SRA Transparency Rules

The Solicitors Regulation Authority requires us to publish more specific price information about the costs associated with certain types of work.

Residential Conveyancing

The following information applies to the purchase of freehold residential property on behalf of members of the public (that is to say, individuals).

Basis of our charges

The main factors which determine our charges are the following:

1. The value of the property (because this affects the amount of risk we assume)

2. The amount of work involved. This will be influenced by the presence of any complicating factors (see below)

• Sale and purchase
  Where we are instructed to act on a sale as well as a purchase, we will charge a separate fee for the sale on the basis that they are two separate (but usually co-ordinated) transactions. The fees for the sale element are set out elsewhere on this website and will depend on whether the second property is freehold or leasehold.

Laytons’ fees for “standard” transactions

The fees we quote cover all of the work we do (but not the third party expenses we incur on your behalf) to complete the purchase of your new home, including dealing with registration at the Land Registry and arranging for payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax (if the property is in England) or Land Transaction Tax (if the property is in Wales).

Please see the section below for likely third party expenses.

For a standard freehold purchase, our fee ranges are as set out below:

The fee ranges quoted above assume that: 

1. this is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction

2. the transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complications arise

3. all parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation

4. no indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required

Non-standard transactions

The fee table above does not apply to non-standard transactions, which are ones which feature one or more of the following complicating factors:

• we are required to liaise with separate solicitors for your mortgage lender

• the property is unregistered

• the property is a new build

• there is a requirement for Islamic finance

• a shared ownership scheme is involved

• there is a help to buy scheme element

• there is an ISA involved

• the purchase is taking place under the right to buy legislation

• the property has been repossessed

• the purchase is taking place at auction

• where our client is based overseas or is a company as this will involve enhanced due diligence

If the transaction is non-standard for any of these reasons, we would be very pleased to provide a bespoke quote on enquiry. 

Third Party Expenses

Typically, we will incur the following expenses on your behalf. These are in addition to our own fees:

• Search fees – £300-£500 (the precise amount depends on the local authority).

• HM Land Registry fees – the amount will depend on the purchase price. Details of these fees can be found here.

• Stamp Duty Land Tax/Land Transaction Tax – This depends on the value of your property and certain other personal circumstances (such as whether any of the purchasers owns an additional property or properties and whether any of the purchasers is non-UK resident). You can calculate the amount by using HMRC’s website (or, in the case of Land Transaction Tax where the property is in Wales). Please note that this calculator is not applicable if you intend to purchase the property in the name of a company. You may also require further advice beyond this calculator depending on your particular circumstances, or you may require tax structuring advice. If that is the case, our conveyancing team would be supported by a specialist Tax Partner who would be happy to advise you further and who would provide you with a separate estimate of their costs for providing this specialist advice.

• VAT at 20% is chargeable on our fees and search fees.

Please note that these expenses vary from property to property and can on occasion be significantly more than the ranges given above. We can give you an accurate figure once we have sight of your specific documents.

So that the process is as smooth as possible we will normally pay these expenses on your behalf provided you pay us. 

Typical Stages of the process

The precise stages involved will vary according to the circumstances. However, they will typically include the following: 

• taking your instructions, due diligence and giving you initial advice

• receiving and advising on contract documents

• carrying out various searches

• obtaining further planning documentation if required

• making any necessary enquiries of the other party’s solicitor

• advising you on all documents and information received

• going through conditions of any mortgage offer with you

• approving and sending the final contract to you for signature

• agreeing the completion date (date from which you own the property)

• exchanging contracts and notifying you that this has happened

• arranging for all monies needed to be received from your lender and you

• completing the purchase

• dealing with payment of Stamp Duty/Land Tax

• dealing with application for registration at Land Registry

How long will the transaction take?

The time between your offer being accepted to your being able to move in to your new home will depend on a number of factors but the typical range is 8 to 12 weeks. 

It can be quicker or slower than this, depending on the parties in the chain, whether you are obtaining mortgage finance, how long the searches take to be received from the Local Authority, whether there are any issues raised by your survey and how complicated the title to the property is.

The experience and qualifications of anyone carrying out the work

In the main, work is carried out by qualified solicitors or trainee solicitors and Legal Executives (but certain work may be delegated to secretaries and paralegals). Specific experience varies and information about our personnel is available in the profiles of the individual lawyers in our team:

VAT

As explained above, VAT at 20% is charged on our fees and on search fees.

