The costs of selling a house in 2026

Key takeaways

• Remortgaging fees. There are two fees you may need to pay if you need to remortgage: early repayment charges and mortgage exit fees
• Estate agent fees. Estate agent fees are typically one of the highest costs when selling a house
• Conveyancing fees. Usually charged as a flat fee or a percentage of the property’s value, depending on the complexity of the sale
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). A valid EPC is required when selling a home
• Removal costs. These can vary depending on distance, property size and services required

How much does selling a home cost?

The cost of selling a house usually consists of several individual services. Some costs are required as part of the legal process, while others depend on personal choices and circumstances. Not all sellers will incur every cost, but having a general overview of them can help.

What costs are involved when selling a house?

Below are a few costs you might expect when selling a house:

Conveyancing fees explained

Conveyancing fees usually cover the legal work required to transfer ownership of a property from the seller to the buyer. They can also include disbursements, which are charges third parties may impose for services such as searches or registry fees.

Conveyancing costs can vary depending on the property value, the region, whether it is freehold or leasehold and the complexity of the transaction. On average, you may pay between £400 and £1,500+. Disbursements can add up to £700+ to the total cost.

What does a conveyancer do?

A conveyancer handles the legal documentation related to the property sale and responds to enquiries from the buyer’s solicitor. They also may liaise with mortgage lenders and manage the transfer of funds upon completion. Some firms charge a fixed fee, while others charge based on the sale price or the complexity of the transaction.

Estate agent fees

Estate agent fees are usually calculated as a percentage of the final sale price, commonly between 1% and 3%. As a result, they are often one of the highest house selling fees for homeowners.

What affects estate agent pricing?

Estate agent fees can vary depending on the estate agent you select, whether you are using one or multiple agencies and the services included, like viewings and marketing. Multi-estate agency agreements are usually much more expensive than sole agency, which can increase your overall selling costs. Some agents may offer fixed-fee services for an upfront fee, while others charge a commission (based on a percentage of the sale price), which is payable once the sale completes.

Valuation and survey costs

Many estate agents offer a free valuation to help you establish an asking price. House surveys are generally arranged and paid for by the buyer. However, some sellers also commission a pre-sale survey to determine whether the property has any defects which could be fixed before listing the home.

Survey costs vary depending on the level of detail required, with more comprehensive reports typically costing more. A RICS Home Survey can cost between £300 and over £1,500, depending on the level you choose.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) costs

An EPC is a legal requirement when selling a home. It provides information about the property’s energy efficiency and is valid for 10 years. Costs typically range from £60 to £120.

If a valid EPC is already in place, a new one may not be required. If you need to find or check for an EPC, you can use the GOV.UK website.

Remortgaging and mortgage‑exit fees

If you’re buying a home for the second time and have decided not to port your current mortgage, you can remortgage, but you may incur additional fees. An Early Repayment Charge (ERC) may apply if you exit your current deal before it has finished or if you have overpaid by more than your mortgage terms allow. Lenders may also charge a mortgage exit fee when the loan is repaid in full.

These can vary by lender and mortgage product, so checking your mortgage terms can help clarify any potential charges.

Removal and moving costs

Removal costs can depend on several factors, including the size of the property, distance to your new home and whether additional packing services are required. Moving at peak times, such as weekends or school holidays, may increase costs. Prices can range from £400 to £1,500 or more. Comparing quotes from reputable removals companies can help you find the best option.

Additional optional costs to consider

Some sellers may also wish to factor in additional costs, such as:

• Professional cleaning
• Minor repairs or redecoration
• Storage costs if there is a delay between selling your home and moving to a new one

These costs are optional and may not apply in every situation.

Costs specific to leasehold properties

Selling a leasehold property can involve additional charges, such as management information packs or notice of transfer fees. These costs can vary, but they are typically set by the freeholder or managing agent. For more information, check out our guide to leasehold vs freehold properties.

How to budget for selling your home

Budgeting for selling a home involves accounting for both expected and potential costs. Listing known fees alongside possible additional expenses can help you understand how much it may cost you to sell your home.

If you are purchasing a new-build home, take a look at our guide to understanding the costs of buying a new home to prepare for your move.

Explore our range of new homes across the UK, with offers to help you move. Make sure to check our T&Cs to see if you’re eligible.

Call or visit our Sales Advisers at your nearest development to find out more.

Disclaimer:

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Please speak with a mortgage, financial or legal adviser for more information regarding your specific circumstances.