Taking a builder to court in London Borough of Merton — limits, fees, and your venue
The short answer: claims up to £10,000 in England & Wales go through the county court small claims track — online on GOV.UK, fees from £35. Your hearing venue is found on the official HMCTS court finder.
REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-09-03
The limits and fees for a builder claim
England & Wales small claims track — claim up to £10,000.
| Claim amount | Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to £300 | £35 |
| £300.01 to £500 | £50 |
| £500.01 to £1,000 | £70 |
| £1,000.01 to £1,500 | £80 |
| £1,500.01 to £3,000 | £115 |
| £3,000.01 to £5,000 | £205 |
| £5,000.01 to £10,000 | £455 |
| £10,000.01 to £200,000 | 5% of the claim |
| More than £200,000 | £10,000 |
Source: GOV.UK court fees (verified 2026-09-03). Help with fees (EX160) on low income; fee usually reclaimable if you win. Full walkthrough: small claims guide.
Finding your hearing venue
The official register is the source of truth: HMCTS Find a Court or Tribunal. Enter the builder's trading address (or your own, for consumer contracts) — the finder returns the court that serves London Borough of Merton and its contact details. Check opening times and appointment rules before travelling.
Before you issue: the two documents that decide it
1. Letter before action — the court expects pre-action conduct; 14 days to respond. 2. Schedule of loss — your number, evidenced line by line.
Report it too
The Citizens Advice consumer service passes reports to London Borough of Merton Trading Standards (council page, verified 2026-09-04). Enforcement and your civil claim run in parallel.
Independent information directory — not legal advice.
Sources: GOV.UK — Make a court claim for money; https://merton.gov.uk/business-and-consumers/trading-standards/unfair-trading (verified 2026-09-04); HMCTS court finder.
Reviewed by Sean McNamara · 2026-09-03 · Independent information directory — not legal advice.