No Sale No Fee Conveyancing

No sale, no fee conveyancing is a contractual agreement where a solicitor won't charge you for their legal services if a sale falls through. This helps to provide peace of mind that your finances are protected should anything go wrong with your property transaction.

However, you'll still need to cover any costs already paid out to third parties on your behalf, such as conveyancing searches and bank transfer fees. These are sometimes requested as upfront payments.

Important Distinction

No sale, no fee conveyancing shouldn't be confused with fixed-fee conveyancing. Fixed fee means you agree on a set cost upfront that includes all legal fees and often disbursements. No sale, no fee means the legal fee is waived only if the sale collapses.

Who Offers No Sale, No Fee Conveyancing?

Many, but not all, reputable solicitors offer no sale, no fee conveyancing. This option should be clearly stated on their website. The no sale, no fee right was established under the 1995 Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), and conveyancers have the option to choose whether to offer it.

It's often common practice for online conveyancers to offer this compared to local conveyancers, to encourage you to use them. With over 32% of all property sales falling through before completion, no sale, no fee is becoming increasingly popular as it greatly reduces the financial risk of a failed transaction.

Pros and Cons of No Sale, No Fee Conveyancing

✅ Pros

Less financial risk — you don't lose money on legal costs if the sale falls through
Conveyancer's incentive — they lose their fee if the sale collapses, so they're motivated to keep things moving
Peace of mind — particularly useful in a market where chains often collapse

❌ Cons

Higher fees — firms often charge more to account for the risk of waiving their fee
Potential hidden fees — always confirm all upfront costs are transparent
Disbursements still apply — you still lose search costs if the sale falls through

What Exactly Does No Sale, No Fee Cover?

Cost Type	Covered by No Sale No Fee?	Typical Amount
Solicitor's legal fee	✓ YES — waived	£800–£2,500
Property searches	✗ NO — you still pay	£250–£450
AML/ID checks	✗ NO — you still pay	£5–£25
Bank transfer fee	✗ NO — you still pay	£30–£50

What Causes a House Sale to Fall Through?

Break in the Property Chain — if one sale in a linked chain falls through, it can jeopardise all others
Change of Heart — buyer or seller changes their mind due to financial factors, circumstances change, or a long process
Financial Setbacks — buyer loses their job, mortgage application is refused, or lender valuation comes in low
Survey Issues — defects found during survey that the buyer can't accept or afford to fix
Gazumping — seller accepts a higher offer from another party before exchange
Legal Issues — title defects, planning issues, or lease problems discovered during conveyancing

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FAQs: No Sale No Fee Conveyancing

Is no sale, no fee conveyancing always better?

Not necessarily. No Sale No Fee firms often charge slightly higher fees to offset the risk. For buyers confident in their chain, a cheaper standard conveyancer might cost less overall. Compare total costs including what's at risk if the sale falls through.

How do I check if a solicitor offers No Sale No Fee?

It should be clearly stated on their website and in their client care letter. If it's not mentioned, ask directly before instructing. Always confirm in writing what's covered and what the exceptions are.

Are online conveyancers more likely to offer No Sale No Fee?

Yes — online conveyancers often use No Sale No Fee as a competitive differentiator. They can afford to offer it because their lower overheads allow them to absorb the occasional unpaid transaction more easily than high-street firms.