Solicitor Fees Calculator
Estimated Solicitor Costs
Solicitor Fee (ex VAT)-
VAT (20%)-
Estimated Disbursements-
Total Estimated Cost-
Typical Solicitor Fee Ranges 2025/26
| Matter Type | Simple | Standard | Complex |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conveyancing (purchase) | £800 | £1,200 | £2,000+ |
| Conveyancing (sale) | £600 | £1,000 | £1,500+ |
| Divorce (uncontested) | £500 | £1,200 | £3,000 |
| Divorce (contested) | £5,000 | £15,000 | £30,000+ |
| Employment tribunal | £2,000 | £5,000 | £15,000+ |
| Simple will | £150 | £300 | £500 |
| Probate | £1,500 | £3,500 | £7,000+ |
| Immigration | £1,000 | £3,000 | £8,000+ |
Fees shown exclude VAT and disbursements. Regional variations apply — London typically 30–40% higher.
Common Disbursements
Land Registry Search
£3–£7
Local Authority Searches
£200–£400
Land Registry Fee
£20–£910
Bankruptcy Search
£2/person
ID Verification
£6–£20
Bank Transfer Fee
£25–£50
How to Use This Calculator
1
Select matter type
Choose the type of legal matter — conveyancing, litigation, family law, employment, wills & probate, or immigration.
2
Choose complexity level
The matter type selection includes complexity — contested vs uncontested, simple vs complex will, etc.
3
Select your region
London solicitors charge significantly more than regional firms. Choose your location for an accurate estimate.
4
Enter property value if applicable
For conveyancing matters, enter the property value as this affects both solicitor fees and disbursements.
5
Review the breakdown
The calculator shows solicitor fees, VAT, estimated disbursements, and total cost. Use this to compare quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do solicitors charge in the UK?
Solicitor fees in the UK vary widely by matter type and location. Conveyancing typically costs £800–£2,000 plus disbursements. Litigation can range from £5,000 to £50,000+ depending on complexity. Family law matters such as divorce usually cost £1,000–£3,000 for uncontested cases and £5,000–£30,000+ for contested matters. London solicitors charge 30–50% more than regional firms on average.
What are disbursements in solicitor fees?
Disbursements are third-party costs that your solicitor pays on your behalf. Common disbursements include Land Registry fees (£20–£910), search fees (£200–£400), bankruptcy searches (£2 per person), and stamp duty land tax. These are charged at cost and are separate from the solicitor's professional fees. VAT is charged on the solicitor's fees but not on most disbursements.
Do I have to pay VAT on solicitor fees?
Yes, VAT at 20% is charged on solicitor professional fees. Disbursements that are paid to third parties on your behalf (such as Land Registry fees and search fees) are generally not subject to additional VAT. So if a solicitor quotes £1,500 plus VAT, your total for their fees alone would be £1,800.
What is a no win no fee solicitor?
A no win no fee arrangement (Conditional Fee Agreement or CFA) means you only pay your solicitor's fees if your case is successful. If you win, a 'success fee' of up to 100% of the solicitor's base costs is added, capped at 25% of damages for personal injury cases. You may still need to pay disbursements and after-the-event (ATE) insurance regardless of the outcome.
How can I reduce solicitor fees?
To reduce solicitor costs: get multiple quotes (at least 3), ask for fixed-fee arrangements where possible, use licensed conveyancers for property transactions (often cheaper), consider online conveyancing firms, do your own preliminary research before meetings, provide all documents promptly to avoid delays, and check if you qualify for legal aid. Many solicitors now offer transparent fixed fees under SRA rules.
Official Sources & References
Data verified against official UK government and SRA sources. Last checked April 2026.