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Fees charged by Sherwood-Smith Tilley & Co
Property price range Legal fee VAT
£0 - £100,000 £650 £130
£100,001 - £200,000 £700 £140
£200,001 - £300,000 £800 £160
£300,001 - £400,000 £900 £180
£400,001 - £500,000 £1000 £200
£500,001 - £750,000 £1200 £240
£750,001 + Please contact us
Regardless of property price
Bank transfer fee + VAT: £25.00 + £5.00
* Basis of charging = fixed fee.
Fees payable to third parties (‘Disbursements’)
Office Copies £6.00
Stages and the work involved
The precise work and stages involved in the sale of a freehold residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, we have set out the key stages involved in a typical sale transaction:
- Take your instructions and give you initial advice.
- Check the title of the property you are selling.
- Prepare documents, the contract of sale and deeds relating to your sale.
- Dealing with questions and enquiries raised by your buyers' solicitors.
- Reporting and providing information to you relating to the property you are selling.
- Exchanging contracts following any necessary negotiations on the terms.
- Approving the transfer deed from the buyers’ solicitors.
- Completing your sale and accounting to you for the proceeds or receiving from you any monies required to complete the sale.
- Dealing with all post-completion matters, particularly repaying any outstanding mortgages or loans.
If the property you are selling, is leasehold we will also provide the following service:
- Corresponding with the management agent to obtain the leasehold information pack
Our service will not include any of the following:
- Advice on the value of the property.
- A physical inspection of the property.
- Advice on any planning implications unless instructed to do so which may be subject to additional charges.
- Checks on the property to ensure that it has been built in accordance with any planning permissions granted.
- Advice on any search result findings that identify contaminated land, fracking sites or other environmental issues.
- Advice on tax or other accounting matters.
Approximate/ average timescales
How long it will take from you accepting an offer on your property until the sale is completed will depend on a number of factors. However, the average process takes between 4-6 weeks.
It can be quicker or slower depending on the parties in the chain and the efficiency of third parties involved in the sale such as the buyers' solicitors, the solicitors representing other buyers and sellers in the chain, your buyers' bank if they are taking out a mortgage, search providers and the relevant local authority to conduct your buyers' local search.
Factors that could increase costs
In some circumstances we may increase our fees to account for additional time, work or skill required to meet your instructions. Examples include:
- If there is a defect in the property title which requires remedying prior to completion.
- If we are required to discharge more than one mortgage or loan on the property.
- If we are required to obtain retrospective approval to any alterations to a property or obtain an insurance indemnity policy in relation to any problem concerning the transaction.
- If your property is Leasehold and a chief rent or ground rent is payable and you do not provide an up to date rent receipt.
Purchase of a residential property
Prices
Please note that there will be two elements to the prices as set out below:
1. Fees charged by Sherwood-Smith Tilley & Co; and
2. Fees payable to third parties.
Please ensure that you consider both parts to our price information.
Property price range Legal fee VAT
£0 - £100,000 £650 £130
£100,001 - £200,000 £700 £140
£200,001 - £300,000 £800 £160
£300,001 - £400,000 £900 £180
£400,001 - £500,000 £1000 £200
£500,001 - £750,000 £1250 £240
£750,001 + Please contact us
Fees payable to third parties (‘Disbursements’)
Search pack: average fee* £263.78
Environmental search: average fee* £240.00
* The number and nature of searches that you will require may vary depending on the property and/or any mortgage lender.
Official search: £8,40 per title plus plan (if you require a mortgage)
Bankruptcy search: £3.20 per person (if you require a mortgage)
Stamp Duty Land Tax: Dependent on property value and type of buyer you are. Please visit https://www.stampdutycalculator.org.uk/ to calculate your fee.
Land Registry fee: Dependent on property value and property type as follows:
Apply using the portal or Business Gateway, for transfers or surrenders which affect the registered title
| Property value | Transfers affecting the whole title | Transfers affecting part of the title |
|---|---|---|
| £0 to £80,000 | £20 | £40 |
| £80,001 to £100,000 | £40 | £80 |
| £100,001 to £200,000 | £95 | £190 |
| £200,001 to £500,000 | £135 | £270 |
| £500,001 to £1,000,000 | £270 | £540 |
| £1,000,001 and over | £455 | £910 |
Work included and key stages:
The precise work and stages involved in the purchase of a freehold residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, we have set out the key stages involved in a typical purchase transaction:
- Take your instructions and give you initial advice.
