Information About Charges
The range of costs shown below for indication purposes only shows the range of fixed fees and hourly rates for HSR Law’s legal work. VAT is added to fixed fees and hourly rates at 20%.
In all matters we charge a file archiving fee of £48 (£40 plus VAT) on each file we open and close. In matters where we send money to another party using same day CHAPS transfer we charge a CHAPS transfer fee in the amount of £48 (£40 plus VAT).
To comply with our legal obligations to prevent crime and money laundering we carry out Electronic Identity and Verification Checks of our individual and business clients. We charge a fee for Electronic Identity and Verification Checks in the amount of £24 (£20.00 plus VAT) for individuals and £48 (£40 plus VAT) in the case of a sole trader, partnership, limited liability partnership, limited company and listed PLC. The Electronic Identity Verification assists with identity confirmation and electronic checks against databases on Anti-Money Laundering, Sanctions, Politically Exposed Persons and Fraud. In cases where we act for individuals or companies residing or based outside the UK, or where subsequent additional checks are required, the Fees for Electronic Identity Verification will be higher.
HSR Law Residential Conveyancing Charges
Our residential conveyancing prices are based on fixed fees wherever possible. No property or transaction is exactly the same and our fees will reflect the particular requirements of your sale, purchase or remortgage. In some circumstances the value and location of the property being transferred, and the legal and administrative complexity of the transaction involved can also affect our final fee.
The range of costs shown below for indication purposes only shows the range of fixed fees for HSR Law’s legal work. A file archiving fee of £48 (£40 plus VAT), a bank transfer (CHAPS) fee of £48 (£40 plus VAT), a Lender Portal charge of £50 plus VAT and a Smartsearch ID check of £20 per person is added to these charges as is VAT of 20%. Residential conveyancing transactions also incur disbursements (costs or fees payable to third parties) which can include Land Registry fees, Stamp Duty Land Tax, and property search fees which vary on each transaction. We try to provide an accurate figure for such charges before starting work when we have details of your intended transaction based on the information provided at the inception of each transaction.
Where a transaction fails to proceed after work has commenced, costs will be charged in proportion to work done.
HSR Law Fixed Fees – Purchases
[VAT is to be added to the costs shown]
| Property Value | Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to £80,000 | £625 |
| Up to £100,000 | £675 |
| Up to £125,000 | £725 |
| Up to £200,000 | £775 |
| Up to £300,000 | £825 |
| Up to £400,000 | £925 |
| Up to £500,000 | £1,025 |
| Up to £600,000 Up to £800,00 | £1,125 £1,500 |
| Above £800,000 | Price to be agreed |
HSR Law Fixed Fees – Sales
[VAT is to be added to the costs shown]
| Property Value | Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to £150,000 | £625 |
| Up to £250,000 | £675 |
| Up to £350,000 | £725 |
| Up to £500,000 | £775 |
| Above £500,000 | 0.2% of the Property Value |
As mentioned above, we seek to provide an accurate indication of the total costs at the start of any matter. However, during a transaction further work may be required which was not known at the time our quotation was provided. We set out below the type of work which often arises, along with an indication of our additional charges which will be added to the fixed fee if they arise during a transaction.
HSR Law additional costs schedule
Please see below for schedule of potential addition costs. VAT is to be added to the costs shown.
