What Are Land Registry Fees When Buying a House in the UK?

Buyers

Posted in Jul 09 , 2025

What Is the Land Registry Fee?

The Land Registry fee is the cost you pay to register your ownership of a property with the HM Land Registry after you buy it. This process ensures your name is officially recorded as the legal owner of the property and protects your rights to it.

You will usually pay this fee as part of the conveyancing process, and your solicitor will handle the registration on your behalf.

Why Do You Need to Pay Land Registry Fees?

Without registering your ownership, there is no legal proof that you own your new home, which could cause issues if you decide to sell or remortgage in the future. HM Land Registry keeps a central record of all property ownership in England and Wales, which helps prevent fraud and ensures clear legal ownership.

How Much Are Land Registry Fees in the UK?

The amount you pay depends on the price of the property you are buying and whether your solicitor registers it online or by post. Online registrations are usually cheaper.

For example, if you are buying a property for £250,000, your Land Registry fee will usually be £150 if done online, or £330 if done by post.

Here is a simple guide:

Properties up to £80,000: £20 (online)
£80,001 to £100,000: £40 (online)
£100,001 to £200,000: £100 (online)
£200,001 to £500,000: £150 (online)
£500,001 to £1,000,000: £295 (online)
Over £1,000,000: £500 (online)

Your solicitor will confirm the exact fee based on your property price during your purchase.

When Do You Pay the Land Registry Fee?

You will pay this fee as part of your conveyancing costs, usually just before or immediately after you complete the purchase of your house. Your solicitor will submit the payment to the HM Land Registry whilst they register your ownership.

Is the Land Registry Fee the Same as Stamp Duty?

No, the Land Registry fee is separate from Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). Stamp Duty is a tax you pay to HMRC when you buy a property over a certain price, whilst the Land Registry fee is a payment for officially recording your ownership.

Many buyers get confused between the two, but it is important to budget for both to avoid unexpected costs during your purchase.

Who Pays the Land Registry Fee?

It is always the buyer who pays the Land Registry fee, not the seller. The seller’s solicitor will handle the transfer of ownership paperwork, but the buyer covers the cost of registering the new ownership details with HM Land Registry.

If you are a first-time buyer, it is important to remember that even if you receive certain tax reliefs, you will still need to pay the Land Registry fee as part of your overall buying costs.

What Happens If You Do Not Pay the Land Registry Fee?

If the Land Registry fee is not paid, your solicitor cannot complete the registration of your ownership with HM Land Registry. This means you will not officially be recorded as the property’s legal owner, which can cause issues with selling the property, remortgaging, or proving ownership if disputes arise.

It can also delay the process of receiving your official title deeds, which are important documents for your records and future transactions.

How Can You Budget for Land Registry Fees?

When planning your property purchase, it is important to consider all the costs you will need to pay beyond your deposit. Alongside your mortgage, solicitor’s fees, and Stamp Duty, the Land Registry fee is a key part of your moving budget.

To budget efficiently:

Ask your solicitor for a breakdown of fees at the start of the conveyancing process.
Check the current HM Land Registry fee scale for your property’s price.
Set aside this amount in advance to avoid stress during completion.

Being aware of this fee in advance will help you avoid last-minute surprises and ensure a smoother transaction.

How Cribs Estate Can Help You

At Cribs Estate, we understand that buying a home is both exciting and stressful, especially when unexpected fees and legal steps arise. Our experienced team will guide you through the buying process clearly, ensuring you understand every cost, including Land Registry fees, so you can buy your home confidently.

We work with trusted solicitors to handle your conveyancing efficiently, ensuring your property is registered correctly whilst keeping you informed at every step. Whether you are a first-time buyer or moving to your next home, Cribs Estate will support you to make your move smooth and stress-free.

Contact Cribs Estate today to discuss your next property move, and let us help you feel confident about every part of the process.

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What Are Land Registry Fees When Buying a House in the UK?

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