The following information applies to the sale of freehold residential property on behalf of members of the public (that is to say, individuals).

Basis of our charges

The main factors which determine our charges are the following:

1. The value of the property (because this affects the amount of risk we assume)

2. The amount of work involved. This will be influenced by the presence of any complicating factors (see below)

• Sale and purchase
  Where we are instructed to act on a purchase as well as a sale, we will charge a separate fee for the purchase on the basis that they are two separate (but usually co-ordinated) transactions. The fees for the purchase element are set out elsewhere on this website and will depend on whether the second property is freehold or leasehold.

Laytons’ fees for “standard” transactions

The fees we quote cover all of the work we do (but not the third party expenses) to complete the sale of your home, including settling the estate agent’s commission and repaying your mortgage if any.

Please see the section below for likely third party expenses.

For a standard freehold sale, our fee ranges are as set out below:

Value of property and range of typical fees

The fee ranges quoted above assume that: 

• this is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction

• 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 third parties providing documentation

• no indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required

Non-standard transactions

The fee table above does not apply to non-standard transactions, which are ones which feature one or more of the following complicating factors:

• the property is unregistered

• a shared ownership scheme is involved

• there is a help to buy scheme element

• the property is being sold at auction

• Our client is based overseas or is a company as this usually involves enhanced due diligence

If the transaction is non-standard for any of these reasons, we would be very pleased to provide a bespoke quote on enquiry.

Third Party Expenses

Typically, we will incur the following expenses on your behalf. These are in addition to our own fees:

• HM Land Registry fees for copies of register, filed plan and any deeds: £3 per copy

• VAT at 20% is chargeable on our fees 

So that the process is as smooth as possible we will normally pay these expenses on your behalf provided you pay us. 

Typical Stages of the process

The precise stages involved will vary according to the circumstances. However, they will typically include the following: 

1. Preparing the sale contract and approving and/or negotiating the transfer of the property

2. Collating the supporting documentation

3. Obtaining a mortgage repayment statement if applicable

4. Preparing replies to additional and/or further enquiries raised by the buyer’s solicitors

5. Dealing with exchange of Contracts

6. Approving the draft Transfer Deed

7. Preparing Financial Statement to you

8. Attending to any applicable post completion matters, including arranging to redeem any current mortgages over the property on your behalf from the proceeds of sale, settling the estate agents’ fees, on your behalf from the proceeds of sale and arranging to transfer the net proceeds of sale to you.

How long will the transaction take?

The time between your acceptance of an offer and receipt of the sale price will depend on a number of factors but the typical range is 8 to 12 weeks. 

It can be quicker or slower than this depending on several factors including the parties in the chain, how long the buyer’s searches take, whether the buyer is obtaining mortgage finance and how complicated the title to your property is. 

The experience and qualifications of anyone carrying out the work

In the main, work is carried out by qualified solicitors or trainee solicitors (but certain work may be delegated to secretaries and paralegals). Specific experience varies and information about our personnel is available in the profiles of the individual lawyers in our team.

VAT

As explained above, VAT at 20% is charged on our fees and on search fees.

The following information applies to the purchase of leasehold residential property on behalf of members of the public (that is to say, individuals).

Basis of our charges

The main factors which determine our charges are the following:

1. The value of the property (because this affects the amount of risk we assume)

2. The amount of work involved. This will be influenced by the presence of any complicating factors (see below)

• Sale and purchase
  Where we are instructed to act on a sale as well as a purchase, we will charge a separate fee for the sale on the basis that they are two separate (but usually co-ordinated) transactions. The fees for the sale element are set out elsewhere on this website and will depend on whether the other property is freehold or leasehold.

Laytons’ fees for “standard” transactions

The fees we quote cover all of the work we do (but not the third party expenses) to complete the purchase of your new home, including dealing with registration at the Land Registry and arranging for payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax (if the property is in England) or Land Transaction Tax (if the property is in Wales).

Please see the section below for likely third party expenses.