- Check finances are in place to fund the purchase and contact the lender's solicitors if needed.
- Receive and advise on contract documents.
- Carry out searches.
- Make any necessary enquiries of seller's solicitor.
- Give you advice on all documents and information received.
- Acting for your lender and advising you on the relevant conditions of your mortgage offer.
- Check the title of the property and prepare the document to transfer ownership to you.
- Send the final contract to you for signature and ask you to pay the agreed deposit to us so that contracts can be exchanged.
- Agree a completion date (date from which you own the property).
- Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened.
- Arrange for all monies needed to be received from the lender (if applicable) and you.
- Complete purchase.
- Deal with payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax, including the completion of the SDLT form
- Deal with application for registration at Land Registry.
- Notify you and your lender (if applicable) of registration once confirmed.
If your property is leasehold property, we would also include the following in our service:
- Preparation of and service upon the Landlord of any required Notice of Transfer/Charge
- Preparation of and service upon the Landlord of any required Deed of Covenant
Our service will not include any of the following:
- Advice on the value of the property.
- Advice on the suitability of your mortgage or any other financial arrangements.
- A physical inspection of the property to ensure that it has been built in accordance with any planning permissions granted.
- Advice on any planning implications unless instructed to do so which may be subject to additional charges.
- Advice on any search result findings that identify contaminated land, fracking sites or other environmental issues.
- Advice on tax (other than SDLT) or other accounting matters.
Approximate/ average timescales
How long it will take from your offer being accepted until you can move in to your house will depend on a number of factors. However, the average process takes between 4-6 weeks.
It can be quicker or slower depending on the parties in the chain and the efficiency of third parties involved in the purchase such as the seller’s solicitors, the solicitors representing other buyers and sellers in the chain, your bank if you are taking out a mortgage, search providers and the relevant local authority to conduct your local search.
Factors that could increase costs
In some circumstances we may increase our fees to account for additional time, work or skill required to meet your instructions. Examples include:
- If your lender makes detailed instructions requiring us to deal with matters other than those relating to the title to the property.
- If your lender instructs another conveyancer to act for them.
- If the lender requires anything other than a simple certificate of title (a simple certificate of title is standard with most lenders) in order to send the mortgage funds to our firm.
- If a trust document is required.
- If there is a defect in the property title which requires remedying prior to completion, including advising on and putting in place any indemnity insurance).
- If the transaction requires a new lease to be granted rather than an assignment of an existing lease.
Mortgage or re-mortgage of a residential property
Prices
Please note that there will be two elements to the prices as set out below:
1. Fees charged by Sherwood-Smith Tilley & Co; and
2. Fees payable to third parties.
Please ensure that you consider both parts to our price information.
Fees charged by Sherwood-Smith Tilley & Co
Fee: Actual / VAT / Total
Legal fee*: £600.00 / £120.00 / £720.00
Bank telegraphic transfer fee: £25.00 / £5.00 / £30.00
​
*basis of charging = fixed fee for mortgage or re-mortgage up to £400,00.00
Fees payable to third parties (‘Disbursements’)
Search pack: Average fee**: £157.90
** The number and nature of searches that you will require may vary depending on the property and/or any mortgage lender.
Office Copies: £6.00
Land Registry fee: Dependent on property value and property type as follows:
Work included and key stages:
The precise work and stages involved in the mortgage or remortgage of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, we have set out the key stages involved in a typical mortgage/ remortgage transaction:
- Take your instructions and give you initial advice.
- Obtaining your title deeds.
- Checking the title of your property.
- Carrying out searches if required by your lender.
- Acting on your mortgage lender’s instructions.
- Explaining the terms of your mortgage to you.
- Preparing the mortgage and other documents and obtaining your signature to them where appropriate.
- Reporting to the mortgage company and obtaining the mortgage advance.
- Completing the remortgage. This is the date when the old mortgage will be repaid and the new mortgage will commence.
- Registering the transaction with the Land Registry.
- Forwarding the title documents to the mortgage company and accounting to you for any money held on your behalf.
Our service will not include any of the following:
- Advice on the value of the property.
- Advice on the suitability of your mortgage or any other financial arrangements.
- A physical inspection of the property.
- Advice on any search result findings that identify contaminated land, fracking sites or other environmental issues.