Sale (all subject to VAT )
| Unregistered Land | £300.00 |
| Leasehold Title(s) | £400.00 |
| 2nd & Subsequent charges (per charge) | £200.00 |
| Dealing with Tenancy Enquiries | £250.00 |
| Dealing with Third Party Lawyers | £250.00 |
| Dealing with a Freehold Management Company | £150.00 |
| Dealing with Drafting a Deed of Covenant | £150.00 |
| Dealing with Solar Panel Requirements | £250.00 |
| Dealing with Additional Titles | £175.00 |
| Simultaneous exchange and completion within 5 days | £100.00 |
| Dealing with drafting a Key Undertaking Agreement | £100.00 |
| Dealing with Indemnity Insurance Policy (per policy) | £100.00 |
| Dealing with Statutory Declaration | £200.00 |
| Dealing with a Licence to Occupy | £150.00 |
| Dealing with a Notice to Complete | £200.00 |
| Dealing with property under Shared Ownership Scheme | £400.00 |
| Approving Deed of Variation | £150.00 |
| Drafting Deed of Variation | £250.00 |
| Holding a Retention after completion | £150.00 |
| Part Exchange | £200.00 |
Purchase (all subject to VAT)
| Unregistered Land | £300.00 |
| Leasehold Title(s) | £400.00 |
| 2nd & Subsequent charges (per charge) | £200.00 |
| Dealing with Tenancy Enquiries | £250.00 |
| Dealing with Third Party Lawyers | £250.00 |
| Dealing with a Freehold Management Company | £150.00 |
| Dealing with Drafting a Deed of Covenant | £150.00 |
| Dealing with Solar Panel Requirements | £250.00 |
| Dealing with Additional Titles | £175.00 |
| Simultaneous exchange and completion within 5 days | £100.00 |
| Dealing with an Occupiers Consent Form | £80.00 |
| Dealing with a Gifted Deposit (per Gift) | £150.00 |
| Dealing with drafting a Declaration of Trust | £200.00 |
| Dealing with drafting a Key Undertaking Agreement | £100.00 |
| Dealing with Indemnity Insurance Policy (per policy) | £100.00 |
| Dealing with Statutory Declaration | £200.00 |
| Help to Buy ISA Bonus Administration (per person) | £50.00 |
| Dealing with a Licence to Occupy | £150.00 |
| Dealing with a Notice to Complete | £200.00 |
| New Build Purchase | £400.00 |
| Help to Buy Mortgage | £300.00 |
| Forces Help to Buy Loan | £250.00 |
| Dealing with property under Shared Ownership Scheme | £400.00 |
| Dealing with Companies House Registration | £150.00 |
| Dealing with a Bridging Loan | £400.00 |
| Approving Deed of Variation | £150.00 |
| Drafting Deed of Variation | £250.00 |
| Holding a Retention after completion Dealing with Rent Changes Dealing with the appointment of a second trustee | £100.00 £150.00 £150.00 |
| Right to Buy | £250.00 |
| Part Exchange Paying a Broker Fee | £200.00 £70.00 |
We generally complete residential conveyancing transactions within 5-8 weeks of instruction. This timescale can vary based on other transactions in the chain, whether there is a mortgage, and unforeseen legal issues. If time is of the essence in your transaction, you should discuss this with us at the earliest opportunity, so we can try to accommodate your preferred timeframes.
The Residential Conveyancing Team
- Alison Teasdale Licenced Conveyancer Doncaster Office
- Ryan Morgan Solicitor Partner Gainsborough Office
- Rachel Hailstone Solicitor Partner Epworth Office
- Helen Marshall Residential Conveyancer Gainsborough Office
- Amy Fields Solicitor Partner Doncaster Office
- Christie Elia Conveyancer Epworth Office
- Lucy Sheedy Trainee Solicitor Mexborough Office
- Stevie Pickering Licenced Conveyancer Mexborough Office
- Abbie Ward Licenced Conveyancer Mexborough Office
- Graham Bembridge Licenced Conveyancer Gainsborough Office
HSR Law Probate Charges
Probate includes will writing, preparing and registering lasting powers of attorney, and the administration of estates.
The range of costs shown below for indication purposes only shows the range of fees for HSR Law’s legal work including Will writing, Lasting Power of Attorney, Court of Protection, General Affairs, Estate Administration and Probate. A file archiving fee of £48 (£40 plus VAT) and a bank transfer (CHAPS) fee of £48 (£40 plus VAT) (where applicable) is added to these charges as is VAT of 20%. We also charge £20 plus VAT for electronic identity verfication of clients and beneficiaries.
HSR Law Will Writing Charges
Our fees for this type of work are set on a fixed fee basis:
| Straight forward Single will | £195 |
| Straightforward Mirror wills | £350 |
| Codicil | £100 |
Prices for complex wills are prepared based on time spent at an hourly rate.
HSR Law Power of Attorney Charges
Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) (financial and/or health and welfare):
| Single LPA | £400 |
| Two LPAs | £600 |
| Four LPAs | £800 |
Other standard charges and costs that could apply
| Obtaining a grant of probate or letters of administration starts from | £750 |
| Obtaining a deputyship order | £950 |
| Home visits | £50 additional plus travel costs |
HSR Law Administration of an Estate Charges
Costs for the administration of an estate will depend on the value and complexity of the matter, with charges calculated by reference to the time spent, together with a value charge. At the outset of a matter we will provide a likely overall cost including known disbursements. There are variables which may be unknown at the outset meaning that the estimate may be higher or lower than the amount charged. We will let you know in the course of the matter where fees are in relation to the estimate. If we are going to exceed the estimate, we will inform you and explain the reasons why. Our hourly rate is £250 per hour.
