As of the 6th December 2018 the CLC have made it compulsory that all firms regulated by the CLC adhere to transparency obligations regarding the costs of conveyancing.
Here at Bailey & Co. we have always offered our clients a clear and precise estimate of our costs before any transaction begins. Unlike some firms when you discover that they add on extras, we do not believe in this practice.

As soon as a client contacts us to engage us to assist them in their move we offer a fully written estimate that breaks down all of the costs and explains what those costs represent. Fees include our professional fees along with what is known as disbursements and we would explain these as follows

Professional fees
These are fees paid for us carrying out the conveyancing process on your behalf. This will include all correspondence whether by phone, email or letter. There is no limit set on the correspondence throughout the matter.

We offer a bespoke service as no property is the same. Estimates are provided on details received from you which we provide via email or phone. Our firms fee’s range from £295 plus VAT for a re-mortgage to £2,500 plus VAT for the sale of a large estate property with land and outbuildings. This is in relation to residential costs. In relation to Commercial transactions matters are much more complex and therefore the costs would be bespoke in relation to the transaction itself and you are able to contact us for a bespoke consultation.

Disbursements
These are costs you must pay to various third parties involved in the conveyancing process. Here are some examples below:

Land Registry Fees

The Land Registry have certain fees associated with a conveyancing transaction. If you are selling a property and it is a registered title the Land Registry will hold a copy of the title which we will require. More information in this respect can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/hm-land-registry-information-services-fees
Should you be purchasing a property the Land Registry have a scale of registration fees. Following completion an application will be made to the Land Registry to change the Title. More information can be found on the Land Registry site www.gov.uk/guidance/hm-land-registry-registration-services-fees 

This fee will differ depending on the purchase price and transaction you are undertaking. The scale fee applicable can be found https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hm-land-registry-registration-services-fees

Search Fees

These relate to when you are purchasing a property. They help us to discover more about the property that you are purchasing and are a necessary part of the purchase procedure wthe property has obtained the correct permissions. Drainage and Water Search; this confirms that the property is connected to water mains and mains drainage and where the publically maintained pipework runs in conjunction with the property. Environmental Search; this is self-explanatory and confirms any environmental issues concerning the property. We would also recommend and carry out a Chancel Repair Search which would confirm if a property had potential chancel repair liability.
The cost of a Local Search search is very much dependant on the area that you are buying in as each Local Council charge differently. We will of course advise you in this matter.

Stamp Duty

You will be aware that if you are purchasing a property a payment of Stamp Duty must be made. This will require us completing the required form to submit to HMRC following the completion of the purchase. As part of our estimate we will of course advise you of the fee in this regard. More information in this respect can be found at www.gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax 
It is hoped that by giving such clear and precise information on exactly what is covered by the estimate that you receive from us will lead to transparency in all regards.

The Stamp Duty payable will depend on the price of the property but will also depend on whether you are a FIRST TIME BUYER or SECOND HOME BUYER or if you are purchasing an additional property to the one that you already own. The Stamp Duty calculator is available at www.gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax 

Sale of a Freehold Property

Copy Title from the Land Registry (Registered Title) and Plan £6, any additional deeds or documents required as listed in the Title £3 per document.


Complaints

We are committed to providing high quality legal advice and client care. A complaint is an oral or written expression of dissatisfaction with alleges that the complainant has suffered (or may suffer) financial loss, distress, inconvenience or detriment.

We aim to resolve any complaint you have about the service we have given you as quickly as possible. If you are unable to sort things out with the person who has been dealing with you please Contact Peter Bailey on 01435 862277. If you have a complaint in relation to Peter Bailey please contact Lisa Andrews on 01621 874 600. 

If a complaint, was received we will write to you within 10 working days to explain how your complaint will be investigated if a complete response to your complaint cannot be given by that time.  

The assessment of the complaint will be based upon a sufficient and fair investigation. We will explain in writing our findings and where the complaint is upheld will offer remedial action or redress.

If after following the review process you remain dissatisfied with any aspect of our handling of your complaint, you may contact directly the Legal Ombudsman to ask them to consider the complaint further. The Legal Ombudsman’s contact details are:
Telephone : 0300 555 0333
Address: Legal Ombudsman, PO Box 6806, Wolverhampton, WV1 9WJ

The Legal Ombudsman can normally only investigate a complaint if it has already been through your own
complains procedures. If the Ombudsman receives a complaint concerning you / the body which has not
been through your complaints procedure, it will be referred to you to be dealt with in the first instance. It
is therefore acceptable for you to include the following terms in any complaints procedure.
“Unless it agrees there are good reasons not to do so, the Legal Ombudsman will expect you to allow us
to consider and respond to your complaint in accordance with the procedure set out above, before they
will consider it.”

The Legal Ombudsman can accept complaints up to 6 years from the date of the at/omission or 3 years
from when the complainant should have known about the issue. The complainant may also refer their
complaint to the Legal Ombudsman if your own complaints process has taken 8 or more weeks to
complete.

The Legal Ombudsman jurisdiction covers service-related complaints; the ombudsman will refer any
conduct related complaints to the CLC. 


Disputes many also be referred to an Alternative Dispute Resolution entity which has been certified under the EU Consumer ADR Directive namely the Ombudsman Services, Pro-Mediate and Small Claims Mediation.
In addition to the above, if you make a valid claim against us for a loss arising out of work for which we are legally responsible and we are unable to meet our liability in full, you may be entitled to claim from the Compensation Fund administered by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (from whom details can be obtained)


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