How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House

When moving home, especially if you have a property to sell, there are several costs to budget for. From estate agent fees to solicitor fees, how much does it cost to sell your home? In this guide, we break down the fees you can expect to incur when selling a house.

These average costs can vary from home to home, and you should use this as a guide only. Always make sure to set up a budget and get personalised quotes where possible.

Costs when selling a house

Selling a property isn’t just about the sale price; there are several costs along the way like legal fees. Knowing what to expect upfront helps you plan properly and avoid last‑minute surprises.

Below is a summary of where you are likely to incur a fee when selling your home:

Estate agents’ fees when selling a house

When thinking about “how much does it cost to sell a house,” one of the first costs most sellers focus on is estate agent fees. Which usually comes in at around 1% to 3% of your property’s final sale price (including VAT). This is generally paid on completion, and covers the cost of marketing your home, arranging viewings, and managing the sale through to the finish line.

It’s worth noting that, compared to many other countries, estate agent fees in the UK are actually pretty reasonable. In fact, agents here have kept fees relatively low and steady for years. Despite the rising cost of running a business.

There are a few different types of agents to choose from, including traditional high street agents and no-sale, no-fee options. Each comes with pros and cons depending on the level of service you want.

Before choosing an estate agent, make sure you:

• Understand their fee structure and what is included
• Check if they have industry accreditations, such as Propertymark. This shows they follow a professional code of conduct above what the law requires
• Ask about their track record selling similar properties to yours

It’s worth taking the time to interview agents and compare what they offer, because the cheapest fee doesn’t always equate to the best service or outcome.

Energy performance certificate

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) shows how energy efficient your property is and gives it a rating from A to G.

You must have an EPC before you can market your home for sale, it’s a legal requirement. Estate agents will typically ask for this before listing.

The cost of an EPC varies depending on the size and location of the property, but most EPCs for homes range from about £60 to £120.

If your EPC produces a low rating, buyers may use this to negotiate the asking price down, so it’s worth knowing your rating early and considering simple improvements that could boost it.

Mortgage redemption fee

If you are selling a property that still has a mortgage secured against it, there are a couple of potential costs to be aware of:

Early repayment charges (ERCs)

Many mortgage deals, especially fixed rates, include an early repayment charge if you pay off the mortgage before the end of the agreed term.

This charge is usually a percentage of the outstanding mortgage balance and varies by lender and by product.

Example:

Let’s say you’re on a 5‑year fixed mortgage, but you decide to sell and move after 3 years.

If you have £200,000 left on your mortgage and your lender charges a 2% ERC at this stage of the deal, you’d pay £4,000 to clear the mortgage early.

Early repayment charges can range from 1% to 5% of the remaining mortgage depending on how long you have left on your deal and what the terms of your mortgage are.

Mortgage exit or admin fees

Some lenders also charge a mortgage exit fee, sometimes called a deeds release fee or admin fee, which is typically up to around £350.

Not all lenders charge these, but it’s important to check your mortgage offer or speak to your lender early on to find out what mortgage fees applies in your case. Sometimes lenders will set out these fees clearly on your mortgage offer documents; other times you have to ask.

Can you avoid early repayment charges?

In some cases, yes. Through a process called porting your mortgage.

Porting your mortgage means taking your current mortgage deal with you to your next property. This can be a good way to avoid large early repayment charges, but it isn’t always straightforward:

• You’ll still need to reapply and go through affordability checks
• If the new property costs more than your current one, you may need to borrow extra. Usually at a different interest rate
• Not all mortgage deals are portable, and some lenders restrict porting in certain circumstances

Always check the terms of your mortgage and speak with your lender or mortgage broker if you’re thinking about moving before your current deal ends.

Getting your house sale ready

Home staging doesn’t have to break the bank, but spending a little on overdue repairs and presentation can make a big difference when buyers view your home.

Think about things like:

• Fixing dripping taps or loose fixtures
• Replacing cracked tiles or broken door handles
• Giving rooms a fresh coat of paint
• Tidying the garden and pathways

These improvements help show your home in the best possible light and can help you command a better price.

Cleaning costs

First impressions really do count. When potential buyers walk in, you want your home to feel welcoming, sparkling clean and well cared for.

Many sellers choose to invest in a professional deep clean before viewings and photographs are taken.

Typical costs are:

• Deep cleaning: around £180 to £500, depending on property size and condition
• Oven cleaning: often around £50 to £80

These costs vary by location and cleaning company, but most sellers find that a professional clean is worthwhile given the difference it can make in how buyers perceive the home.

Storage costs

If you’re decluttering to make your home look more spacious, which is something buyers often respond well to, you may need to store furniture or personal items temporarily.

Storage costs depend on unit size and location, but a rough guide:

• Small unit: around £80 to £120 per month
• Medium unit: around £120 to £190 per month

Think about how long you might need storage. For example, if your completion date and moving‑in date don’t align, and factor this into your budget.

Conveyancing fees

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from you to the buyer. Choosing the right solicitor or licensed conveyancer is crucial, and it’s worth shopping around for competitive quotes.

Typical conveyancing costs include:

• Solicitor or conveyancer fee: around £1,400 on average
• Land Registry copies and official documents: around £65
• Indemnity policy (if required): around £240
• Management company document fee (if leasehold or managed freehold): around £200

That brings the total legal cost to just under £1,900. Though this can be higher or lower depending on your property and situation.

Some firms charge a flat fee, others may charge a percentage of the sale price, and additional disbursements (costs paid to third parties) will vary.

Removal costs

Once your home is sold, the final physical step is moving your belongings to your new address.

You have a couple of choices:

• Professional removal service: these companies pack, load, move and unpack your belongings for you. Costs vary with property size and distance moved, but many sellers pay £800 to £1,500+.
• DIY move: hiring a van and doing the heavy lifting yourself. Van hire alone typically costs around £80 to £150 per day, plus fuel. Be aware that your home insurance may not cover possessions while they are in transit, so you may need to arrange temporary removals cover.

Many people choose a removal company for peace of mind. Particularly for larger homes or longer moves, while others prefer to save money by doing much of the work themselves.

Tips for selling a house

• A good estate agent can help you with every step of the way. From home staging tips to local market insights and negotiating offers.
• Look for organised buyers and try to avoid time‑wasters. Agents should be able to spot red flags, but useful indicators include buyers having a mortgage in principle or being chain‑free.
• First‑time buyers often don’t have a property to sell, which can make them quicker and easier to move with, a real advantage in a chain.

Need more advice?

We’re here to help sellers, buyers, renters and movers navigate the property market from start to finish, providing guidance every step of the way.

Whether you’re preparing to sell, looking for tips on pricing, or need clarity on the costs involved, our expert content is designed to support your property journey.

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Last Updated: December 18th, 2025