For a standard leasehold purchase, our fee ranges are as set out below:

Value of property and range of typical fees

The fee ranges quoted above assume that: 

1. this is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction

2. this is the assignment of an existing lease and is not the grant of a new lease

3. the transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complications arise

4. all parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation

5. no indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required
   

Non-standard transactions

The fee table above does not apply to non-standard transactions, which are ones which feature one or more of the following complicating factors:

• we are required to liaise with separate solicitors for your mortgage lender

• the property is unregistered

• the property is a new build

• there is a requirement for Islamic finance

• a shared ownership scheme is involved

• there is a help to buy scheme element

• there is an ISA involved

• the purchase is taking place under the right to buy legislation

• the property has been repossessed

• the purchase is taking place at auction

• where our client is based overseas or is a company as this will involve enhanced due diligence 

If the transaction is non-standard for any of these reasons, we would be very pleased to provide a bespoke quote on enquiry. 

Third Party Expenses

Typically, we will incur the following expenses on your behalf. These are in addition to our own fees:

• Search fees – £300-£500 (the precise amount depends on the local authority).

• HM Land Registry fees – the amount will depend on the purchase price. Details of these fees can be found here.

• Stamp Duty Land Tax/Land Transaction Tax – This depends on the value of your property. You can calculate the amount by using HMRC’s website (or, in the case of Land Transaction Tax where the property is in Wales). Please note that this calculator is not applicable if you intend to purchase the property in the name of a company.  You may also require further advice beyond this calculator depending on your particular circumstances, or you may require tax structuring advice. If that is the case, our conveyancing team would be supported by a specialist Tax Partner who would be happy to advise you further and who would provide you with a separate estimate of their costs for providing this specialist advice.

• VAT at 20% is chargeable on our fees and search fees.

• Notice of Transfer fee – This fee if chargeable is set out in the lease. Often the fee is between £50 + VAT and £200 + VAT. 

• Notice of Charge fee (if the property is to be mortgaged) – This fee is set out in the lease. Often the fee is between £50 + VAT and £200 + VAT. 

• Deed of Covenant fee – This fee is provided by the management company for the property and can be difficult to estimate. Often it is between £50 + VAT and £200 + VAT. 

• Certificate of Compliance fee - To be confirmed upon receipt of the lease, as can range between £50 + VAT and £100 + VAT. 

Please note that these expenses vary from property to property and can on occasion be significantly more than the ranges given above. We can give you an accurate figure once we have sight of your specific documents.

You should also be aware that ground rent and service charge are likely to apply throughout your ownership of the property. We will confirm the ground rent and the anticipated service charge as soon as we receive this information.

So that the process is as smooth as possible we will normally pay these expenses on your behalf provided you pay us. 

Typical Stages of the process

The precise stages involved will vary according to the circumstances. However, they will typically include the following: 

• taking your instructions, due diligence and giving you initial advice

• receiving and advising on contract documents including the Lease and service charge information

• carrying out various searches

• obtaining further planning documentation if required

• making any necessary enquiries of the other party’s solicitor

• advising you on all documents and information received

• going through conditions of any mortgage offer with you

• approving and sending the final contract to you for signature

• agreeing the completion date (date from which you own the property)

• exchanging contracts and notifying you that this has happened

• arranging for all monies needed to be received from your lender and you

• completing the purchase

• dealing with the service of Notices on the Landlord and any requirements relating to share certificates or Deeds of covenant

• dealing with payment of Stamp Duty/Land Tax

• dealing with application for registration at Land Registry
  

How long will the transaction take?

The time between your offer being accepted to your being able to move in to your new home will depend on a number of factors but the typical range is 8 to 12 weeks. 

It can be quicker or slower than this, depending on the parties in the chain, whether you are obtaining mortgage finance, how long the searches take to be received from the Local Authority, whether there are any issues raised by your survey and how complicated the title to the property is.

The experience and qualifications of anyone carrying out the work

In the main, work is carried out by qualified solicitors or trainee solicitors (but certain work may be delegated to secretaries and paralegals). Specific experience varies and information about our personnel is available in the profiles of the individual lawyers in our team:

VAT

As explained above, VAT at 20% is charged on our fees and on the search fees.

Details of what services are included in the prices “displayed”

The cost of obtaining any extension of the lease, Deed of Variation and a Licence for Alterations are not included in the range of costs given above.

The following information applies to the sale of freehold residential property on behalf of members of the public (that is to say, individuals).

Basis of our charges

The main factors which determine our charges are the following:

1. The value of the property (because this affects the amount of risk we assume)

2. The amount of work involved. This will be influenced by the presence of any complicating factors (see below)

• Sale and purchase
  Where we are instructed to act on a purchase as well as a sale, we will charge a separate fee for the purchase on the basis that they are two separate (but usually co-ordinated) transactions. The fees for the purchase element are set out elsewhere on this website and will depend on whether the other property is freehold or leasehold.

