UK Conveyancing Fees on the Rise | Insights from 2024 Trends

Recent findings show a notable increase in conveyancing costs across the UK, with average fees reaching £1,375 for freehold transactions and £1,746 for leasehold deals. These figures represent year-on-year increases of 13% and 13.3%, respectively.

At Hoowla, our internal data reflects a similar trajectory. When accounting for supplemental charges and regional differences, our figures align closely with national trends. We based our insights on a detailed review of fee estimates from over 350 firms using Hoowla’s platform, encompassing more than 120,000 conveyancing cases throughout 2024.

Our statistics reveal that average fees now sit at £1,361.70 for freehold and £1,521.61 for leasehold properties. Further breakdowns show that for purchase cases, fees start at £865.21 for properties valued at £100,000.99 and climb to £1,789.86 for homes over £550,001. On the sales side, fees range from £795.01 to £1,694.87 within the same property value brackets.

But these rising costs aren’t solely tied to inflation or general price hikes. They point to deeper shifts within the conveyancing industry. Today’s conveyancers operate in a more complex environment, where legal compliance, digital transformation, and rising client expectations all play pivotal roles. The need for faster service, more rigorous due diligence, and clear communication means professionals are not just facilitating transactions—they’re mitigating risk, staying compliant, and building client trust in a rapidly changing market.

Regional disparities in pricing further underscore structural challenges within the sector. While London often sees higher fees due to elevated operational expenses and the intricacies of high-value transactions, similar variations are present in other regions too. However, understanding these differences is about more than competitor comparison, it’s about ensuring firms charge appropriately for their skills and expertise.

Firms that assess their pricing through the lens of service quality, specialist knowledge, and added value are better positioned to avoid the pitfalls of undercharging. Rather than engaging in price-based competition, they can focus on operational efficiency, service delivery, and case precision to justify their rates. Awareness of regional pricing patterns empowers firms to set competitive, yet sustainable, fee structures.

Ultimately, the question isn’t just why fees vary, but whether firms are equipped to meet market expectations while operating efficiently. In a climate where transaction volumes fluctuate and economic pressures remain, firms still dependent on outdated processes may find it difficult to keep pace.

This is where modern case management software becomes essential. By automating routine tasks, improving client communications, and eliminating inefficiencies, these systems do more than simplify workflows; they offer valuable insights into operations, improve pricing visibility, and help firms adapt to evolving regulations. The result is not just reduced overhead, but an enhanced client experience and more time for legal professionals to focus on what matters most.

Although digital advancements like upfront Material Information and Digital Sale Ready initiatives aim to speed up transactions and increase transparency, they do not replace the vital role of a skilled conveyancer. Technology should support, not substitute human expertise. The firms that will succeed are those embracing innovation while staying true to their core values of service, knowledge, and client care.

To truly understand how conveyancing fees are shaped, it’s important to consider the broader industry forces at play. Pricing data alone doesn’t tell the whole story. As the industry continues to evolve, striking a balance between efficiency, fair compensation, and regulatory compliance will be crucial. Those who invest in the right tools and approaches now will be well-placed to succeed in the future.