--- title: "Fixed-Fee vs Hourly Conveyancing | Which Is Better? Compare Now" description: "Compare fixed-fee and hourly conveyancing pricing models. Understand the pros, cons, and real costs of each. Fixed fees from £399 + VAT with no surprises." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://conveyancing-solicitor.co.uk" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Guides", "item": "https://conveyancing-solicitor.co.uk/guides" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Fixed-Fee vs Hourly Conveyancing Comparison", "item": "https://conveyancing-solicitor.co.uk/guides/fixed-fee-vs-hourly-conveyancing" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is fixed-fee conveyancing cheaper than hourly?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In almost all residential transactions, yes. Fixed fees typically range from £399–£699 + VAT, while hourly billing for the same work often exceeds £2,000–£4,000." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What does a fixed conveyancing fee include?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A fixed fee covers all the solicitor's professional work: contract review, searches, lender liaison, exchange, completion, and post-completion registration. Disbursements (searches, Land Registry fees) are listed separately." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can a fixed fee change during the transaction?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A genuine fixed fee should not change. Be wary of firms that quote a fixed fee but add supplements for leasehold, new-build, or Help to Buy. Our quotes include all applicable supplements from the start." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do hourly-rate solicitors do better work?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. The quality of conveyancing work depends on the solicitor's qualifications, experience, and diligence — not their billing model. Our fixed-fee panel solicitors are SRA-regulated and fully vetted." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Service", "@id": "https://conveyancing-solicitor.co.uk/guides/fixed-fee-vs-hourly-conveyancing/#service", "serviceType": "Fixed-Fee vs Hourly Conveyancing Comparison", "name": "Fixed-Fee vs Hourly Conveyancing Comparison", "description": "Compare fixed-fee and hourly conveyancing pricing models. Understand the pros, cons, and real costs of each. 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Typical high street quote: £1,200+. Saving: up to £800.", "priceCurrency": "GBP", "price": "399" } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "item": { "@type": "Offer", "name": "Buying – Property at £350,000", "description": "Fixed legal fee: £499 + VAT. Typical high street quote: £1,500+. Saving: up to £1,000.", "priceCurrency": "GBP", "price": "499" } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "item": { "@type": "Offer", "name": "Selling – Property at £250,000", "description": "Fixed legal fee: £449 + VAT. Typical high street quote: £1,300+. Saving: up to £850.", "priceCurrency": "GBP", "price": "449" } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "item": { "@type": "Offer", "name": "Remortgage – Any value", "description": "Fixed legal fee: from £299 + VAT. Some lenders cover legal fees entirely.", "priceCurrency": "GBP", "price": "299" } } ] } ] --- SRA Regulated No Move, No Fee Up to 75% Savings ★★★★★ 4.9 Google  |  ★★★★★ 4.9 Trustpilot The UK's Leading Conveyancing Solicitors, Save Up to 75% on Legal Fees Your Trusted Quotes Team for 5★ conveyancing firms nationwide. Premium legal services, fully vetted, at a fraction of the price. [Get Your Free Quote →](/instant-quote) Takes 30 seconds · No obligation · Save up to 75% [![Conveyancing Solicitor UK](/assets/logo-brand-EOSgMJAi.svg)](/) [About Us](/about-us)[Contact Us](/contact-us)[0330 053 2229](tel:03300532229)[Get Instant Quote](/instant-quote) Why Choose Us? Conveyancing Locations Transparency Reports Advice Centre # Fixed-Fee vs Hourly Conveyancing: Which Is Better? When choosing a conveyancing solicitor, one of the first decisions is how they charge. The two main models are fixed-fee (one agreed price) and hourly billing (charged per hour of work). For most residential transactions, fixed-fee conveyancing offers better value and cost certainty. [Get an Instant Quote](/instant-quote) [0333 015 5050](tel:03330155050) Fixed-fee conveyancing charges one agreed price for the entire transaction, typically £399–£699 + VAT. Hourly billing charges per hour of work, often £150–£350/hour, with final costs unpredictable. Fixed fees offer cost certainty and are recommended by Conveyancing Solicitor for residential transactions. ## How Fixed-Fee Conveyancing Works With fixed-fee conveyancing, you agree a single price at the outset. This covers all the solicitor's work: reviewing contracts, ordering and analysing searches, liaising with the other party, managing mortgage requirements, handling exchange and completion, and post-completion registration. The fee does not change regardless of how long the transaction takes or how many calls and emails are exchanged. ## How Hourly Billing Works Hourly billing charges you for each unit of time the solicitor spends on your case. Rates typically range from £150/hour for junior staff to £350+/hour for partners. Every phone call, email, letter, and file review is charged. A straightforward purchase might take 15–25 hours, costing £2,250–£8,750. Complex transactions can exceed this significantly. ## Cost Comparison For a standard £250,000 property purchase: Fixed fee through our service: £449 + VAT (£539 inc. VAT). Hourly rate at £200/hour for 20 hours: £4,000 + VAT (£4,800 inc. VAT). Saving with fixed fee: over £4,000. Even at lower hourly rates, fixed-fee conveyancing is almost always cheaper for standard residential transactions. ## When Hourly Might Make Sense Hourly billing can occasionally suit very simple transactions (like a cash purchase with no chain) where minimal work is needed, or complex commercial property deals. For the vast majority of residential purchases, sales, and remortgages, fixed-fee conveyancing is the better choice. ## Why We Recommend Fixed Fees Cost certainty — you know exactly what you will pay before you start. No incentive to prolong — the solicitor is motivated to complete efficiently. Budget-friendly — easier to plan your moving costs. Transparency — no surprise bills at completion. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is fixed-fee conveyancing cheaper than hourly? ### What does a fixed conveyancing fee include? ### Can a fixed fee change during the transaction? ### Do hourly-rate solicitors do better work? ## Related Resources [Get a fixed-fee quote ](/instant-quote)[Conveyancing fees explained ](/conveyancing-fees)[Fee savings report ](/fee-savings-report)[Transparent quotes guide ](/guides/transparent-conveyancing-quotes-discounted-fees)[How fees are calculated ](/guides/how-conveyancing-fees-calculated)[Conveyancing in Surrey ](/conveyancing-locations/surrey) ## Ready to Get Started? Get a free, fixed-fee conveyancing quote in under 30 seconds. No obligation. [Get Your Free Quote](/instant-quote) [![Conveyancing Solicitor](/assets/logo-inverted-DESeFKcC.svg)](/) Easy and affordable conveyancing made simple. SRA regulated solicitors across the UK. 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