How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House in the UK?

Most people focus on what they’ll make from selling their home. It’s worth knowing what they’ll spend first.

The short answer

For a property sold at the UK average of around £285,000, expect to spend between £5,000 and £10,000 in total selling costs. On a more expensive property, it can be significantly more. Here’s where that money goes.

Estate agent fees

This is usually the biggest cost. High street estate agents typically charge 1–3% of the sale price plus VAT. On a £300,000 property, 1.5% + VAT is £5,400. On a £500,000 property, it’s £9,000.

Online and hybrid agents charge a flat fee — usually £500 to £1,500 — paid upfront regardless of whether the property sells. That’s cheaper if the sale goes through; riskier if it doesn’t.

Woosh charges a flat fee of £999, paid only on a successful sale. No upfront costs, no percentage.

Conveyancing

You’ll need a conveyancer or solicitor to handle the legal side of the sale. Seller-side conveyancing typically costs £800 to £1,500 including disbursements (the searches and Land Registry fees your conveyancer has to pay on your behalf). The exact figure depends on the property value and complexity of the transaction.

Get quotes from at least three conveyancers before instructing one. Prices vary significantly and don’t always reflect quality.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

You’re legally required to have a valid EPC before you can market your property. If yours has expired (they last 10 years), you’ll need to commission a new one. An EPC typically costs £60–£120 depending on the property size and assessor.

Check your EPC expiry date before listing — if it’s still valid, this is one cost you can avoid.

Mortgage redemption fee

If you have a mortgage on the property, your lender may charge an early repayment charge (ERC) if you pay it off before the fixed-rate term ends. This can be substantial — sometimes 1–5% of the outstanding mortgage — so check your mortgage terms carefully before deciding when to sell. Your mortgage statement or lender’s website should have the details.

There may also be an admin fee (sometimes called a “deeds release” or “mortgage exit fee”) of around £50–£300 just for closing the mortgage account. Minor, but worth knowing about.

Removal costs

If you’re moving to a new property at the same time as selling, you’ll need to factor in removal costs. A local move with a small property might cost £300–£600. A full house move across the country can be £1,500–£3,000 or more. Get at least three quotes and book early — good removal firms book up weeks in advance.

Optional costs

Some sellers invest in home staging, professional photography, or minor pre-sale improvements. These aren’t essential, but they can affect the sale price and how quickly a property sells. Estate agents or platforms like Woosh will typically arrange professional photography as part of the listing.

What you won’t pay as a seller

Unlike buyers, sellers don’t pay stamp duty. And in most standard transactions, there’s no capital gains tax on your main residence (your “primary home”). If you’re selling a second property or buy-to-let, capital gains tax will apply — speak to an accountant.

How Woosh reduces your costs

Traditional estate agent fees are the biggest variable in selling costs. At £999 flat on a successful sale, Woosh saves the average seller thousands compared to a percentage-based agent — without sacrificing the listing quality, photography, or support.

Start selling at wooshproperty.com