Laytons’ fees for “standard” transactions

The fees we quote cover all of the work we do (but not the third party expenses) to complete the sale of your home.

Please see the section below for likely third party expenses.

For a standard leasehold sale, our fee ranges are as set out below:

Value of property and range of typical fees

The fees ranges quoted above assume that: 

1. this is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction

2. this is the assignment of an existing lease and is not the grant of a new lease

3. the transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complications arise

4. all parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation

5. no indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required

Non-standard transactions

• the property is unregistered

• a shared ownership scheme is involved

• there is  a Help to Buy scheme element

• the sale is taking place at an auction

• where our client is based overseas or is a company as this will involve enhanced due diligence

If the transaction is non-standard for any of these reasons, we would be very pleased to provide a bespoke quote on enquiry.

Third Party Expenses

Typically, we will incur the following expenses on your behalf. These are in addition to our own fees:

• HM Land Registry fees for copies of register, filed plan and any deeds: £3 per copy

• Managing agent’s pack: typically £200-£450

• VAT at 20% is chargeable on our fees

So that the process is as smooth as possible we will normally pay these expenses on your behalf provided you pay us. 

Typical Stages of the process

The precise stages involved will vary according to the circumstances. However, they will typically include the following: 

• Preparing the sale contract and approving and/or negotiating the transfer of the property

• Collating the supporting documentation

• Obtaining a mortgage repayment statement if applicable

• Obtaining management information from your managing agents or Landlord

• Preparing replies to additional and/or further enquiries raised by the buyer’s solicitors

• Dealing with exchange of  Contracts

• Approving the draft Transfer Deed

• Completion statement apportioning the service and ground rent

• Attending to any applicable post completion matters, including arranging to redeem any current mortgages over the property on your behalf from the proceeds of sale, settling the estate agents’ fees on your behalf from the proceeds of sale and arranging to transfer the net proceeds of sale to you
  

How long will the transaction take?

The time between your acceptance of an offer and receipt of the sale price will depend on a number of factors but the typical range is 8 to 12 weeks. 

It can be quicker or slower than this, depending on the parties in the chain. For example, if you are selling a leasehold property that requires an extension of the lease, this can take significantly longer.  Similarly if a Licence for alterations, Deed of Variation or Licence to Assign are required we will charge separately for those matters and they can delay the transaction. 

The experience and qualifications of anyone carrying out the work

In the main, work is carried out by qualified solicitors or trainee solicitors (but certain work may be delegated to secretaries and paralegals). Specific experience varies and information about our personnel is available in the profiles of the individual lawyers in our team.

VAT

As explained above, VAT at 20% is charged on our fees and third party expenses.

Services are not included in the range of fees above

The cost of obtaining any extension of the lease, Deed of Variation and a Licence for Alterations. 

The following information applies to the purchase of residential property on behalf of members of the public (that is to say, individuals).

Basis of our charges

The main factors which determine our charges are the following:

1. The value of the property (because this affects the amount of risk we assume)

2. The amount of work involved. This will be influenced by the presence of any complicating factors (see below)
   

Laytons’ fees for “standard” transactions

The fees we quote cover all of the work we do (but not the third party expenses) to complete your remortgage. 

Please see the section below for likely third party expenses.

For a standard remortgage, we will charge as follows:

Value of property and range of typical fees

The exact fee will be dependent on the type of property involved and whether it is a freehold or leasehold title. We will also take into consideration the legal requirements of the relevant funder and the proposed timescales for completion of the transaction.

The ranges quoted above assume that:

1. this is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction

2. the transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complications arise

3. all parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation

4. no indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required

5. granting a lease of a flat where there is no lease in place

6. no deed of variation is required to vary the terms of the existing lease.

Non-standard transactions

The fee table above does not apply to non-standard transactions, which are ones which feature one or more of the following complicating factors:

• the property is unregistered

• title to the property is defective and/or where defective title indemnity insurance is required

• there is a requirement for Islamic finance

• a shared ownership scheme is involved

• there is help to buy scheme element

If the transaction is non-standard for any of these reasons, we would be very pleased to provide a bespoke quote on enquiry.

Third Party Expenses

Typically, we will incur the following expenses on your behalf. These are in addition to our own fees:

• HM Land Registry fees for copies of register, filed plan and any deeds: £3 per copy

• Search fees – £300-£500 (the precise amount depends on the local authority) or indemnity policy for no searches £30-£100

• HM Land Registry fees – the amount will depend on the purchase price. Details of these fees can be found here.

