When buying, selling, transferring or registering property or land in England and Wales, you will almost always come across HM Land Registry fees — commonly known as HMLR fees. Understanding what they are, how much you need to pay, and how they’re calculated is crucial to avoid unexpected costs in your property transaction.

In this guide, we’ll explain what Land Registry fees are, when you need to pay them, how they are calculated, and how you can check the current fee structure.

What Are HM Land Registry Fees?

HM Land Registry (HMLR) is a government department that keeps records of land and property ownership in England and Wales. When a property changes hands or its legal ownership is updated, HMLR charges a fee for processing and registering this information.

These fees cover various services, including:

• First registration of unregistered land

• Registering a transfer of ownership

• Registering a new lease

• Registering a mortgage or charge

• Official copies of documents

How Much Are Land Registry Fees in 2025?

Land Registry fees depend on:

• The type of transaction (e.g. transfer, lease, or charge)

• The value of the property or land

• Whether you submit your application online or by post

Generally:

• Online applications (via the Land Registry Portal or Business Gateway) are cheaper than postal applications.

• Fees increase in tiers based on the property value.

For example:

*Note: These fees are subject to change. For the latest rates, always refer to the official HMLR Fee Scale.

How Are HMLR Fees Paid?

Your solicitor or conveyancer usually pays the Land Registry fee on your behalf when they lodge your application. It’s usually included as a disbursement on your legal bill. If you’re handling the application yourself, you must pay the fee directly when submitting your forms.

When Do You Pay Land Registry Fees?

You pay the fee when you:

• Register a newly built property or land for the first time.

• Transfer ownership of an existing property (e.g. buying a house).

• Register a mortgage or legal charge.

• Make certain changes to the property title.

How to Check and Calculate Your Land Registry Fee

Before completing any transaction, it’s wise to check the exact fee. Use an online Land Registry Fee Calculator to determine the cost based on your property value and the type of application. Many solicitors and conveyancers provide this service as part of their quote.

👉 For an instant estimate, try our free Land Registry Fee Calculator.

Why It’s Important to Pay the Correct Fee

If you underpay, your application may be rejected or delayed, which can cause legal and financial headaches. Always double-check the fee scale and consult your solicitor to ensure you pay the correct amount.

Key Takeaways

✅ HMLR fees apply to most property and land transactions in England and Wales.
✅ Fees vary depending on the type of transaction, property value, and submission method.
✅ Online submissions are cheaper than postal ones.
✅ Always use an up-to-date calculator to avoid errors.

For the latest information and guidance, visit the official HM Land Registry website or speak to a qualified conveyancer.

For quick and accurate fee calculations, check out our Land Registry Fee Calculator.