Summary
The average cost to sell a house in the UK is £6,739, based on a property worth £292,000. This includes estate agent fees, solicitor costs and an EPC. Extra charges may apply for mortgage exit fees, leasehold documents or removals. Comparing fixed-fee solicitor quotes can significantly reduce your costs.
Selling your home comes with more costs than most expect. Beyond estate agent and solicitor fees, there are mortgage penalties, leasehold packs, removals and other charges that can take the total well over £8,000.
However, the good news is that many of these costs can be avoided or reduced if you know what to expect. We’ve broken down every these fees using real market data.
This guide gives you a clear, realistic view of what it costs to sell a house, along with practical ways to keep more of your final sale price.
Prices are based on our cost data, received directly from user feedback.
Essential Costs When Selling a House
Here's what you can expect to pay when selling a house:
| Cost Type | Typical Range | Average Cost (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Estate agent fees | 1–3.5% + VAT (or £300–£1,500 fixed fee) | £5,840 |
| Conveyancing (legal fees + disbursements) | £500–£1,900 | £814 |
| Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) | £60–£120 | £85 |
You can read about each of these in more detail in the section below, including how they're calculated and ways to save.
Estate Agent Fees
Estate agent fees are usually the biggest cost when selling a home.
For a typical property worth £292,000, traditional estate agents charge between 1 and 3.5% of the sale price plus VAT, which averages out at £5,840. This is usually payable on completion and covers marketing, viewings, negotiation, and handling the sale process.
Online estate agents offer a cheaper alternative. They typically charge a fixed fee between £300 and £1,500, regardless of your property’s value. However, most require payment upfront. Always check whether accompanied viewings are included and what happens if your home doesn’t sell.
To keep estate agent costs fair, consider a sliding-scale fee based on final sale price.
Conveyancing
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership from seller to buyer.
In 2026, the average conveyancing fee for selling a house is £1,642. However, Compare My Move customers can receive quotes of around £816, thanks to competitive conveyancing quotes and capped-fee agreements.
This figure often excludes disbursements, such as Land Registry copies, ID checks, bank transfer fees, engrossment fee, and any indemnity insurance. Always request a full itemised quote to avoid surprise charges.
Look for a solicitor who offers no sale, no fee to avoid paying if your move falls through.
For a detailed breakdown of conveyancing costs and fees read: How Much Are Solicitor Fees for Selling a House in the UK?
For a tailored estimate use our conveyancing fees calculator.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
You must have a valid EPC before marketing your home. It provides buyers with a summary of your property’s energy efficiency and running costs.
An EPC costs between £60 and £120 and is valid for ten years. You can usually get one completed within a few days by a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor.
Small upgrades like LED bulbs, radiator panels or draught-proofing can raise your EPC rating and make your home more attractive to buyers.
Compare & Save on Property Solicitors
Save up to 70% on conveyancing costs
Used by over 1.8 million movers in the UK
Hidden or Optional Costs
These are the extra costs that catch most sellers off guard. They’re not always included in quotes, but they can delay your sale or eat into your profit if you’re not prepared.
| Cost | Typical Amount | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Capital Gains Tax (CGT) | 18–28% of the gain | Applies if the property isn’t your main home. Check early to avoid a surprise tax bill |
| Early repayment charge | 1–5% of mortgage balance | Common if you repay your mortgage before the term ends. Porting may avoid this |
| Mortgage admin fees | £50–£300 | A standard exit fee when closing or transferring a mortgage. Often overlooked |
| Leasehold management pack | £150–£600 | Required for leasehold sales. Delays in ordering are a top cause of slow completions |
| Indemnity insurance | £100–£500 | Covers legal gaps like missing permissions. Usually faster than fixing issues |
| Staging or photography | £200–£700 | Optional, but better visuals can boost viewings and sale price. Some agents include this |
Even if only one or two of these costs apply to your sale, they can add hundreds or even thousands to your total. The key is spotting them early.
If you're unsure what applies to your home, ask your solicitor upfront or use our calculator to get a tailored breakdown.
General Moving Costs
Once you’ve exchanged contracts, you’ll need to budget for the physical move.
Removal costs vary depending on your property size, how far you’re moving, and whether you need extras like packing or storage.
| Move Size | Average Removal Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom | £409 |
| 2-bedroom | £801 |
| 3-bedroom | £1,229 |
| 4-bedroom | £1,914 |
These prices are based on a 50-mile move with basic packing. Costs will be higher for longer distances, weekend moves or full-service packing.
Other Costs to Factor In
- Mail redirection:
Royal Mail charges £40 for 3 months, rising to £84 for 12 months. This service helps protect against missed bills, ID fraud, and lost post. - Home Report (Scotland only):
If you're selling in Scotland, you’re legally required to provide a Home Report, which includes a survey, EPC and property questionnaire. Costs range from £585 to £820.
How to Save Money When Selling a House
Selling a home involves unavoidable costs, but there are smart ways to reduce them without cutting corners. These five tactics can shave hundreds or even thousands off your total bill:
- List mid-week
Publish your listing on a Wednesday or Thursday to hit peak weekend traffic on property sites. It can help you sell faster and avoid unnecessary price drops. - Compare conveyancing quotes
Getting quotes from multiple solicitors can save you money as you don't have to settle for the first price you see. In particular, look for firms with transparent pricing and no hidden disbursement charges. - Book removals early
Removal companies often charge more when demand is high. By booking at least six weeks in advance, you are more likely to get a better rate and secure your preferred date. - Improve your EPC rating before the inspection
Spend around £150 on small upgrades like LED bulbs, draught-proofing or radiator panels. These upgrades can improve your rating and make your home more appealing to buyers. - Cap your estate agent fees
If you are using more than one estate agent, agree a maximum combined commission in advance (e.g. 2.5%). This can help you avoid paying a full fee to more than one agent if they are working jointly.
Cost of Selling a House Calculator
Get a clear, personalised breakdown of your selling costs in under 60 seconds.
Whether you're selling only, buying and selling, or just planning ahead, the tool helps you budget accurately and avoid hidden costs.
How to Find a Conveyancer
The cost of selling a house can vary depending on a number of factors, one of which is the conveyancer you choose. By comparing different conveyancing firms, you can find the best fit for your sale and compare fee quotes.
We know how important it is to have the right legal expert at this time. Our conveyancing partners are all regulated by either the SRA, CLC, LSS, LSNI or CILEx and offer excellent services, taking the stress out of your property transaction.
To ensure you get the best price for your conveyancing costs, use Compare My Move and get matched up to 5 professional conveyancers.