• VAT at 20% is chargeable on our fees and searches

So that the process is as smooth as possible we will normally pay these expenses on your behalf provided you pay us. 

Typical Stages of the process

The precise stages involved will vary according to the circumstances. However, they will typically include the following: 

• Reporting to you on the terms of the new mortgage

• Submitting and considering all relevant search results required for the new lender

• Obtaining and collating land registry, planning and other information including service charge if applicable for your new lender

• Reviewing the Lease if the property is a leasehold and advising the lender whether a deed of variation is required for any matters

• Reporting matters which might adversely affect your new lender, with your consent

• Reporting to you any adverse matters revealed by any of the searches or other requirement of your new lender

• Providing a certificate of title to your new mortgage lender

• Attending to post completion matters including registering the new mortgage at the Land Registry and serving notice of charge on the landlord if the property is leasehold.
  

How long will the transaction take?

The time between us receiving your new mortgage offer and completing the new mortgage will depend on a number of factors but the typical range is 4-6 weeks. 

The experience and qualifications of anyone carrying out the work

In the main, work is carried out by qualified solicitors or trainee solicitors (but certain work may be delegated to secretaries and paralegals). Specific experience varies and information about our personnel is available in the profiles of the individual lawyers in our team.

VAT

As explained above, VAT at 20% is charged on our fees and searches.

Note: If we act for you, you will be primarily liable for our fees. However, you should check whether you have any insurance policy which might cover any charges you incur with us.

Basis of our charges

Contested claims are by their nature unpredictable: it is not possible to know in advance what the opponent will do or say. For that and similar reasons, we are unable to quote a fixed price for such work. Subject to receipt of further information about the case, we may be able to provide an estimate. 

The fees we do charge are determined by the time we spend on the matter. Our hourly rates are as follows:

• Partners
  £375 - £495*

• Associate Partners
  £300 - £350*

• Assistant Solicitors
  £250 - £300*

• Trainee Solicitors
  £225*

  * all rates are ex VAT
  

In addition to the other side’s conduct, the amount of time which to be spent on a matter will be influenced by such variables as:

• the complexity of the claim

• the complexity of the underlying facts

• the number of witnesses

• the amount of documentation involved

• the length of the hearing

Range of costs

The range below includes typical third party expenses (as to which see further below).

Typically, the cost of defending or pursuing an Employment Tribunal claim for unfair and/or wrongful dismissal will range between £20,000 (plus VAT) for a relatively straightforward claim and £150,000 (plus VAT) for a more complex matter. Subject to the variables identified above and the complicating factors below, the actual cost could be more and it could be less.

The presence of any one of the following features would render the matter a more complicated one:

• the need for any hearings before the main hearing (for example to make or defend an application to amend the claim or to provide further information)

• the opponent is a litigant in person

• the need to make or defend any costs claims

• any discrimination allegations

• any whistleblowing allegations

We would be pleased to provide a more informed estimate upon receipt of further information. 

Settlement Agreements

The firm advises employees on the entering into of Settlement Agreements and imposes a minimum charge of £500 + vat for its advice.

Third Party expenses

In addition to our own fees, it will often be necessary to incur the fees of third parties. Typically, these will include the following:

• Barrister’s fees - where a matter proceeds to a main hearing, it is usual to instruct a specialist barrister to argue the case. The amount charged by the barrister will be primarily determined by the seniority of the barrister instructed, the length of the hearing, and the amount of documentation in the matter. Typically, a barrister might charge between £4,000 (plus VAT) and £20,000 (plus VAT) plus travel and accommodation if necessary, depending again on the particular characteristics of the matter

• copying fees (in the event there is an order to split the costs of bundle preparation)

• travel costs

These are included within the range of costs set out about. Other less usual expenses might (which are not included in the range above) might include:

• translation fees

• witness training

For the sake of convenience, we will generally pay the third party on your behalf, but we will do so on the basis that you pay us in advance of that fee being incurred.

VAT

VAT at 20% is charged on our fees and most third party fees (including Counsel).

