Land Registry Fee Calculator

Calculate HMLR Land Registry registration fees for buying or re-mortgaging a property in England and Wales. Scale 1 and Scale 2 fees explained.

HMLR Registration Fee Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Land Registry fee?

HM Land Registry (HMLR) charges a fee to register a property transaction, mortgage, or change of ownership in England and Wales. The fee is based on the property value and transaction type.

What is Scale 1 vs Scale 2?

Scale 1 applies to transfers of ownership (purchases, sales). Scale 2 applies to mortgages/charges and is approximately half the Scale 1 rate. Both are based on the property or loan value.

How do I pay the Land Registry fee?

Your conveyancer/solicitor handles the submission and payment as part of the conveyancing process. The fee is included in your completion statement alongside SDLT and legal fees.

Does the Land Registry fee apply to Scottish properties?

No. Scotland has its own land registration system operated by Registers of Scotland. Different fees apply. This calculator covers England and Wales only.

Are there discounts for online registration?

Yes. Applications submitted electronically (through the Land Registry portal) receive a discounted fee. Paper applications pay approximately double. Most modern conveyancers submit electronically.

Is there a separate fee for first registration?

Properties not yet registered with HMLR (typically older properties that have never been sold in the land registration era) attract a first registration fee, which is reduced (typically half Scale 1).

What is the voluntary first registration fee?

If you own an unregistered property and choose to register voluntarily (not triggered by a sale/mortgage), you pay half the Scale 1 fee as an incentive.

Does the Land Registry fee include searches?

No. Property searches (local authority, drainage, environmental, water) are separate costs charged by the relevant authorities. Budget an additional £200-£400 for searches on a typical property.

What other conveyancing costs should I budget for?

Solicitor's fee (£800-£2,000), Land Registry fee (£20-£500), SDLT (varies), search fees (£200-£400), electronic transfer fee (£20-£30), and mortgage arrangement fee if applicable.

Can I register a property myself without a solicitor?

Technically yes, but it's complex. HMLR accepts applications from individuals. However, for a purchase with a mortgage, lenders almost always require a solicitor to act for them.

What is the Land Registry title register?

The register is HMLR's record of ownership, mortgages, and rights affecting a property. You can obtain a copy of the title register for £3 from the HMLR portal.

When are Land Registry fees paid?

On completion of the purchase or mortgage. Your solicitor will submit the application and pay the fee, recovering it from you as a disbursement in the completion statement.