How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House

What Are the Costs of Selling a House in the UK?

Selling a house in the UK involves more than just putting it on the market and waiting for an offer. There are several costs that sellers should budget for, from estate agent and solicitor fees to potential mortgage charges and final repairs. Knowing what to expect can help you plan ahead and avoid unpleasant surprises during the process.

The total cost of selling a house can vary based on your property’s value, the way you choose to market it, and any services you decide to include. Whether you’re moving to a new home or releasing equity, it’s important to understand what these costs are and how much you’re likely to pay.

Estate Agent Fees

For most sellers, the largest single cost will be estate agent fees. These are usually charged as a percentage of the final sale price and typically range from 0.75% to 3% plus VAT. The fee depends on the type of agent you choose, the level of service provided, and how competitive the local market is.

High street estate agents tend to charge higher percentages, but this includes full marketing, accompanied viewings and negotiation. Online agents often offer a fixed fee instead, starting at around £600, but you may need to handle viewings and negotiations yourself. Some online packages are paid upfront, while others are deferred until completion.

For example, if you sell a house for £300,000 and agree a 1.5% commission, you’ll pay £4,500 plus VAT, totalling £5,400.

Solicitor or Conveyancing Fees

Once you have an offer, you’ll need a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to handle the legal side of the sale. This includes preparing contracts, dealing with the buyer’s solicitor, and managing the transfer of funds. For sellers, legal fees are usually lower than for buyers, since there are fewer checks required.

Typical costs range from £600 to £1,500 including VAT, depending on the complexity of the sale, the property value and whether the property is leasehold. Leasehold sales can cost more due to the extra paperwork and enquiries involved with management companies or freeholders.

Some firms offer fixed-fee conveyancing, which can be helpful for budgeting. It’s also worth checking whether disbursements such as bank transfer fees are included.

EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)

In the UK, it’s a legal requirement to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) when selling a property. This report rates the energy efficiency of your home and is valid for ten years. If your property doesn’t already have one, you’ll need to arrange for an accredited assessor to carry one out.

The cost of an EPC is relatively low, typically between £60 and £120, and many estate agents can help organise it for you. If your house has a valid EPC from a recent sale or letting, you may not need to pay for another.

Mortgage Exit Fees and Early Repayment Charges

If you still have a mortgage on the property, there may be costs involved in paying it off. Most lenders charge a mortgage exit fee, usually between £50 and £300, to close your account. If you are still within a fixed-term or discounted mortgage deal, you may also face an early repayment charge (ERC). This is often calculated as a percentage of the remaining mortgage and can be a significant cost, sometimes 1% to 5% of the outstanding balance.

For example, if you repay a mortgage of £200,000 with a 2% early repayment fee, the cost would be £4,000. Check with your mortgage lender before proceeding to avoid unexpected charges.

Removal Costs

Once the sale completes, you’ll need to factor in the cost of moving. Removal costs can vary depending on the size of your property, the distance you’re moving, and the level of service you choose.

Basic van hire may cost as little as £200, while a full-service removal company for a larger home could charge anywhere from £600 to £2,000 or more. If you require packing services, storage, or multiple trips, the cost will increase. It’s advisable to get a few quotes well in advance of your moving date.

Repairs and Decoration

Although not compulsory, many sellers choose to carry out small repairs or cosmetic improvements to help attract buyers and maximise value. This could include fixing damp patches, repainting walls, replacing worn flooring or addressing any minor damage. These jobs help improve your property’s presentation and may help speed up the sale or support a higher offer.

The cost of preparing your home for sale depends entirely on the scale of the work, but even basic DIY jobs and a fresh coat of paint can cost a few hundred pounds. If you decide to hire professionals, set aside more for labour and materials.

Capital Gains Tax (If Applicable)

Most people do not have to pay Capital Gains Tax (CGT) when selling their main home, due to Private Residence Relief. However, if the property you are selling is not your primary residence, such as a second home or rental property, you may need to pay tax on any profit made since you bought it.

CGT is charged at 18% or 28%, depending on your income and the size of the gain. Allowances and reliefs may apply, and it is strongly advised to consult a tax adviser if you think CGT could be due.

Other Possible Costs

There are a few other smaller or less common charges that could apply when selling. These might include:

• Leasehold fees for providing a management pack to the buyer
• Mail redirection from Royal Mail (typically around £33 to £70 depending on duration)
• Storage costs if there’s a gap between selling and buying
• Cleaning services if you want to leave the property in good condition

Total Estimated Cost of Selling

While the final figure varies widely depending on property value, location and services used, the average cost of selling a house in the UK typically ranges from £5,000 to £10,000. For high-value properties, early mortgage exit fees and estate agent commission can push the total much higher.

Planning ahead, gathering quotes, and understanding where you can save money will make the process less daunting and more financially manageable.

Final Thoughts

Selling a house in the UK involves more than just finding a buyer. From estate agent and legal fees to removal costs and mortgage charges, it’s important to budget carefully to avoid surprises. Knowing what to expect and getting quotes early can help you stay in control and make your move a success. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing or relocating, clear planning will help make the financial side of selling your home as smooth as possible.