HMRC Regulatory Update: From May 2026, conveyancers filing SDLT returns must register as tax advisers.
When You're the Only Conveyancer in the Practice. Expert Validation and £5M Protection.
When you're the only qualified conveyancer in your practice, every SDLT calculation rests with you—without a colleague to check your work or verify complex cases.
SDLT Check provides expert-level validation on every transaction. Full £5M indemnity if we're ever wrong. CQS-compliant audit trail generated automatically.
Two pricing options to fit your practice: Full Service at £12.50 +VAT per transaction (often passed on as a disbursement) or Ad Hoc Access for individual complex cases.
The Solo Practitioner Reality
A Common Scenario
A £1.3M purchase with a small commercial unit attached. Does it qualify as mixed-use for non-residential rates? The HMRC calculator doesn't help with the nuance. Research takes time, and the stakes are high—client money and compliance depend on getting it right.
If the calculation is wrong, the client's accountant may later identify an overpayment. The practice can face PI excess, premium increases, and a notification on record.
SDLT Check removes the guesswork: expert-level calculation, full indemnity, and an audit trail that supports CQS requirements.
For solo practitioners, that means verification and protection without a second signatory—so you can take on complex transactions with confidence.
The Numbers
| Challenge | Impact |
|---|---|
| No verification colleague | CQS Standard 1.2 requires "another experienced individual"—you don't have one |
| £5,000 PI excess | Comes from your personal funds, not firm reserves |
| 40% error rate | Industry-wide SDLT error rate—no one's immune |
| £21,600 total cost | One claim = excess + lost time + premium increases over 3 years |
Why Solo Practitioners Choose SDLT Check
Your Virtual Verification Colleague
CQS requires calculations checked by "another experienced individual." SDLT Check is that experienced individual. Every calculation reviewed to senior associate standard. Full audit trail proving you met your verification obligation.
Pass CQS audits. Maintain panel positions. Demonstrate competence—even practicing alone.
Flexible Pricing for Solo Practitioners
Full Service: £12.50 +VAT per transaction
For all your purchases. Most solo practitioners add this as a disbursement to clients—effectively no cost to you.
Ad Hoc Access: From £300 +VAT
For one-off complex cases. Priced by transaction value (£300-£1,150 +VAT).
Full Service example costs:
- • 3 transactions/month: £450 +VAT/year
- • 5 transactions/month: £750 +VAT/year
- • One PI claim excess: £5,000 (pay for years of protection instead)
Handle Complex Work Confidently
Take on more transactions with confidence:
- ✓ Mixed-use properties (commercial + residential)
- ✓ Non-residential rate eligibility
- ✓ Non-resident surcharge calculations
- ✓ High-value transactions where accountants will check your work
Accept every instruction. Grow your practice revenue. With expert validation and full indemnity behind each calculation.
What Every Calculation Includes
Whether Full Service or Ad Hoc:
- ✓ 100% accurate SDLT figure (all 49 reliefs covered)
- ✓ £5M professional indemnity coverage on that transaction
- ✓ Complete CQS-compliant audit trail
- ✓ Full methodology report with all working shown
- ✓ Permanent file record with unique indemnity certificate
- ✓ Expert support if you have questions
Real Results
Emma Patterson, Solo Practitioner, Leeds
Before:
Turned down 12 complex transactions (£26,000 lost fees). Failed CQS audit. Lost Nationwide panel.
After 8 months:
Accepted every transaction offered. Passed CQS re-audit. Panel reinstated. Revenue up 34%.
"SDLT Check is one of the best business decisions I've made. I add it as a disbursement to clients, so it costs me nothing—and I have confidence in every calculation."
David Morrison, Solo Practitioner, Bristol
Before:
Made SDLT error. Paid £5,000 PI excess from personal credit card. Premium increased 65%. Almost closed practice.
After:
Zero SDLT errors. Uses it for all complex transactions (8–10/month). Annual cost £1,200 vs. £5,000 excess he paid.
"SDLT Check gives me the verification and protection I need, and costs less than one month of my previous premium increase."
Common Questions
Which pricing option is best for solo practitioners?
Most solo practitioners choose Full Service at £12.50 +VAT per transaction because they can add it as a disbursement to clients—making it effectively free to the practice. If you only have occasional complex cases, Ad Hoc Access (from £300 +VAT based on transaction value) gives you flexibility without commitment.
Can I pass the cost on to my clients?
Yes! With Full Service, most solo practitioners add the £12.50 +VAT as a disbursement. With Ad Hoc Access, you can either pay the fee yourself or send the payment request directly to your client. Either way, the protection and support are there when you need them.
What if the client's accountant challenges the figure?
You provide the full methodology report from SDLT Check—expert-level analysis with legislative references. If they still dispute it, our experts engage directly at no additional cost. If we made an error, our indemnity covers your firm's costs, not your PI insurance.
What's the difference between Full Service and Ad Hoc?
Full Service (£12.50 +VAT/transaction) is for firms using SDLT Check on all purchases—it's the lowest cost per transaction and is invoiced monthly. Ad Hoc Access (£300-£1,150 +VAT based on transaction value) is for occasional complex or borderline cases without commitment.
Getting Started
Create Your Free Account
No credit card required.
Calculate Your First SDLT
Enter transaction details. Answer 2–3 questions. Get indemnified calculation. Full Service: £12.50 +VAT per transaction. Ad Hoc: from £300 +VAT based on value.
Download Your Reports
Complete audit trail ready for your file. Protected by £5M indemnity. CQS-compliant.
Ready to See How It Works?
Get started with Full Service at £12.50 +VAT per transaction (add as a disbursement), or Ad Hoc Access for individual complex cases.
Questions?
We're solo practitioner specialists. We understand your challenges.
Trusted by 500+ conveyancers across England and Wales. Join them in protecting your practice—one transaction at a time.