Selling your home sounds simple enough—stick it on the market, find a buyer, and move on, right? Well, not quite. The cost of selling a home in the UK can quickly add up, often leaving homeowners shocked by how much they have to pay before they even hand over the keys.
If you’re thinking about selling, you might be wondering: How much will it cost me? Let me show you.
1. Estate Agent Fees: Your Biggest Expense in Cost of Selling a Home in the UK
For most sellers, the estate agent’s fee is the biggest cost of selling a home in the UK. In the UK, estate agents typically charge between 1% and 3% of your home’s sale price plus VAT.
Example: If you sell your home for £300,000, and your estate agent charges 1.5%, you’ll pay:
– £4,500 + 20% VAT (£900) = £5,400
Now, you might be tempted to use an online estate agent instead. They often charge a fixed fee (usually between £500 and £1,500), but be warned—cheaper isn’t always better.
2. Conveyancing Fees: The Legal Costs of Selling a Home in the UK
You’ll need a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to handle the legal side of your sale. Their fees usually range from £800 to £2,000, depending on the complexity of the transaction.
Additional Legal Costs to Watch Out For:
– Mortgage Redemption Fee – Some lenders may charge an early repayment fee (1% to 5% of the remaining mortgage).
– Leasehold Fees – If your property is leasehold, you may have to pay for a management pack (£200–£500).
3. EPC (Energy Performance Certificate): A Legal Requirement
Before you list your home, you must have a valid EPC. The cost of an EPC depends on the size of your home and your location, but it usually ranges between £60 and £120. If you bought your home recently, check if your EPC is still valid—it lasts for 10 years.
4. Home Improvement & Staging Costs
You might need to fix up your home before selling. While this isn’t an official fee, it’s still a major expense that many sellers overlook.
Common Pre-Sale Expenses:
– Basic repairs: £500–£2,000
– Professional home staging: £500–£1,500
– Garden landscaping: £200–£1,000
5. Removal Costs: Moving Your Belongings
Once your home is sold, it’s time to move out! As part of the overall cost of selling a home in the UK, removal expenses can vary depending on the amount of belongings you have and the distance to your new location.
– Local move (same town): £400–£800
– Long-distance move: £1,000+
– DIY move (van hire): £100–£300
6. Capital Gains Tax (If Applicable)
Most people selling their main home won’t have to pay Capital Gains Tax (CGT), thanks to Private Residence Relief. But if you’re selling a buy-to-let property or a second home, you may owe tax on any profit you’ve made.
CGT rates:
– 18% for basic rate taxpayers
– 28% for higher rate taxpayers
7. Other Unexpected Costs to Watch Out For
Even after covering the main expenses, some extra costs might sneak up on you:
– Mortgage exit fees: £50–£300
– Storage costs: £50–£150 per month
– Council tax & utility bills (if the home is vacant)
So, How Much is the cost of selling a Home in the UK?
Let’s break it down with an example sale price of £300,000:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (£) |
| Estate Agent Fees (1.5% + VAT) | £5,400 |
| Conveyancing Fees | £1,500 |
| EPC Certificate | £90 |
| Home Staging & Repairs | £1,500 |
| Removal Costs | £800 |
| Total Estimated Costs | £9,290+ |
Knowing the cost of selling a home in the UK is not only about the price—it’s also about understanding and managing the costs. Knowing what to expect can help you avoid surprises and keep more money in your pocket.
Now that you know the real cost of selling a home in the UK, are you ready to take the next step? Let me know what’s on your mind—I’d love to help!
