Average conveyancing costs remained unchanged as a proportion of UK house prices during the year to April, according to research from Lyons Bowe Solicitors.
The average cost of purchasing a freehold property increased by 4.0%, from £1,383 in April 2025 to £1,439 in April 2026.
Over the same period, the average UK house price rose by 3.8%, from £260,162 to £270,080, leaving conveyancing costs at 0.53% of a property’s value in both years.
The house-price figures match the UK House Price Index, although its April 2026 estimates remain provisional and may be revised.
AROUND THE REGIONS
Lyons Bowe compared average freehold purchase fees with property prices in each UK region. The proportion remained unchanged in the East Midlands, East of England, North West and South West, as well as across the UK overall.
London’s average house price fell by 2.1%, while legal fees remained broadly unchanged. Conveyancing represented 0.32% of the capital’s average property value.
Scotland recorded a larger relative increase, with conveyancing costs rising from 0.62% to 0.69% of the average price.
Stronger house-price growth in the North East and Northern Ireland meant legal fees accounted for a slightly smaller proportion of purchase prices than a year earlier.
STABLE COSTS
Paul Lyons (main picture, inset), Managing Director at Lyons Bowe Solicitors, says: “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.”
And he adds: “For estate agents, 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.
“When conveyancing accounts for such a small proportion of the overall cost of buying a home, choosing a trusted legal partner who can help deliver a smooth, efficient transaction is one of the best investments buyers can make. In today’s market, certainty has become one of the most valuable things a property professional can offer.”
