Since 6th December 2018, our regulator, the Solicitors Regulation Authority, has required that all law firms publish their fees and pricing in certain areas of law in which we deliver legal services. For our firm, you will find this information included under the categories listed below.
The figures we give, however, may vary in cases with particular complexities. That is why will always give you a cost estimate based on your individual transaction that takes into account the actual features of your transaction.
Of course, if any unexpected complications arise that have an impact on our fees, we would immediately inform you of this and would discuss with you the potential consequences before you incur any extra fees.
If you have any complaints about our service, including fees and pricing, please refer here Complaints Policy – Bishop & Sewell – Law Firm (bishopandsewell.co.uk) for guidance on our complaints policy and procedure.
Our fees and pricing do not include VAT. When applicable, VAT will be applied usually at the rate of 20%.
For your information we use the term ‘disbursements’ to mean any costs or expenses paid or to be paid to a third party on behalf of a client (including any VAT element) except for office expenses such as postage and courier fees.
If required, we can supply this information about our fees and pricing in alternative formats.
Purchase of Residential Property
Our fees start at £3,000 plus VAT for a residential property purchase up to £400,000 for a relatively straightforward matter, rising thereafter with purchase price and complexity.
Examples are set out below, but all transactions depend on their own individual circumstances.
| Property price up to £400,000 | Property price £750,000 | Other property prices |
| £3,000.00 plus VAT | £3,500 plus VAT | Please call to discuss a bespoke quotation |
| Property price up to £400,000 | Property price £750,000 | Other property prices |
| £3,500 plus VAT | £4,500 plus VAT | Please call to discuss a bespoke quotation |
Leaseholds may have additional costs depending on lease requirements.
| Our handling charges for sending telegraphic transfer on completion (this item and charge will appear twice if, as happens occasionally, the deposit is also sent by telegraphic transfer) | £25 plus VAT |
| Local authority search fee (approximately – the fee varies per local government area) | £150 plus VAT |
| Water and drainage search fee (approximately) | £55 plus VAT |
| Environmental & Plan Search fee (approximately) | £74 plus VAT |
| Land Registry fees – registration of title dependant on value (double if new build) | from £150 – £500 (VAT not applicable) |
| Stamp Duty | liability for stamp duty will depend on number of properties owned or main residence being sold simultaneously |
| On leasehold properties landlord registration fee (approximately) | £150 plus VAT |
| Land Registry/Land Charges Registry searches (approximately) | £10 plus VAT |
The average residential property purchase takes between 8 and 12 weeks.
Key stages of the purchase process are typically:
Our fees start at £3,000 plus VAT for a residential property sale up to £400,000 for a relatively straightforward matter rising thereafter with sale price and complexity. Examples are set out below but all our fees will depend on the individual features of the sale.
| Property price up to £400,000 | Property price £750,000 | Other property prices |
| £3,000 plus VAT | £3,500 plus VAT | Please call to discuss a bespoke quotation |
| Property price up to £400,000 | Property price £750,000 | Other property sale prices |
| £3,000 plus VAT | £3,500 plus VAT | Please call to discuss a bespoke quotation |
| Our handling charges for sending telegraphic transfer on completion (if we redeem a mortgage, there will be 2 telegraphic transfers so this item and charge will appear twice) | £25 plus VAT |
| Land Registry searches | £12 plus VAT |
| On leasehold properties – information regarding the service charge and the freeholder’s or managing agent’s intentions in respect of on-going costs and any major works (approximately) | £250 – £650 plus VAT |
The average residential property sale takes between 8 and 12 weeks.
Key stages of the sale process are typically:
Remortgage of Residential Property
Our fees start at £1,750 plus VAT for a residential re-mortgage where we also act for a standard High Street lender for a loan up to £300,000.00 for a relatively straightforward matter, rising thereafter with level of loan and value of the property
| Lending up to £300,000 | Lending between £300,000 and £750,000 | Other lending amounts |
| £1,750 plus VAT | £2,250 plus VAT | Please call to discuss a bespoke quotation |
| Lending up to £400,000 | Lending between £300,000 and £750,000 | Other lending amounts |
| £1,975 plus VAT | £2,450 plus VAT | Please call to discuss a bespoke quotation |
| Our handling charges for sending telegraphic transfer on completion (if we redeem a mortgage, there will be 2 telegraphic transfers so this item and charge will appear twice) | £25 plus VAT |
| Land Registry title information | £12 plus VAT |
| Land registry fee dependant on value of lending from | £20 (VAT not applicable) |
| Pre completion searches (approximately) | £7 plus VAT |
| Indemnity insurance instead of full searches dependant on value of property (approximately) | £30 (VAT not applicable) |
| For leasehold properties notice would also need to be served on your landlord (approximately) | £60 plus VAT |
The guide below applies in a typical remortgage where the lender is a bank/building society and not an individual. The typical remortgage transaction takes approximately 4 weeks to complete but in some instances can be completed quicker.
For a straightforward unfair or wrongful dismissal claim lasting 2 days, the typical period for these claims, in an Employment Tribunal, which would involve many or all of the key stages as mentioned below, we would anticipate our fees (for either employer or employee clients) to total between £10,000-15,000 (plus VAT).
For more complicated or longer cases (such as those involving an element of unlawful discrimination or whistleblowing), our total fees will be significantly more than stated above and could amount to £40,000 – £50,000 plus VAT.
Usually the only disbursement that would be payable are Counsel’s fees for a barrister to represent you at the Tribunal. Counsel fees vary depending on the level of experience of the barrister and the complexity and length of the case but can usually be expected to range, for a 2 day hearing, between £1,550 and £6,250 (plus VAT). Counsel’s fees cover the barrister’s preparation for the hearing as well as attendance at the Tribunal.
Employment Tribunal proceedings for unfair or wrongful dismissal typically involve the following stages:
Debt recovery for businesses up to the value of £100,000
Our fees in these matters typically range from £750 plus VAT upwards depending on particular aspects of your matter.
You may have to pay court fees and barrister’s fees in addition to our fees.
This will depend on the type of case and whether it is dealt with in the court, tribunal or another forum. The courts are usually extremely busy so it could be 12 months before your matter reaches a conclusion. Tribunals are generally less busy and have a quicker turnaround time normally of between 3 to 9 months.
Our fees in these matters typically range from £3,000 to £15,000 plus VAT (where applicable) depending on the circumstances and complexity of your matter.
Hourly rates range from £185 to £425 plus VAT depending on the experience and qualification of the appropriate fee earner.
Probate Application Fees of £300 plus £1.50 per additional copy of the Grant (VAT not applicable).
S27 Trustee Act Notice in the London Gazette approx. £99 plus VAT.
Asset & Liability Search of £165 to £195 plus VAT.
Will Register Search of £140 including VAT.
Identifying estate property, establishing a summary of the deceased’s assets as at the date of death including a valuation of the deceased’s assets and liabilities for estate and tax purposes and preparing the appropriate HMRC inheritance tax account: 3-6 months from instruction.
Establishing the basis for testamentary or other dispositions, preparing the relevant application and Legal Statement for the personal representatives to obtain a Grant and submitting the same to the Probate Registry: 3-6 months.
Collection of estate assets, payment of estate liabilities and testamentary legacies and distribution of residuary estate: 6-9 months.
Estate accounts and income tax reports and returns: 6-12 months.
Please note that the above fees and timescales are simply an indication and each matter may differ.