Buying your first home is exciting — but the legal process can feel complex. We match you with conveyancing solicitors who specialise in first-time purchases and will guide you through every step with clear, jargon-free communication.
First-time buyers pay no Stamp Duty on properties up to £425,000, and a reduced rate of 5% on the portion between £425,001 and £625,000. Your solicitor handles SDLT on your behalf.
Your solicitor will order local authority, drainage, and environmental searches. These take 2–6 weeks and reveal anything that might affect your decision to buy or the mortgage lender's offer.
Your solicitor will check the contract, negotiate with the seller's solicitor, and manage the exchange and completion process. You'll never need to deal with the legal detail directly.
| Purchase Price | Solicitor Fee | Disbursements | SDLT (Standard FTB) | Total (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £200,000 | £850 – £1,100 | £350 – £500 | £0 | £1,200 – £1,600 |
| £280,000 | £900 – £1,200 | £380 – £540 | £0 | £1,280 – £1,740 |
| £380,000 | £950 – £1,300 | £400 – £580 | £0 | £1,350 – £1,880 |
| £450,000 | £1,050 – £1,400 | £440 – £640 | £1,250 | £2,740 – £3,290 |
| £550,000 | £1,200 – £1,600 | £480 – £720 | £6,250 | £7,930 – £8,570 |