Typical stages

The range of fees we have provided above assumes the following typical steps:

• receiving your initial instructions, reviewing the papers and advising you on the strength of your case and the likely level of any compensation payment (such advice to be kept under review as the matter progresses)

• where mandatory, entering into pre-claim conciliation to explore whether a settlement can be reached

• preparing the claim or the response (as the case may be)

• reviewing and advising in the light of the opponent’s response

• exploring and advising on the scope for a negotiated settlement throughout

• preparing or considering a schedule of loss

• preparing for and attending any hearings before the main one

• exchanging documents with the opponent and agreeing a bundle of documents

• taking witness statements, drafting statements and agreeing their contents with witnesses

• preparing an agreed bundle of documents for the Employment Tribunal

• reviewing and advising on the opponent’s witness statements

• agreeing a list of issues, a chronology and/or a list of cases

• briefing a barrister

How long will it take?

The typical range is between 12 and 24 months, but this can vary dramatically from the date the claim is lodged with the Employment Tribunal. The time frame is largely governed by both the Employment Tribunal that has conduct of the matter and by the complexity of the matter.

Upon receipt of a claim, the employer will have 28 days to provide a response.  Following receipt of that response, the Employment Tribunal will typically issue directions setting out a timetable for the steps listed above, which form the preparation for the main hearing.  Alternatively, the Employment Tribunal may request the parties to attend a Preliminary Hearing at which such a timetable will be established, together with a date for the main hearing.     

The experience and qualifications of anyone carrying out the work

Please refer to the profiles of the members of our employment team.

Fees for Uncontested Probate

This guidance applies to the collection and distribution of money, real estate (land and/or buildings), and other assets belonging to a person following their death, where these are in England and Wales and there is no dispute.

Basis of our charges

Because estates (i.e. the affairs of a deceased person) can vary greatly in terms of their size and their complexity (and therefore the amount of work involved in administering them), we do not quote fixed prices but we are able to provide a range of costs (see below). We charge according to the time we spend on the matter.

Our hourly rates are as follows:

• Partners
  £476 - £580*

• Associate Partners
  £420*

• Assistant Solicitors
  £290*

• Trainee Solicitors
  £225*
  
  * all rates are ex. VAT
  

The amount of time which will be spent on a matter will be influenced by such variables as:

• whether the deceased left a valid will

• if there was no Will, the terms of the intestacy

• the nature and number of assets owned by the deceased and the jurisdiction in which they were held

• the number and identity of the beneficiaries

• the tax position of the estate

• whether there are any debts or liabilities

• whether there are claims made against the estate

Range of costs

The range below includes the typical third party expenses set out below but it does not include taxes payable to the Government (as to which see further below).

Typically, the cost of obtaining probate (or, in the case of intestacy, letters of administration) for an estate following death will range from £3,000 (plus VAT) for a straightforward matter to £75,000+ (plus VAT) for a complex one.

A straightforward matter might be one where the deceased left a clear Will with only one beneficiary or all assets are passing to a surviving spouse or civil partner and no assets in the form of land or buildings require a Grant of Probate. A more complicated estate might be one with multiple assets (perhaps including real estate) and multiple beneficiaries. 

The presence of any one of the following features would render the matter a more complicated one, with costs tending towards the upper end of the range.

• Inheritance tax is payable by the estate

• If the deceased and/or spouse lived somewhere other than in the UK

• Any lack of co-operation between beneficiaries and/or executors

• A large number of assets is involved

• Any of the assets are works of art, investments, vehicles or real estate

• If there is a business or business assets

• The existence of liabilities (such as a mortgage)

We would be pleased to provide a firmer estimate upon receipt of further information. 

Third Party expenses

In addition to our own fees, it will often be necessary to incur the fees of third parties. Typically, these will include the following:

• Probate application fee of £273 fee (plus additional costs for office copies of the Grant at £1.50 per copy) (no VAT)

• Bankruptcy only searches at Land Charges Department; £2 per search (no VAT)

• Section 27 of the Trustee Act 1925 Notice fees, in the region of £100 -£300 plus VAT

These are included in our range of costs above. Others, which are not typical and which are therefore not included in our range of costs, might include:

• Dealing with the Land Registry to check the titles to the jointly owned properties with regard to the way in which they are held jointly

• Obtaining new share certificates or other expenses in relating to the transfer or sale of shareholdings

• The payment of third party fees such as accountants

For the sake of convenience, we will generally pay the third party on your behalf, but we will do so on the basis that you pay us in advance of that fee being incurred.

VAT

VAT at 20% is charged on our fees and on all third party fees (except Probate application fees and Land Registry fees).

How long will it take to obtain the Grant?

