There are certain things in life that are made easier by the "nice" people you meet along the way. Thank you for your help; infact thank you for everything; I'm glad I wasn't in this alone.

The stress of moving was very much kept to a minimum with such pleasant, happy, courteous and professional people. We would be very happy to use your services again.

A thoroughly professional company.

When stating on the telephone that a letter would follow in the next post, it arrived on my doorstep the next day! Your staff were most helpful throughout.

We appreciate greatly, the helpful way in which you handled our house sale, nothing but the highest praise for your efforts both professional and client relations.

Nothing was too much trouble, matters were dealt with very promptly and without any fuss. We will definitely recommend you.

Many thanks for all your hard work. All of your efforts were truly appreciated. We only wish other agencies involved in house moving were as efficient!

"Full marks!" "This is the second time in recent years that we have used your company. We would not hesitate to use Clutton Cox in the future and would recommend your company most highly.

Excellent service. Thank you for all the time and help you made available. "The service was first class, and I will have no hesitation in recommending you to other people.

I was more than pleased with the way you dealt with my affairs and the problems encountered. I could not have asked for better service or more support.

Excellent service. Thank you for all the time and help you made available. "The service was first class, and I will have no hesitation in recommending you to other people.

I was more than pleased with the way you dealt with my affairs and the problems encountered. I could not have asked for better service or more support.

I was impressed with the way you and your staff managed to be patient, courteous and maintain an air or optimism even when difficulties arose, thank you.

Once again signed, sealed and completed without a hitch! Cheers for all your hard work.

Very pleased indeed with the service no hesitation in recommending it to others.

We found our dealings to be very efficient and helpful and would not hesitate to recommend Clutton Cox to any of our friends/relations. Many thanks for your assistance in this matter.

We were very impressed with the service we received. "All staff were very friendly and helpful. They did not tire of my constant phone calls!

I thank you for the exceptionally quick service you have provided for me. I never imagined things would all go so quickly and smoothly!" "Very much appreciated, thank you.

We were impressed with your willingness to answer our queries and clarify matters for us. Thank you very much.

We are more than pleased with the speed and efficient way our conveyancing has been handled. We will certainly use your services again and will recommend you to our friends.

We were very happy at the service we received. It was very professional and efficient.

01454 312125

Conveyancing Costs: Who really takes it all?

by Paul Hajek on

Say you were buying a property at £350,000. OK that’s a bit above the average but by no means in the realms of the super rich.

The answer and, at the risk of exploding an urban myth, is that only 5-6% of the legal costs goes to your Conveyancing Solicitor

I am afraid there are no prizes for guessing where the rest goes?: A whopping 90% to the government in Stamp Duty Land Tax and VAT, with a further 2% to another Government Department, the Land Registry, the rest being search fees, and bank transfer fees.

It is incredible that out of an overall cost of £11765 that around £10600 goes on Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) and VAT

SDLT, is in fact a new tax and different to the old Stamp Duty.

Originally, Stamp Duty was levied in the late 17th Century to build up the war chest for a war against France.

Personally, I would hazard a guess that we must have enough in the kitty by now to have a go. At the very least reclaim Calais.

You will pay SDLT on any purchase over £125000, subject to a couple of exemptions.

1. If you are a first time buyer (strictly defined) you are exempt from SDLT up to £250000
2. If you are buying in a so called “Disadvantaged Area” you will be exempt up to £150000.

SDLT is payable on the whole amount of the purchase price.

It now kicks in at 1% at £125001 and 3% if you go above £250,001.

The situation gets worse if you are buying over £500,001 where the tax is levied at 4% on the whole of the purchase amount with no graduation or tapering to soften the blow.

And from next year if you buy at over £1,000,000 you’ll be hit with a staggering 5%

If you want to have an idea about budgeting for your move, check out the Clutton Cox Online Conveyancing Costs Calculator here and find out for yourself.

So next time you are in conversation with someone who has just purchased a property and claimed that their legal fees were in the thousands of pounds, you have the opportunity to remind them where the money really went!