What Costs Are Involved in Selling a House in 2026?

FAQs
11th May 2026
7 mins
We Buy Any House

Selling a house comes with more costs than many homeowners expect. From estate agent fees and conveyancing costs to EPC certificates, removals, and mortgage exit fees, this 2026 guide explains everything you need to budget for when selling a house in the UK.

woman making a list selling a house

What Costs Are Involved in Selling a House in 2026?

Selling a house can be exciting, but many homeowners underestimate the costs involved in the process.

From estate agent commissions to legal fees and moving expenses, the total cost of selling a house can quickly add up if you’re not prepared.

Understanding these costs before you put your property on the market will help you budget effectively, avoid surprises, and make informed decisions about how best to sell your home.

In this guide, we explain the main costs involved in selling a house in 2026, how much you can expect to pay, and how to reduce unnecessary expenses when selling your property.

What Costs Do You Need to Think About When Selling a House?

When selling a house in the UK, the most common costs include:

  • Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
  • Estate agent fees
  • Conveyancing and legal fees
  • Removal costs
  • Mortgage exit or early repayment charges
  • Home improvements and redecorating
  • Property staging and photography
  • Auction or alternative selling fees (if applicable)

The exact amount you’ll pay depends on your property value, location, mortgage agreement, and the selling method you choose.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Costs

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is legally required when selling a house in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The EPC rates your property’s energy efficiency from A to G and gives buyers an indication of future energy costs.

An EPC lasts for 10 years, so you may already have a valid certificate if you’ve sold or rented the property before.

How Much Does an EPC Cost in 2026?

The average EPC cost in 2026 is:

  • £60–£150 for most UK homes
  • Larger properties may cost more
  • Prices vary depending on location and property size

You must have an EPC available before marketing your property online or through an estate agent.

Tip for Sellers

Improving your EPC rating before selling can make your property more attractive to buyers, especially as energy efficiency continues to influence purchasing decisions in 2026.

Estate Agent Fees

Estate agent fees are often the largest cost when selling a house traditionally.

Most high street estate agents charge a commission based on the final sale price, while online estate agents may offer fixed-fee packages.

Average Estate Agent Fees in 2026

Typical estate agent fees are:

  • 1%–3% plus VAT for traditional estate agents
  • Fixed fees of £300–£1,500 for online agents

For example:

  • Selling a £250,000 property with a 1.5% fee could cost around £3,750 plus VAT

Always check:

  • Sole agency agreements
  • Minimum contract terms
  • Withdrawal fees
  • Extra marketing charges

Before signing with an estate agent, make sure you fully understand what’s included to avoid unexpected costs later.

Conveyancing and Legal Fees

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of your property to the buyer.

You’ll usually need a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to handle:

  • Contracts
  • Property searches
  • Mortgage redemption
  • Transfer of ownership
  • Legal paperwork

How Much Are Conveyancing Fees?

In 2026, average conveyancing costs for selling a house are:

  • £600–£1,500 including VAT

Additional legal costs may include:

  • Leasehold fees
  • Management packs
  • ID verification
  • Bank transfer fees

Leasehold properties are typically more expensive to sell due to additional paperwork and management company charges.

Removal Costs

Moving house can be more expensive than many homeowners expect.

Your costs will depend on:

  • Distance moved
  • Amount of furniture
  • Access to the property
  • Packing services required

Average Removal Costs in 2026

Typical moving costs include:

Type of Move Estimated Cost
Small local move £300–£700
Medium house move £800–£1,500
Large or long-distance move £2,000–£4,000+

How to Reduce Moving Costs

You may be able to save money by:

Booking movers early can also help you secure lower rates.

Mortgage Early Repayment Charges

If you still have a mortgage on your property, your lender may charge an early repayment fee when you sell.

These fees are common if:

  • You’re on a fixed-rate mortgage
  • You sell before the deal term ends
  • You repay the mortgage early

How Much Are Early Repayment Charges?

Mortgage exit fees are typically:

  • 1%–5% of the remaining mortgage balance

For example:

  • A 2% repayment fee on a £180,000 mortgage could cost £3,600

Always contact your mortgage provider early in the process to understand:

  • Exit fees
  • Mortgage redemption costs
  • Porting options if buying another property

Redecoration and Home Improvement Costs

Many sellers spend money improving their property before listing it for sale.

Small cosmetic improvements can help:

  • Increase buyer interest
  • Improve online photos
  • Achieve a faster sale
  • Potentially increase offers

Common Pre-Sale Improvements

Popular low-cost improvements include:

  • Fresh paint
  • Carpet cleaning
  • Garden tidy-ups
  • Fixing minor repairs
  • Updating lighting
  • Decluttering

Should You Renovate Before Selling?

Large renovations are not always necessary.

In many cases, simple and affordable improvements provide the best return on investment when selling a house.

Property Staging and Photography

First impressions matter when selling a property online.

Professional photography and home staging can help your property stand out on Rightmove and Zoopla.

Typical Costs

  • Professional photography: £100–£400
  • Virtual tours: £150–£500
  • Home staging services: £300–£2,000+

Well-presented properties often attract more viewings and can sell faster.

Are There Hidden Costs When Selling a House?

Yes, many homeowners overlook smaller costs that can add up quickly.

These may include:

  • Cleaning costs
  • Storage fees
  • Leasehold management packs
  • Indemnity insurance
  • Additional surveys
  • Repairs requested after buyer surveys

Having a contingency budget can help reduce stress during the selling process.

Is Selling Privately Cheaper?

Some homeowners choose to sell privately to avoid estate agent fees.

However, private sales can come with challenges, including:

  • Marketing the property yourself
  • Arranging viewings
  • Negotiating offers
  • Managing legal paperwork

Alternative selling methods include:

  • Property auctions
  • Online agents
  • Quick sale companies

Each option has different advantages, timelines, and costs.

Selling at Auction

Selling at auction can be faster than traditional sales and may reduce estate agent costs.

However, sellers should consider:

  • Entry fees
  • Auction commissions
  • Reserve prices
  • Buyer demand

Auction sales can work well for:

  • Renovation projects
  • Unmortgageable properties
  • Probate homes
  • Sellers needing a quick sale

Selling to a Quick Sale Company

Another option is selling to a professional house-buying company such as We Buy Any House.

This route can help homeowners:

  • Avoid lengthy chains
  • Sell quickly
  • Reduce uncertainty
  • Avoid many traditional selling costs

Benefits of Quick House Sales

Depending on the company, benefits may include:

  • No estate agent fees
  • Fast cash offers
  • Flexible completion dates
  • Legal fees covered
  • No property viewings

This can be particularly helpful for homeowners facing:

As with any selling method, it’s important to research companies carefully and understand the offer you’ll receive.

How Can I Sell My House Fast in 2026?

Many homeowners assume the traditional estate agent route is the only option, but there are several ways to speed up the process.

Tips to Sell Your House Faster

  • Price your property realistically
  • Improve kerb appeal
  • Use professional photos
  • Fix obvious repairs
  • Choose an experienced solicitor
  • Respond quickly to enquiries
  • Consider cash buyers or quick sale companies

Traditional sales can take several months to complete, especially if chains are involved.

By contrast, cash buyers and quick sale companies can often complete in as little as 7–21 days.

Cost of Selling a House

Selling a house involves more than just finding a buyer. From legal fees and estate agent commissions to moving costs and mortgage charges, the total expenses can be significant.

Planning ahead and understanding all potential costs will help you:

  • Budget effectively
  • Avoid surprises
  • Choose the best selling method for your situation

Whether you choose a traditional estate agent, auction, or quick house sale company, comparing your options carefully can save you both time and money.