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How Much Do Solicitors Charge to Read a Legal Pack? Everything You Need To Know

27 December 2025
7 min read

how much do solicitors charge to read a legal pack

Buying a property at an auction can be a quick and easy way to secure a home or investment, but it comes with legal responsibilities buyers must understand before bidding.

One of the most important yet misunderstood costs is the fee solicitors charge to review a legal pack.

A legal pack is a bundle of documents sellers prepare for properties sold at an auction.

It is typically made available before the bidding date and includes title documents, special conditions of sale, and the auction contract.

After the auction, buyers are given little time to investigate issues after exchange; thus, reviewing the legal pack before bidding is important because the documents are legally binding once signed.

If you’re wondering how much do solicitors charge to read a legal pack, this guide explains what a legal pack is, why it matters, how much solicitors typically charge, and what other conveyancing costs you should budget for.

While you’re not legally required to use a solicitor to review a legal pack, hiring one significantly reduces risks.

Auction legal packs are drafted to protect the seller, and they often contain clauses that shift the responsibility or cost onto the buyer.

A qualified solicitor or conveyancer can help you:

  • Identify legal risks linked to the title or conditions of sale
  • Highlight restrictive covenants, easements, or ongoing disputes
  • Confirm title boundaries, ownership history, and deed restrictions
  • Flag unusual conditions of sale or penalty clauses
  • Check whether searches are missing, outdated, or incomplete

This is especially important when buying property at auction, where issues such as repossessions, short leases, or missing documentation are more common than in standard residential sales.

Remember, the documents become legally binding once the auction closes.

Unlike private treaty purchases, auction buyers only have a short window to commit to the purchase.

So if a buyer later discovers an issue they didn't account for, they cannot withdraw without losing the deposit.

Is this something that I can do myself?

In theory, yes, buyers can review a legal pack themselves.

But legal packs are often written in technical language and assume a working knowledge of auction legal principles and property law, so they can be difficult to interpret without legal training.

While reviewing the documents may help you understand the basics, it does not replace proper legal advice.

Missing a clause or misunderstanding a condition could lead to financial loss, delays, or even the forfeiture of the purchase.

For experienced investors who understand auction processes, a self-review may be supplemented with targeted questions to a solicitor.

For most buyers, especially those using a mortgage, a professional auction legal pack review is strongly recommended.

A standard legal pack review typically takes between one and three working days. The exact timeframe depends on several factors, including:

  • The size and complexity of the auction pack
  • Whether the property is freehold or leasehold
  • The age and condition of the house
  • Whether the title is registered or not
  • The presence of trust arrangements or restrictive clauses

If the auction date is close, some firms offer expedited legal pack review services. These fast-track options are designed for last-minute bidders and are usually available within 24 hours, though they usually attract a higher fee.

In the UK, most auction solicitors charge a fixed fee rather than an hourly rate. Typical costs range from £300 to £800 plus VAT, depending on the complexity of the pack and how quickly the review is required.

Factors that influence the review cost include:

  • Freehold vs leasehold property
  • Commercial vs residential use
  • Whether additional enquiries are required
  • Time constraints (standard review vs. 24-hour turnaround)

More complex packs, such as those involving short leases, defective titles, or missing searches, often sit at the higher end of the pricing range.

Always negotiate solicitors’ fees

Solicitors charge different rates depending on volume, repeat business, or how early the pack is supplied, so don't be afraid to ask whether they offer fixed fees. Doing so can help you save money and avoid surprises.

  • A legal pack typically includes:
  • Official title documents
  • Special conditions of sale
  • Searches (local authority, water, or drainage)
  • The auction contract
  • Property information forms

A solicitor’s legal pack review checks whether these documents are complete, up-to-date, and free of red flags that could affect ownership or resale.

Yes, many solicitors offer fast-track services, including legal pack reviews with a 24-hour turnaround. While these fast-track reviews cost more, they can prevent buyers from bidding blindly or relying on incomplete information when deadlines are tight.

What other fees do I need to look out for?

Besides legal pack review fees, buyers should also budget for auction conveyancing costs, like:

  • Survey costs
  • Buyer’s premium
  • Administration fees
  • Conveyancing costs after the auction
  • Mortgage arrangement fees (if applicable)

All these additional fees increase the total cost buyers face, especially if they aren't accounted for in advance.

Using a dedicated auction legal pack review service can simplify the process, especially for first-time auction buyers.

These specialist services focus exclusively on auction legal work and understand the compressed timelines involved.

Hiring specialists reduces the risk of missed issues and helps buyers make informed bidding decisions.

At Property Auctions, we can help connect you with a trusted auction solicitor or conveyancer experienced in reviewing auction packs efficiently and accurately.

Can you still get 30 minutes free with a solicitor?

Yes, some firms offer a free initial consultation of up to 30 minutes to assess your situation, explain the legal process, and outline potential costs.

However, this consultation is often meant to diagnose your case. If you want to avail of a service such as an auction legal pack review, this is entirely separate.

How much does it cost to sell a house at auction in the UK?

Selling a house at an auction in the UK depends on several factors, including the auction house you choose, the property type, legal setup, marketing package, and more.

Seller costs typically include solicitor fees, legal pack fees, auction entry fees and a commission of 1 to 3% of the final sale price.

Frequently Asked Questions

🏢 How much are solicitor fees when buying a flat?
Solicitor fees vary depending on factors like lease complexity, lender requirements, and whether the purchase is at auction. Leasehold properties often cost more to review due to additional documentation.
💷 How much can a solicitor charge?
Solicitors set their own fees, but charges must be transparent and agreed upon upfront. Fixed-fee quotes are common for legal pack checking services.
⚖️ How much do solicitors charge for legal advice?
General legal advice is billed hourly. However, specific services such as reading or reviewing legal packs are usually charged a fixed fee.

A legal pack lays the legal foundation of a purchase and becomes binding once the auction closes. Failing to review it properly can expose buyers to financial, legal, and practical risks.

Understanding the fees solicitors charge to read a legal pack allows buyers to decide whether a professional review is worthwhile, and to set aside a budget for it.

While fees typically range between £300 to £800 plus VAT, this is a modest cost compared to the potential consequences of overlooking legalities.

If you need help reading a legal pack, Property Auctions can help connect you with experienced auction professionals.