Conveyancing disbursements are fees for third-party services that your solicitor pays on your behalf and then adds to your final bill. They are separate from the solicitor's own legal fee, and they apply whether you're buying or selling — though buyers typically face more of them.
Every reputable conveyancing quote should list disbursements alongside the legal fee. If a quote shows only one combined number, ask for a breakdown — it's a red flag if a firm is vague about what's included.
💡 Key point: Even with a "no sale, no fee" solicitor, you will still need to pay for any disbursements already spent on your behalf if the transaction falls through.
When Do You Pay Disbursements?
Most solicitors request an initial payment on account (typically £300–£500) to cover early disbursements such as conveyancing searches. The remainder are added to your completion statement and paid on or just before completion day.
Disbursements for Buying
Buyers face the largest number of disbursements. The table below lists every standard disbursement, with typical costs:
| Disbursement | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Local Authority Search | £250 – £450 (package) | Usually bundled with environmental and drainage searches |
| Environmental Search | Included in search pack | Flags flood risk, contaminated land, ground stability |
| Water & Drainage Search | Included in search pack | Confirms public sewer connections and water supply |
| HM Land Registry Official Copies | ~£3 per document | Title register and title plan for the property |
| Land Registry Fee (purchase registration) | £20 – £1,105 | Scales with property value; see current HMLR fee scale |
| Stamp Duty Land Tax (England) | Varies | Payable within 14 days of completion; use our SDLT calculator |
| Land Transaction Tax (Wales) | Varies | Replaces SDLT for properties in Wales |
| Bankruptcy Search | £2 – £4 per person | Required by your mortgage lender |
| Bank Transfer Fee (CHAPS) | ~£32 | For sending deposit or purchase funds |
| Mining Search | ~£58.55 inc. VAT | Required in former mining areas (Cornwall, South Wales, Yorkshire, etc.) |
| Chancel Liability Search | £20 – £100 + VAT | Checks for historic obligation to fund church repairs; often replaced with indemnity insurance |
Additional Disbursements for Buying Leasehold
If you're buying a leasehold property, expect further disbursements charged by the freeholder or managing agent. These are set out in the lease and vary between developments:
| Leasehold Disbursement | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Notice of Transfer Fee | ~£143 |
| Deed of Covenant | ~£159 |
| Certificate of Compliance | ~£179 |
| Notice of Charge Fee (if mortgaging) | ~£114 |
Note: some of these also apply to freehold properties with a management company, which is increasingly common with new builds.
Disbursements for Selling
Sellers face fewer disbursements, but they still exist:
| Disbursement | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Land Registry Document Fee | ~£6 | Obtaining official title register copies to send to buyer's solicitor |
| Bank Transfer Fee (CHAPS) | ~£34 | Sending net proceeds to you after completion |
| Indemnity Insurance | £50 – £300+ (one-off) | May be needed if a legal defect is discovered; cost varies by risk level |
How to Reduce Disbursement Costs
Disbursements are largely fixed — they're third-party fees set by councils and government bodies. However, you can save money by:
- Comparing full quotes: Ask every solicitor to provide a complete quote including disbursements, not just the legal fee.
- Understanding what's optional: Some items (such as chancel liability insurance) may be substituted for a cheaper alternative.
- Using an online conveyancer: Some online firms have lower overheads and pass savings on, though compare service quality too.
📌 Related guides: Average conveyancing fees · Solicitor fees when buying · Solicitor fees when selling
Frequently Asked Questions
Are disbursements included in conveyancing quotes?
They should be, but not all solicitors include them automatically. Always ask for a full quote showing legal fee plus all expected disbursements separately. Hidden disbursements are one of the most common sources of unexpected costs in a house move.
Do I pay disbursements if the sale falls through?
Yes — any disbursements already paid out (such as search fees) are non-refundable. This applies even with a no-sale-no-fee solicitor. Homebuyer protection insurance can help recover some of these costs.
Is Stamp Duty a disbursement?
Technically yes — your solicitor pays it on your behalf and includes it in the completion statement. However, it's usually listed separately due to its size. Use our SDLT calculator to estimate what you'll owe.
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