Honest Comparison

Fixed Fee Conveyancing vs High Street Solicitors — What You Actually Pay

The cheapest headline fee is not always the cheapest total cost. We break down the real differences — who handles your file, what gets added on, and what the risks are — so you can make an informed choice.

PDA Law offers fixed fee conveyancing with full transparency — not the cheapest, but no hidden costs and a qualified solicitor throughout.

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Fixed Fee Conveyancer vs High Street Solicitor vs PDA Law

This table compares the typical experience across three types of conveyancing provider. Individual firms vary — always get a written quote and ask the questions below.

FactorFixed Fee ConveyancerHigh Street SolicitorPDA Law
Headline feeOften very low — sometimes under £500Typically £800–£2,000+From £1,020 (sale) / £1,140 (purchase) inc. VAT
Hidden add-onsCommon — leasehold, new build, bank transfer, "file handling" chargesLess common but can still occurNone — all supplements disclosed upfront in writing
Who handles your fileOften a paralegal or case handler with minimal solicitor oversightUsually a solicitor or experienced conveyancerA qualified solicitor throughout — one point of contact
CommunicationOften slow — high volume means less personal attentionVaries — some excellent, some hard to reachProactive updates — we contact you, not the other way round
RegulationMay be CLC-regulated (licensed conveyancer) or SRA-regulatedSRA-regulated solicitorsSRA-regulated solicitors
Complex transactionsMay refer out or charge heavily for anything non-standardUsually equipped to handle complexityEquipped to handle leasehold, new build, shared ownership, complex title
No completion, no feeOften offered — but check the small printLess commonly offeredOffered in most cases — explained clearly before you instruct

This comparison reflects typical market experience. Individual firms vary significantly. Always request a written itemised quote before instructing any conveyancer.

Before You Instruct Anyone

Five Questions to Ask Any Conveyancer

1. Is this a fixed fee — and what is included?

Ask for a written quote that lists every cost: legal fee, VAT, searches, Land Registry, bank transfer, and any supplements. If they cannot give you this in writing, walk away.

2. Who will actually handle my file?

Ask whether your matter will be handled by a qualified solicitor or a paralegal. Ask for the name of the person who will be your main contact.

3. What happens if the transaction falls through?

Ask whether they offer no-completion, no-fee. If they do, ask what disbursements you would still owe.

4. How will you keep me updated?

Ask how often they will contact you and by what method. Will they call you, or do you have to chase them?

5. Are you SRA-regulated?

Check the SRA register at sra.org.uk. If they are CLC-regulated (licensed conveyancer), that is also acceptable — but know the difference.

Common Questions

Fixed Fee vs High Street — Your Questions Answered

Are fixed fee conveyancers actually cheaper than high street solicitors?
Not always. The headline fee from a fixed fee conveyancer can look very attractive — sometimes under £500. But many add charges once the work has started: leasehold supplements, new build supplements, bank transfer fees, "file handling" charges, and more. When you add these up, the total cost can exceed what a local solicitor would charge. The key question is not "what is the headline fee?" but "what is the total cost for my specific transaction?" Always ask for a written quote that itemises every cost.
What is the risk of using a cheap online conveyancer?
The main risks are: (1) your file being handled by a paralegal with minimal solicitor oversight, meaning issues may be missed; (2) slow communication — high-volume firms handle hundreds of files simultaneously and may not respond quickly; (3) hidden charges added once the work has started; (4) difficulty getting hold of someone when problems arise. A property transaction is usually the largest financial commitment of your life — the cheapest option is not always the best value.
What is the difference between a licensed conveyancer and a solicitor?
A licensed conveyancer is a specialist in property law, regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC). A solicitor is a fully qualified lawyer regulated by the SRA, who can advise on a wider range of legal issues. In a straightforward transaction, either can do the job well. Where the transaction is complex — boundary issues, defective title, planning problems, lease complications — a solicitor's broader legal training can be valuable.
Is a local solicitor better than an online conveyancer?
Not necessarily. The quality of service depends on the firm, not whether they have a local office. Many excellent conveyancing solicitors operate nationally and handle everything remotely. The important factors are: are they SRA-regulated? Do they give you a written fixed fee quote? Will you have one named solicitor throughout? Do they communicate proactively? A local office is convenient but not a guarantee of quality.
What should I look for when comparing conveyancing quotes?
Ask each firm for a written quote that includes: (1) their legal fee (inc. VAT); (2) all disbursements — searches, Land Registry fee, bank transfer fee; (3) any supplements that may apply — leasehold, new build, shared ownership; (4) whether they offer no-completion, no-fee; (5) who will handle your file — solicitor or paralegal. Compare the total cost, not just the headline fee.
How much should conveyancing cost in total for a house purchase?
For a straightforward freehold purchase up to £250,000, expect to pay: legal fee from £1,140 inc. VAT, searches £250–£400, Land Registry fee from £20, bank transfer fee £42 inc. VAT. Total before Stamp Duty: typically £1,450–£1,600. Stamp Duty Land Tax is additional and depends on your circumstances. For leasehold or new build properties, add a supplement of from £240 inc. VAT.
Can I switch conveyancers if I am unhappy with my current one?
Yes, you can switch conveyancers at any point before completion. However, switching mid-transaction can cause delays and you may still owe fees to your original conveyancer for work already done. If you are considering switching, contact us and we will advise you on the best approach for your specific situation.

See Our Full Fixed Fee Quote

Get an instant online quote with every cost itemised — legal fee, searches, Land Registry, and any supplements. Confirmed in writing before any work begins.

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