The issuing of a Grant of Representation (“Grant”) can take up to 16 weeks from the date the Probate Registry acknowledge receipt of the application.  However, to make the Grant application, information in relation to the value of the estate assets and liabilities as at date of death needs to be obtained in the first instance. How long the gathering in of such information will take is impossible to state as there are many variables involved in this process.  That said, if it is clear from early on in the estate administration process that the size and nature of the estate gives rise to a straightforward matter, from the point of instruction to the point of obtaining a Grant could be in the region of 5-6 months. More accurate estimates will be given on a case by case basis.

Please note that if inheritance tax is payable, there is a deadline of 6 months from the 1st of the month following the date of death for the appropriate tax payment to be made to HMRC. If any or all the tax payment remains outstanding after the deadline date has passed, daily interest will be added to the outstanding amount by HMRC. For example, if the date of death is 7th January, the 6 month deadline for payment of the appropriate amount of inheritance tax date would be 31st July. Daily interest would start accruing from 1st August.

Matters not included in the fee ranges set out above

• The sale or transfer of any land or buildings;

• Dealing income tax and capital gains tax position of the estate and/or of the deceased up to the date of death.

Please refer to the profiles of the members of our private client team.

Range of costs

On a purely indicative basis, this can vary from between £500 to over £100,000 depending on the nature of any dispute and the instructions we receive. 

Basis of our charges

This is generally an hourly rate for the time spent working on a matter. This ranges from £105 plus VAT to £595 plus VAT depending on the nature of the case and seniority of the person acting.

The experience and qualifications of anyone carrying out the work

In the main, work is carried out by qualified solicitors or trainee solicitors (but certain work may be delegated to secretaries and paralegals). Specific experience varies and information about our personnel is available elsewhere on this website.

Disbursements

These are payments of third party costs which we generally make on your behalf subject to your placing us in funds on request.

• Court issue fees
  These depend on the value of the claim. A claim for up to £100,000 generally requires a fee of 5% of the value of the claim or 4.5% if issued through Money Claim On-line.

• Court hearing fees
  Most cases we deal with attract a hearing fee of £1,175 but this can be reduced for cases assigned to the lower value tracks.

• Applications
  A contested application will attract a fee of £275

• Counsel’s fees
  We use the service of specialist advocates (barristers) for certain court proceedings and their fees are based on their expertise and experience. Typically, they will also base their charges on hourly rates which are applied to the time they spend on a matter.

• Experts’ fees
  Sometimes experts are required and their fees are also variable.

Other third party expenses (disbursements)
These will depend on the nature of the case and the services being paid for.

VAT

VAT at 20% is charged on most services and disbursements (other than Court fees).

Details of what services are included in the prices “displayed”

We do not provide service according to price; we price according to the services provided. The services which need to be provided may vary with the specific circumstances of the matter we are asked to assist on, and these cannot be assessed until we have a basic understanding of the issues.

Key stages and likely timetables will differ depending on the individual matter. It is therefore not possible to provide general information.

Factors which affect overall costs can include:

• Inconvenient historical evidence which may need to be understood and rationalised;

• Action taken prior to our involvement which may be inconsistent with an ideal path towards resolution;

• Documents which may be inconsistent with the allegations made;

• Irrational and obstructive behaviour by the counterparty and their representatives.

Conditional fees and damages-based agreements

We may consider these options in specific cases and the circumstances in which clients may have to make payments themselves depend on the particular terms agreed.

We provide a wide range of UK immigration and nationality support to members of the public, including applications in common visa categories, consultations and assessments, as well as bespoke support.  

Basis of our Charges  

The main factors which determine our charges are the following:  

• Particular immigration or nationality category of application 

• Specific needs or objectives of the client, where additional work is required beyond the norm

• Complexities or unforeseen matters which may require additional work, including urgency or timing factors, or issues with suitability requirements

• Timely availability of information and documents requested for either consultations, assessments or specific application types, including legibility, language and format

Laytons’ professional fees  

We believe in keeping things simple. We have no hidden charges and provide full clarity on costs. We aim to provide a fixed fee quotation wherever possible prior to commencing work. Where that is not possible we will charge on an hourly rate basis and provide an estimate of how long the work required might take, keeping you regularly appraised as matters progress. 

