A homeowner's guide
Estate agent fees: how much does it cost to sell your house?
Selling a home can be expensive before you have even moved. Estate agent fees can run into thousands of pounds, but using a traditional estate agent is not your only option. Understand the costs, compare your choices and decide what works for you.
How much are estate agent fees?
Estate agents commonly charge a percentage of the final selling price, although some offer a fixed-fee service. MoneyHelper reports that the average UK estate agent fee was around 1.42% including VAT in 2026. Actual quotes can be lower or higher depending on the agent, service and agreement.
For a property selling at £275,000, a fee of 1.42% would be £3,905. That is money deducted from the proceeds of your sale, before considering your other selling costs.
Source: MoneyHelper's guide to selling your home. Figures are indicative, not a quote.
What could estate agent fees cost you?
The table below shows illustrative fees at different commission rates. These examples assume the percentage includes VAT and is applied to the final selling price.
| Sale price | At 1% | At 1.42% | At 2% |
|---|---|---|---|
| £150,000 | £1,500 | £2,130 | £3,000 |
| £200,000 | £2,000 | £2,840 | £4,000 |
| £275,000 | £2,750 | £3,905 | £5,500 |
| £350,000 | £3,500 | £4,970 | £7,000 |
Illustrative calculations only. Check whether any quote includes VAT, minimum fees, advertising charges or other costs.
What affects estate agent fees?
There is no single fee that every seller pays. Your quote may depend on several factors:
- The type of agreement. A sole-agency agreement is generally cheaper than using multiple agents.
- The property value. Percentage-based fees increase with the sale price, even if the work involved does not increase proportionately.
- The service offered. Marketing, photography, floorplans, accompanied viewings and negotiation support can affect the package price.
- The payment terms. Some agents charge commission when a sale completes, while some fixed-fee packages may be payable upfront.
- The contract. Check the tie-in period, notice requirements, sole-selling rights and any additional charges before signing.
Can you sell your house without an estate agent?
Yes. Selling privately means taking responsibility for marketing your property and dealing directly with interested buyers. You can decide how to present your home, arrange viewings and handle enquiries without paying a traditional estate agent commission.
The trade-off is that you need to be comfortable managing these tasks yourself. You will also need to arrange the legal work and make sure you understand your obligations when marketing and selling your property.
Take control of your property sale
Listhomes is designed for homeowners who want a straightforward, lower-cost way to list their property and connect directly with potential buyers.
Find out how to sell without an estate agent →Estate agent or private sale: which is right for you?
Using an estate agent
- • Professional marketing and local market knowledge
- • Potential help with viewings and negotiations
- • Commission or a fixed service fee
- • Less direct control over some parts of the process
Selling privately
- • Potentially lower marketing costs
- • Direct contact with interested buyers
- • More control over enquiries and viewings
- • More responsibility for managing the sale
The best choice depends on your circumstances, the property and how much involvement you want in the sale. A good estate agent may provide valuable support, so compare the full service and likely outcome rather than looking at the fee alone.
Remember the other costs of selling
Removing estate agent commission does not make the entire sale free. Depending on your circumstances, you may still need to budget for:
- Solicitor or conveyancer fees
- An Energy Performance Certificate, if required
- Removal and storage costs
- Mortgage early repayment charges, if applicable
- Any additional costs associated with a leasehold property
Ask for written quotes and check exactly what each service includes before committing.
Frequently asked questions about estate agent fees
How much are estate agent fees in the UK?+
Estate agent fees vary according to the agent, property and service. MoneyHelper reports an average fee of 1.42% including VAT in 2026. Always compare written quotes and check what is included.
Are estate agent fees negotiable?+
Yes. Many estate agents are willing to negotiate their fees. Ask more than one agent for a quote, compare the services offered and confirm the final fee in writing, including VAT.
Do I still need a solicitor if I sell privately?+
Yes. In England and Wales, you will normally need a conveyancer or solicitor to handle the legal transfer of ownership. Selling privately can reduce estate agency costs, but it does not remove the legal work involved.
Can I sell my house without an estate agent?+
Yes. You can market your property yourself, respond to enquiries and arrange viewings directly with potential buyers. You will need to manage the sale process carefully and arrange the necessary legal services.
What other costs are involved in selling a house?+
Other costs can include conveyancing, an Energy Performance Certificate if you need one, removals and any applicable mortgage repayment charges. Leasehold properties may involve additional legal costs.
Does selling privately guarantee that I will save money?+
Not automatically. Your saving depends on your listing costs and other expenses, as well as the sale price you achieve. You also take on tasks an estate agent might otherwise handle.
Further information
For independent guidance on selling costs and choosing a selling method, consult these UK resources:
Thinking about selling privately?
Find out how Listhomes can help you list your property and deal directly with potential buyers, without a traditional estate agent commission.
Learn about private selling