buyer checklist can help you stay organised. If you’re applying through a first-time buyer’s scheme, we’ll guide you through eligibility and paperwork. Want to estimate your tax obligations? Use our buy to let stamp duty calculator and learn more about how stamp duty and Buy to Let rates differ.
At Starck Uberoi, we are proud to help first-time buyers across the UK turn their property goals into reality, with honesty, transparency, and a human touch.
How can Starck Uberoi help you?
Get in touch today and speak to one of our dedicated first-time buyer solicitors. We are here to help you every step of the way. If you need a conveyancing quote, check out our online conveyancing quote calculator.
Our Brentford Solicitors, are located on the High Street in a grand three-story building, just a short distance from Brentford County Court. Our Belgravia solicitors are located Just a 5-minute walk from Victoria tube station in Grosvenor Gardens. Our Ealing solicitors are only a short walk from both Ealing Broadway and South Ealing and our Richmond Solicitors have the pleasure of overlooking the picturesque Richmond Green. Finally, our Solicitors in Canterbury are located in the within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Canterbury Cathedral. Our partner, Raminder Uberoi, can also offer a Notary Public Service at any of our London offices.