- Advice on tax (other than SDLT) or other accounting matters.
Approximate/average timescales
The length of time that it will take to complete your mortgage or remortgage will depend on a number of factors. However, the average process takes between 2-4 weeks from receipt of mortgage offer.
It can be quicker or slower depending on the parties in the chain and the efficiency of third parties involved in the mortgage or remortgage such as your lender, search providers and the relevant local authority to conduct your local search if required.
Factors that could increase costs
In some circumstances we may increase our fees to account for additional time, work or skill required to meet your instructions. Examples include:
- If your lender makes detailed instructions requiring us to deal with matters other than those relating to the title to the property.
- If your lender instructs another conveyancer to act for them.
- If the lender requires anything other than a simple certificate of title (a simple certificate of title is standard with most lenders) in order to send the mortgage funds to our firm.
- If a trust document is required.
- If there is a defect in the property title which requires remedying prior to completion.
- If a Transfer of Equity is required.
Grant of Probate
Prices
Please note that there will be two elements to the prices as set out below:
1. Fees charged by Sherwood-Smith Tilley & Co; and
2. Fees payable to third parties.
Please ensure that you consider both parts to our price information.
Fees charged by Sherwood-Smith Tilley & Co
Fee: Actual / VAT / Total
Legal fee*: £800.00 / £160.00 / £960.00
​
* basis of charging = fixed fee
This quote is based on the following:
- There is a valid will
- The executors provide us with all relevant information required to complete and submit the application
Fees payable to third parties (‘Disbursements’)
Fee: Actual / Average Range / VAT Total
Probate fee: £273.00 / £0.00 / £273.00
Sealed copies: £1.50 / £0.00 /
Post in a Local Newspaper: £250.00 / £0.00/ £250.00
(required only when trying to trace a beneficiary)
Work included and key stages
The precise work and stages involved can vary according to the circumstances. However, we have set out the key stages involved in a typical probate application matter:
- Take your instructions and give you initial advice.
- Identify the legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries.
- Identify the type of probate application required.
- Preparation of HMRC Form IHT 205 (return of Estate Information Form)
- The application for Grant of Probate is prepared and then sworn by the executor and submitted to the appropriate Probate Registry together with the Will, if there is one.
- Once the Grant is received, it is provided to the client.
Services excluded:
- Collecting or distributing the assets.
- Preparing Estate Accounts.
- Any contested probate matters or advice on the same.
- Advice on tax or other accounting matters.
- Advice on assets held outside of the UK.
- Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate.
Approximate/average time scales
On average, it would take approximately 3-4 months to deal with your matter.
Typically, obtaining the grant of probate takes 8-12 weeks from the submission of the application to the Probate Registry.
Factors that could increase costs:
In some circumstances we may increase our fees to account for additional time, work or skill required to meet your instructions. Examples include:
- If there is no will or the estate consists of any share holdings (stocks and bonds) there are likely to be additional costs that could range significantly depending on the estate and how it is to be dealt with.
- If any additional copies of the grant are required.
- If you would like to instruct us to deal the estate administration.
Our probate team includes:
George Tilley – Solicitor and Director
Meaghan Redmond - Solicitor
Regardless of who works on your matter, they will be supervised by George Tilley – Solicitor and Director
Uncontested Probate (with all assets in the UK)
Prices
Please note that there will be two elements to the prices as set out below:
1. Fees charged by Sherwood-Smith Tilley & Co; and
2. Fees payable to third parties.
Please ensure that you consider both parts to our price information.
Fees charged by Sherwood-Smith Tilley & Co
Fee: Actual or Average Range / VAT / Total
Legal fee*: £750.00 - £3750.00 / £150.00 - £750.00 / £900.00 - £4500.00
Bank telegraphic transfer fee: £25.00 / £5.00 / £30.00 (per transfer)
Value fee** 1% gross estate
SUBTOTAL £930.00 - £4530.00 + 1% value element
Fees payable to third parties (‘Disbursements’)
Fee Actual or Average Range / VAT / Total
Probate fee: £273.00 / £0.00 / £273.00
Sealed copies: £1.50 / £0.00
Post in a Local Newspaper: £250.00 / £0.00 / £250.00 (required only when trying to trace a beneficiary)
* basis of charging = hourly rate of up to £250 per hour. Estates take on average between 3 – 15 hours.