The value charge is factored into our fee estimate in addition to our hourly rate charge. Estate Administration involves us bringing the value of estate assets into our control and into our client account to protect, realise, and subsequently distribute to the beneficiaries of the Estate. The acceptance and distribution of client assets and funds presents substantial cost, risk, administrative obligations, as well as potential longstanding liability to HSR Law. Accordingly, the value charge is used to fairly offset these factors when handling estate assets. The Value Charge rates are as follows:
1. Where the Partners of this Firm are appointed as Executors of the Estate:
- 0.75% on the value of the Deceased’s main residence (or their respective share if held as tenants in common)
- 1.5% on the value of the Gross Estate (excluding the main residence).
2. Where no Partner of this Firm is an Executor of the Estate:
- 0.5% on the value of the Deceased’s main residence (or their respective share if held as tenants in common)
- 1% on the value of the Gross Estate (excluding the main residence).
3. For all Estates valued in excess of £1,000,000.00 a tapered charging structure will apply, as detailed in the table below:
| Value of Estate (Gross) | Value Charge |
|---|---|
| Up to £1,000,000.00 | 1.5% |
| £1,000,000.00 to £4,000,000.00 | 0.5% |
| £4,000,000.00 to £8,000,000.00 | 0.1666% |
| £8,000,000.00 to £12,000,000.00 | 0.0833% |
| Over £12,000,000.00 | 0.0416% |
The range of charges for Estate Administration starts from £1,000.00 plus VAT and disbursements for a straight forward, non-taxable estate (where all relevant information is provided and there are minimal estate assets). The cost of a more complex estate with more financial assets, properties, multiple beneficiaries, and tax issues, typically ranges from £5,000.00 to £10,000.00 (plus VAT and disbursements). The legal fees involved in relation to high- value, complex estates, will typically range from £10,000.00 up to £30,000 (plus VAT and disbursements). On rare occasions, highly complex or challenging estates can exceed these figures.
In addition to our fees, there is likely to be disbursements (costs or fees payable to third parties) which can include valuations, house clearances, Probate Application Fees, Land Registry Fees, Oath Fees, bankruptcy searches, and similar expenses.
Our fees do not include any property transactions which will be quoted and charged separately or any contentious work involving disputes, challenges to a will, or contested probate issues.
HSR Law Probate Team and Hourly Rates which are subject to VAT at 20%
- Katie Allwood Head of Private Client £250 per hour
- Kate Hardacre Solicitor £250 per hour
- Louise Rudkin Solicitor £250 per hour
- Natalie Wright Solicitor £250 per hour
- Emma Peniston Paralegal £175 per hour
- Kelly Clarke Paralegal £175 per hour
- Laura Darley Paralegal £175 per hour
Timescales in Estate Administration vary depending on the complexity of the matter with a typical range of 6 to 18 months.
HSR Law Debt Recovery Charges
In all matters we charge a file archiving fee of £48 (£40 plus VAT) on each file we open and close In matters where we send money to another party using same day CHAPS transfer we charge a CHAPS transfer fee in the amount of £48 (£40 plus VAT).
To comply with our legal obligations to prevent crime and money laundering we carry out Electronic Identity and Verification Checks of our individual and business clients. We charge a fee for Electronic Identity and Verification Checks in the amount of £24 (£20 plus VAT) for individuals and £54 (£45 plus VAT) in the case of a sole trader, partnership, limited liability partnership, limited company and listed PLC. The Electronic Identity Verification assists with identity confirmation and electronic checks against databases on Anti-Money Laundering, Sanctions, Politicly Exposed Persons and Fraud. In cases where we act for individuals or companies residing or based outside the UK, or where subsequent additional checks are required, the Fees for Electronic Identity Verification will be higher.
Debt Recovery for sums up to £10,000
If you wish to discuss your claim before making a decision to use the Small Claims Court procedure, do not hesitate to get in touch with us and we will be able to provide you with some basic information as to whether you may have a claim which has reasonable prospects of success in court and which is proportionate to pursue. We will do this free of charge, unless we feel that a thorough review of the documentation is required to provide you with such advice.
In the Small Claims Court, the recovery of your legal costs is restricted by the Civil Procedure Rules which means that the court will allow the successful party to recover very limited costs such as court fees and witness expenses from their opponent and you will be solely liable for your own legal fees.
