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MortgageMetrics

Selling costs & equity

See every cost of selling your home, from the agent's commission to any early repayment charge, and the cash you'll have left for your next move.

Free, no sign-up Last reviewed 3 October 2026

Your details

Enter 0 if you own outright.

Where is the property?
Estate agent

High-street agents typically charge 1% to 1.5%.

Other costs: typical figures, edit to match your quotes

Free if you have one under 10 years old

Check your mortgage offer. 0 if your deal has ended or you're porting.

The costs of selling a home

  • Estate agent fee: usually a percentage of the sale price, paid on completion. Sole agency is cheaper than multi-agency. Check the contract length and any tie-in period.
  • Conveyancing: the legal work to transfer ownership and repay your mortgage. Leasehold sales usually cost more, and the freeholder or managing agent may charge for a management pack.
  • EPC: you need a valid Energy Performance Certificate before you market a home in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. In Scotland the seller provides a Home Report, which includes the EPC.
  • Mortgage charges: an early repayment charge applies if you repay during a fixed or discounted deal. Most lenders also charge a small exit or redemption admin fee.
  • Moving: removals, storage and any repairs to get the home ready for sale.

If the home is not your main residence, for example a buy-to-let or a second home, you may also owe Capital Gains Tax. Use theproperty CGT calculator to estimate it.

Ways to cut the cost

  • Get at least three agent valuations and negotiate the fee. A lower fee is worth less than a higher sale price, though.
  • Ask your lender whether you can port your mortgage to avoid an early repayment charge.
  • Compare fixed-fee conveyancing quotes and check what's included.

Get advice from an FCA-authorised mortgage broker

A whole-of-market broker can check what lenders would actually offer you and help with the application. We don't recommend specific lenders or products.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to sell a house in the UK?

Most sellers pay between 1.5% and 3% of the sale price once estate agent fees, legal costs and moving are added up. The agent fee is usually the biggest cost. An early repayment charge on your mortgage can add thousands more.

Are estate agent fees quoted with VAT?

Not always. Many high-street agents quote a percentage plus VAT at 20%, so 1.2% + VAT is really 1.44%. Online agents often charge a fixed fee, sometimes payable whether or not you sell.

Do I pay an early repayment charge if I move?

Only if you repay your mortgage during a fixed or discounted deal. Many mortgages are portable, so you can move the deal to your new home and avoid the charge, subject to the lender approving the new loan.

Related calculators

Total cost of buying

Deposit, stamp duty, legal fees, survey, mortgage fees and removals: the full cash you need.

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Stamp Duty calculator

SDLT, LBTT and LTT for England, NI, Scotland and Wales, including first-time buyer relief and surcharges.

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Remortgage savings calculator

Compare your current rate with a new deal, after fees and early repayment charges.

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Capital Gains Tax on property

Estimate CGT when selling a second home or rental property, with Private Residence Relief.

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Helpful guides

Buying · Scotland

Buying a home in Scotland

How buying property in Scotland works: 'offers over' pricing, the Home Report, closing dates, missives, date of entry and LBTT explained.

7 min read

Selling · UK-wide

Selling a home: what to expect

How to sell your home in the UK: choosing an estate agent, fees, EPCs, material information, handling offers and chains, and getting to completion.

8 min read

Explained · UK-wide

Freehold, leasehold and commonhold explained

What freehold, leasehold, share of freehold and commonhold mean, why lease length matters, and how ground rent, service charges and leasehold reform affect you.

7 min read