How Much Does It Cost to Sell?

What Does It Cost to Sell a House in 2026?

The total cost of selling a house in the UK typically ranges from £5,000 to £10,000 for an average-priced property worth around £300,000. This includes estate agent fees, solicitor's conveyancing costs, an Energy Performance Certificate, and removal expenses.

Most sellers focus on the sale price and forget about the costs that eat into their proceeds. Understanding these costs upfront helps you make better decisions about pricing, agent selection, and timing. Use the calculator above to see exactly what you'll keep after selling.

Breaking Down the Costs

Estate agent fees

Agent fees are by far the largest selling cost. The UK average is 1.18% + VAT of the sale price, according to HomeOwners Alliance data. On a £300,000 property, that's approximately £4,248 including VAT.

Fees are negotiable. Most agents will quote higher than they expect to settle at, so always get quotes from at least three agents and negotiate. For detailed guidance, see our estate agent fees guide or how to negotiate estate agent fees.

Conveyancing solicitor fees

Your solicitor handles the legal side of the sale — drafting contracts, answering the buyer's solicitor's enquiries, and managing completion. Fees typically range from £800 to £2,000 depending on property value and complexity, plus disbursements of around £250–£450 for third-party costs.

Leasehold sales cost more due to additional legal work — expect a supplement of £200–£400. See our full conveyancing costs breakdown for a detailed look at what you're paying for.

EPC certificate

You are legally required to have a valid EPC before marketing your property. A new assessment costs £60–£120 depending on property size and location. EPCs are valid for 10 years, so you may already have one — check using our free EPC checker before paying for a new assessment.

Removal costs

Professional movers cost anywhere from £300 for a small flat to £2,500+ for a large family home. The cost depends on the volume of belongings, distance of the move, and whether you need packing services. Getting quotes from at least three removal companies is standard practice.

Mortgage exit fees

If you have an outstanding mortgage, your lender will charge an exit fee of £50–£300 to close the account and release the deeds. This is separate from any early repayment charge, which can be 1–5% of the outstanding balance if you're still within a fixed-rate period. See our guide on mortgage exit fees for more detail.

Costs Not Included in This Calculator

This calculator covers the direct costs of selling. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to budget for:

• Early repayment charges — if you're still in a fixed-rate mortgage period (can be 1–5% of the balance)
• Capital gains tax — if this is not your main residence (e.g., a second home or inherited property)
• Stamp duty on your next purchase — use our stamp duty calculator to estimate this
• Repairs and improvements — any work needed to make the property saleable

How to Reduce Your Selling Costs

1. Negotiate agent fees. Most agents will reduce their percentage if asked. Even a 0.2% reduction on a £300,000 property saves over £700.
2. Compare conveyancing quotes. Get at least three quotes and check what's included. Some solicitors charge separately for items others include as standard.
3. Check your EPC first. Use our free checker — you may already have a valid certificate from the last 10 years.
4. Time around your mortgage. If your fixed rate ends in a few months, waiting could save thousands in early repayment charges.
5. Get sale-ready before listing. A collapsed sale can waste £2,000–£3,000 in abortive fees. Preparing your legal pack upfront reduces fall-through risk and saves money in the long run.