Conveyancing costs remained unchanged as a proportion of UK house prices during the year to April despite an increase in average fees, research from Lyons Bowe Solicitors has found.
The average cost of purchasing a freehold property rose from £1,383 in April 2025 to £1,439 in April 2026.
Over the same period, the average UK house price increased from £260,162 to £270,080. Conveyancing costs consequently remained equivalent to 0.53% of the average property’s value.
Lyons Bowe analysed average conveyancing fees for freehold purchases alongside house prices across every UK region to assess how legal costs had moved in relation to property values.
Conveyancing represented the same proportion of average house prices in both years in the East Midlands, East of England, North West and South West, as well as across the UK overall.
London house prices fell by 2.1% while conveyancing fees were virtually unchanged, meaning legal costs accounted for 0.32% of the average property value.
Scotland recorded a larger increase, with conveyancing costs rising from 0.62% to 0.69% of the average property value. In the North East and Northern Ireland, stronger house price growth meant legal fees represented a slightly smaller proportion of the purchase price.
STABLE AND PREDICTABLE
Paul Lyons (main picture, inset), managing director at Lyons Bowe Solicitors, said: “Buying a home will always involve factors that none of us can control. Interest rates move, house prices change, markets fluctuate and confidence shifts. What buyers and estate agents need is certainty wherever it can be found.
“Our analysis shows that conveyancing continues to be one of the most stable and predictable costs involved in purchasing a property, accounting for little more than half of one percent of the average house price.
“Considering the role a conveyancer plays in progressing a transaction, resolving issues and keeping all parties informed, it’s a remarkably small investment in one of life’s biggest financial decisions.
“A dependable conveyancing partner is about far more than price. Consistent service, clear communication and the expertise to keep transactions moving help reduce uncertainty, maintain momentum and give buyers the best possible chance of completing their purchase without unnecessary delays.”
