Valuation fee
This may include a non-refundable administration fee and must normally be enclosed with the application. The whole fee is non-refundable once the valuation has been carried out. The type of valuation you choose will depend on factors such as the age and condition of the property and whether there is any history of subsidence in the area.

Basic mortgage valuation
This is for the lenders own purposes confirming the property provides security for the loan. You are strongly advised not to rely on a mortgage valuation and to obtain your own survey.

Home buyer's report
This provides concise information in a standardised format on the state of repair and condition of the property. The report will include comments on the significant defects which are material to value and the valuer's opinion as to its marketability. This type of report is most suited to relatively modern properties of conventional construction.

Full structural survey
This is a lengthy report based on a detailed examination of the property. Any areas of concern that you might have about the property will be investigated.

Lenders arrangement fee
This may be payable either in advance, where the lender will ask you to enclose a cheque with the mortgage application, or on completion. All or part of it may be non-refundable if the mortgage is declined or withdrawn. This will be specified in your mortgage quotation.

Legal costs and fees
The fees charged by a solicitor include the charge for conveyancing (the transfer of ownership of land), the costs of legal registrations and miscellaneous costs (known as disbursements). For example, Local Search fees and Land Registry fees We recommend you obtain an estimate of these costs early on in the process.

Stamp duty
Stamp duty is a 'purchase tax' and is payable where the purchase price of the property is more than £125,000. The current charge is 1% of the purchase price of the property. This increases to 3% if the price is more than £250,000 and to 4% if the price exceeds £500,000. (Stamp Duty is not payable for remortgages).

High percentage lending fee (sometimes known as Mortgage Guarantee Premium)
This may apply if the amount you wish to borrow is more than, typically, 75% of the value of the property. The lender will require additional security on the amount in excess of this threshold in the form of an insurance policy (a higher percentage lending fee).