The Cost of Selling a Property

The cost of selling a house in 2024

Estate agent fees are one of the main costs when selling a house — and they can cost you thousands. Usually, their fees are worked out as a percentage of the purchase price. This typically ranges from 1% to 3% of the sale price, plus VAT.

Well, at Purplebricks, we do things a little differently — well, a lot differently. We'll sell your home for free and you let you choose optional extras along the way if you want them. In other words, you only pay for the services you actually want to use. 

How much can you save? Use our estate agent fee checker to see how much it will cost you, and how much you could save with Purplebricks.

How much does it cost to sell a house?

The costs of selling a house in the UK can vary depending on several factors, but some of the most common include:

1. To Explain Our Fees

Estate agent fees are one of the main costs when selling a house. Most UK sellers work with an estate agent to sell their property. The fee for this service typically ranges from 1% to 3% of the sale price, plus VAT. Use our estate agent fee checker to see how much it will cost you, and how much you could save with Purplebricks.

Did you know that you can sell your home for free with Purplebricks? That's right - you get everything you need to sell your home for free, from a house valuation to a listing on a major property portal and agent support. And, if you choose to upgrade to one of our packages, you can choose to pay on completion rather than upfront.

2. Conveyancing fees

A conveyancer or solicitor will handle the legal aspects of the sale, including transferring ownership of the property. Conveyancing fees typically range from £500 to £1,500, depending on the complexity of the transaction. Both can provide valuable advice and guidance throughout the selling process, which can help you avoid costly mistakes or legal issues down the line. 

3. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

You’re legally required to have an Energy Performance Certificate in place before listing your property for sale. The cost of an EPC can range from £50 to £120.

4. Capital Gains Tax

If the property is not your primary residence, you may have to pay Capital Gains Tax on any profit you make from the sale. However, there is typically an exemption for primary residences. Not only is Capital Gains Tax important to consider, but there are other taxes to factor in when selling a house. You can read more about the taxes you might need to pay when selling a house. 

Are there any other costs to consider when selling a house?

Property sales come with mandatory fees, but there are also additional costs to consider. From home improvements to maintenance fixes and moving costs, below are some of the common things to budget for when selling your house.

1. Preparing your property for sale

In some cases, you may need to make repairs or upgrades to attract buyers and achieve the best possible sale price. Preparing your home for sale can also come with fees, including cleaning costs, decluttering and redecorating. 

2. Removal costs

The cost of moving your stuff from your existing house to your new one is known as removal fees. These can vary depending on various factors such as:

• the size of the vehicle needed 

• the distance between pick-up and drop-off of your possessions

• how many people are required to help 

• the time of day and day of the week 

• how difficult it is to access your property

You can read more about how to sell your home. 

3. Unexpected fees

Unfortunately, unexpected fees may come up, such as fixing property damage, dealing with legal difficulties and utility closing costs if you’re exiting your contracts early. These fees can mount up fast and are often difficult to estimate, but it's critical to try to include them in your overall budget plan when selling your house. 

4. Mortgage fees and advice

Got an outstanding mortgage on the property? Find out about any early repayment charges or other fees associated with paying off the mortgage early. If you plan to buy a new house after selling your current one, get advice to make sure you have the best possible mortgage deal in place. Factoring in the cost of mortgage advice can help you manage the selling process more effectively and avoid any unexpected fees or charges. The overall cost of selling a house can vary depending on the location of your property, the price of the sale and other factors, so it's important to get an accurate estimate of all expenses before selling a house in the UK. 

Thinking about selling your property?

As the UK’s leading estate agent, our expertise makes us the perfect partner for selling properties.  Want to find out how much your house is worth? Book a free house valuation or sell your home today.