When you sell a property in the UK, property selling costs, the total expenses you pay to complete a home sale, including agent fees, legal charges, and taxes. Also known as selling expenses, these aren’t just a line item—they directly impact your final profit. Many sellers think they’ll walk away with the listing price, but that’s rarely true. In fact, most homeowners lose 8% to 12% of the sale price before they even see a pound in their bank account.
One of the biggest chunks comes from estate agent fees, the commission paid to the real estate professional who markets and sells your home. In the UK, that’s typically 1% to 1.5% plus VAT, though some agents offer flat fees or hybrid models. Then there’s conveyancing costs, the legal work needed to transfer ownership from you to the buyer. This includes solicitor fees, local searches, and Land Registry charges, adding another £800 to £1,500. If you’re selling a leasehold property, you might also pay extra for management company consent or service charge certificates.
Don’t forget capital gains tax, the tax you pay on the profit from selling a property that isn’t your main home. If you own a second home, buy-to-let, or inherited property, you could owe up to 28% on the gain. There are exemptions, but they’re tricky—many people miss deadlines or miscalculate allowable costs. And if you’ve done major renovations, you might be able to add those to your cost base, but you need receipts. No receipts? HMRC won’t believe you.
Other hidden costs pop up too. You might need to pay for an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which costs around £60 to £120. If your home needs repairs before showing, that’s out of pocket. Some buyers ask for a contribution to their legal fees, or you might need to cover removals or cleaning. And if you’re selling fast—say, because you’ve already bought another home—you might pay a premium for an expedited conveyancing service.
These aren’t abstract numbers. They’re real costs that change what you can afford next. If you’re selling a £300,000 home, you could easily pay £25,000 in total selling costs. That’s like losing a full year’s rent from a buy-to-let. Knowing this upfront helps you price smarter, choose the right agent, and plan your next move without surprises.
The posts below cover every angle: how estate agent fees vary across regions, why some sellers pay more in conveyancing than others, how capital gains tax applies to shared ownership homes, and what you can do to reduce your bill. You’ll find real examples from UK sellers, breakdowns of recent fee trends in 2025, and tips that actually save money—not just theory. Whether you’re selling your first home or your fifth, this collection gives you the facts you need before you sign anything.