** basis of charging = 1% of the gross value of the estate (i.e total value of estate is £200,000 then our value fee would be £2000.00 plus VAT. However, our charges must be fair and reasonable, having regard to all of the circumstances of the matter. If we believe the value element produces a figure which is disproportionate to the work and responsibility involved, we will make an appropriate reduction.
- This quote is based on an estate where:
- There is a valid will.
- There is no more than one property.
- There are no more than 2 bank or building society accounts.
- There are no other tangible assets.
- There are 2-6 beneficiaries.
- There are no disputes between beneficiaries on division of assets.
- There is no inheritance tax payable and the executors do not need to submit a full account to HMRC.
- There are no claims made against the estate.
Work included and key stages
Our fees include obtaining the grant of probate, collecting assets and distributing them. The precise work and stages involved in a probate matter vary according to the circumstances. However, we have set out the key stages involved in a typical probate matter:
- Take your instructions and give you initial advice.
- Identify the legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries.
- Establish the extent of the estate by identifying the various assets and liabilities.
- Identify the type of probate application required.
- Preparation of HMRC Form IHT 205 (return of Estate Information Form)
- The application for Grant of Probate is prepared and submitted to the appropriate Probate Registry together with the Will, if there is one.
- Once the Grant is received, it is submitted to the various organisations with whom assets are held in order to start the process of transferring the assets into the beneficiaries’ names.
- All estate liabilities have to be paid before the estate can be distributed among the beneficiaries;
- Confirmation is required that tax is paid up to date and there are no outstanding HMRC claims;
- Estate accounts should be prepared thereafter, and the estate distributed in accordance with the terms of the Will.
Our service will not include any of the following:
- Any contested probate matters or advice on the same.
- Advice on tax or other accounting matters.
- Advice on assets held outside of the UK.
- Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate.
Approximate/average timescales
On average, estates that fall within this quote range are dealt with within 6 - 12 months.
Typically, obtaining the grant of probate takes 8-12 weeks from the submission of the application to the Probate Registry.
Collecting assets then follows, which can take between 4-6 weeks.
Once this has been done, we can distribute the assets, which normally takes 2-4 weeks.
Factors that could increase costs:
In some circumstances we may increase our fees to account for additional time, work or skill required to meet your instructions. In these circumstances the additional work required will be charged at the firms hourly rate of up to £250 per hour. Any additional costs will be discussed in full and confirmed in writing before they are incurred. Examples include:
- If there is no will or the estate consists of any share holdings (stocks and bonds) there is likely to be additional costs that could range significantly depending on the estate and how it is to be dealt with.
- Dealing with any beneficiaries who live abroad.
Our probate team includes:
George Tilley – Solicitor and Director
Meaghan Redmond - Solicitor
Regardless of who works on your matter, they will be supervised by George Tilley – Solicitor and Director
Motoring offences
Prices
This estimate is for assistance in relation to summary only motoring offences under Part I of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and s89 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.
Fixed Legal fee: £350.00
VAT: £70.00
Total: £420.00
The key stages involved in a typical motoring offence where a guilty plea has been entered and there is a date for the hearing include:
- Meeting with you to take your instructions on what happened.
- Consider initial disclosure and any other evidence and provide advice.
- Explain the court procedure to you so you know what to expect on the day of the hearing and the sentencing options available to the court.
- Conduct any further preparatory work, obtain further instructions from you if necessary and answer any queries you have.
- We cannot provide a timescale of when your hearing will take place, this depends on the court listing for that day.
- We will attend court on the day and meet you before going to the court.
- We will represent you at one hearing only.
- We will discuss the outcomes with you.
Our service will not include any of the following (or will only be provided at an additional cost):
- Instruction of any expert witnesses.
- Taking statements from any witnesses.
- Advice and assistance in relation to a special reasons hearing.
- Advice or assistance in relation to any appeal.
In some circumstances we may increase our fees to account for additional time, work or skill required to meet your instructions. Examples include:
- If the original hearing is adjourned or a second hearing is required
- If the court is out of the North East area (we do not consider the Teesside area to be within the North East)
- If an expert witness needs to be instructed
- Not guilty plea
Our residential conveyancing team includes:
George Tilley – Solicitor and Director
Sharon Taylor – Post Completion Assistant
Regardless of who works on your matter, they will be supervised by George Tilley – Solicitor and Director
For help or advice, call our expert legal team today on
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