Range of Costs, Small Claims
The services provided and their likely range of costs for the Small Claims Court process are as follows (all fees subject to VAT at 20%):
- Reviewing the documents and providing advice on the legal position. This may include a face to face meeting, although this is not always required. We will assess your claim critically and let you know the possible issues and strengths of your case – £150 – £250.
- Preparing a letter of claim and engaging in Pre-Action correspondence with your opponent. Usually, preparing a letter of claim for a debt collection case is straight forward. It is however, important that this letter sets out your case in detail, explains the contractual or any other relationship between you and the debtor and clearly outlines the relief sought. It may also be necessary to send further chasing or response letters to the debtor or the representative- £150 – £300.
- Preparing the Court documents and issuing the claim. This process includes the preparation of the Claim Form and Particulars of Claim which must be sent to the Court and the debtor – £200 – £500.
- Taking the case to trial, which includes preparation of the Witness Statements and the Trial Bundle. This will also involve instructing a barrister who will represent you at the final hearing but will not include barristers’ fees – £500 – £1,000.
Disbursements
You may also be liable for any likely disbursements, which will normally include barristers’ fees, expert fees and court fees. These costs will vary depending on the complexity of the case and its value. In order to provide some guidance on the range of costs which may be required we list some of the disbursements usually required below:
- The costs for an expert report range from £500 – £2,500
- The costs payable to a barrister to attend a final hearing range from £400 – £1,000.
For detailed information in relation to the Court fees payable please click here.
All of the above costs are exclusive of VAT.
Debt Recovery for sums over £10,000 and up to £100,000
Debt recovery of sums over £10,000 will be allocated to a different track within the Court system, which means that the procedure is more complex and that normally, the rule is that the successful party will be able to recover their costs on a fixed scale from the losing party. This is however, at the discretion of the judge.
Range of Costs
We are unable to provide a specific fixed figure for the costs in taking such matter to trial. We do however, aim to take each case in stages and if possible, provide you with a range of costs for each stage of the Court process. The services provided, and their likely range of costs are as follows:
- Reviewing the documents and providing you with advice on your legal position. This is likely to include a face to face meeting and communication discussing strategy and way forward. We will assess your claim critically and let you know the possible issues and strengths of your case – £250 – £1,000.
- Preparing a letter of claim and engaging in Pre-Action correspondence with your opponent. This will include a detailed analysis of the documents in order to effectively present you case to the debtor. It may also include without prejudice correspondence with a view of early settlement – £250 – £1,000
- Communicating with third parties, such as experts and barristers. Before you case is issued with the Court, it may be necessary to seek advice from an independent expert and/or barrister, who will help determine the strengths and weaknesses of your case. This will include our communication with such third parties, but will not include their fees – £1,000 – £2,500.
- Preparing the Court documents and issuing the claim. This process includes the preparation of the Claim Form and Particulars of Claim which must be sent to the Court and the debtor. It may also involve seeking advice from a barrister, who will assist in preparation of these documents. It will not however, include barrister fees – £750 – £1,500.
- Participating in negotiations, such as mediation in order to attempt settlement. This will include our fees for representing you during such meeting, but will not include mediator fees – £1,000 – £2,000
- Taking the case to trial, which includes preparation of the Witness Statements and the Trial Bundle. This will also involve instructing a barrister who will represent you at the final hearing but will not include barristers’ fees – £1,00 –£ 2,000.
Hourly Fees
Alternatively, we may charge you based on the amount of time spent on your case applying our hourly rates. The people who are likely to work on your case and their hourly rate are:
Katie Williams, Senior Solicitor – hourly rate £250
Disbursements
You are also likely to incur number of disbursements (costs or fees payable to third parties), which will normally include barristers’ fees, expert fees, mediator fees and court fees. These costs will vary depending on the complexity of the case and its value. In order to provide some guidance on the range of costs which may be required we list some of the disbursements usually required below:
• The costs for an expert report range from £500 – £2,500
• The costs payable to a barrister to attend a final hearing range from £750 – £2,000 per day.
• The costs payable to a mediator range from £750 – £2,500 per day.
All of the above costs are exclusive of VAT.
For detailed information in relation to the Court fees payable please click here.
Additional Fees
You may also be required to pay some of your opponents’ costs, if your case is lost. We will discuss the cost and the litigation risks with you in detail at the appropriate time.
HSR Law Debt Recovery Team
The timescales of debt recovery vary based on the complexity of the matter and the ability of the debtor to pay. The range of timescales in recovering unpaid debts varies from 7 days in the case of undisputed debt to 1 year or longer in the case of litigation or insolvency.