Consultations and Assessments 

We regularly provide bespoke support for our clients. Where a consultation or an assessment is required i.e. before a client wishes to proceed with any particular application; to formulate a family plan; or to work alongside other advisors to enable informed decisions to be made, we cannot predict with certainty how much of our time you will need. For this reason, the following hourly rates will apply: 

• Associate
  £435-£500*

• Consultant
  £400-£605*

• Legal Executive
  £280*

• Paralegals
  £225-£250*

• Partner
  £400-£650*

• Patent Attorney
  £250-£500*

• Solicitor
  £300-£440*

• Trainee Solicitors
  £250*

  * all rates are ex VAT

  
  

Wherever possible we will provide an estimate of how much of our time you may need, based on our experience, or suggest a time cap to work to at which point a further discussion on fees can take place.  

All our work is supervised by a senior solicitor or Partner and you will be introduced to all members of the team working on your matter.  

Immigration and Nationality Applications 

Our typical fixed fee ranges for most common immigration and nationality application categories are as follows:  

The above professional fixed fees are charged per applicant. Where a family is applying together, we aim to offer discounted rates for dependants but this will depend on the category. If the application you need is not listed above, please contact us for a written quotation. 

VAT 

All professional fees listed are exclusive of VAT, which will be charged at 20% as required.  

Disbursements and third party costs 

Most UK immigration or nationality work we will do for you will have an element of disbursements. This is typically: 

• UK Government (UK Visas & Immigration ("UKVI")) fees application fees which are charged per applicant. These fees can be varied by the Government. You can see the latest fees list here.  

• Immigration Health Surcharge, which is charged per applicant per year of visa validity. This fee was last varied in February 2024 and the annual cost is dependant on the type of applicant, with some applicants not being required to pay. See here for further information.  

These are paid in local currency to the country of application, meaning the exact GBP figure charged may vary depending on the exchange rate on the date of submission.  

Other common third party costs include translations, English language test, Life in the UK Test, biometrics appointment fees, or priority processing services. We will not always have sight of these costs in advance, as quotations may be required.  

Typical stages of work  

For all clients, we will normally schedule a call at a convenient time in order to begin establishing background facts and your objectives. Our initial call with you is capped at 30 minutes without charge.  

For consultations and assessments on an hourly rate basis, we will aim to gather key information and documents from you as required in order to complete the advice we have agreed to provide. We will commence work once we have what we need to do so.  

Where we are working for you on a specific application type, we will normally:  

• Conduct an individual applicant and visa category eligibility check

• Liaise with the individual applicant for preparation of a visa application form

• Review and advise on all supporting documentation to ensure validity, including preparing draft supporting letters where required 

• Ensure the application as a whole is strong and ready to submit, with all costs information known (as far as possible)

• Submit the application form, book biometrics appointment (if required) and additional optional services i.e. priority service

• Prepare full application bundle, including our representations where required, and upload electronic versions where required

• Provide instructions for attending biometrics appointments or next steps post-submission

• Responding to related non-complex UKVI queries during application processing

• Provision of post-decision advice to applicant and tracking of visa expiry

What is not included as standard: 

• Liaison with third parties for obtaining supporting documentation or information

• Redrafting application forms due to i.e. applicant error, decision change or inactivity

• Addressing complex UKVI queries during processing or post-submission, including challenging refusal or rejection reasons

• Resubmitting applications which have been rejected or refused, where due to i.e. failure of applicant to provide pertinent information or documentation, or where the application has been filed against our recommendations

• Assistance with managing applicant UKVI accounts

• Advice on other jurisdictions (we have a strong global network of trusted immigration and nationality advisors with whom we can assist with coordination or introductions)

The above is indicative of our most common work. We are adaptable to our clients’ needs and can agree on a fee structure to encompass the support you need from us.  

How long it takes 

Our team works quickly and will be responsive throughout our work with you. Consultations or assessments will depend on the extent of information and documentation we need to review and the complexities of the background facts or objectives. Typically most consultations are complete within a month but this timeline is largely driven by you.  

Specific applications have a preparation phase which is determined by the availability of information and documents required for the category, as well as other time constraints such as limitations on when applications can be submitted or eligibility factors. Once ready to be submitted, the timing will depend on whether a biometrics appointment is required and the availability of these appointments at the applicant’s chosen location. The UKVI has standard processing services ranging from 15 working days to six months, depending on the application type (see here and here for the latest data). Priority processing services can reduce the overall wait for a decision for some applications. The UKVI does not guarantee processing services times. For all applications we and the UKVI recommend not to book any overseas travel until a decision has been made on the application itself.  

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