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

Selling a house in the UK typically costs 2-4% of the sale price in total fees. Main costs: estate agent fees (typically 1-3% of sale price + VAT, or a fixed fee from online agents); conveyancing/solicitor fees (£800-£2,000); EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) if not already valid (£60-£120); removal costs (£500-£2,000); mortgage early repayment charge if applicable (can be 1-5% of outstanding balance). On a £300,000 property with a 1.5% agent fee, total costs could be £6,000-£12,000.

How long does it take to sell a house in the UK?

The average time from listing to completion in the UK is 4-6 months. This breaks down as: 2-8 weeks to find a buyer; 8-16 weeks from sale agreed to exchange of contracts; and 1-4 weeks from exchange to completion. In a hot market, offers may come in days. In a slow market, finding the right buyer can take months. Collapsed chains are the biggest cause of delays.

Do I need an Energy Performance Certificate to sell my house?

Yes — you must have a valid EPC before you can market your property. The EPC is valid for 10 years. If your property already has a valid EPC from a recent sale or purchase, you can use that one. If not, you must commission a new EPC before listing. Cost: approximately £60-£120 from an accredited energy assessor. EPC rating (A-G) is shown on all listings.

What is the best time of year to sell a house UK?

Spring (February-May) traditionally sees the most buyer activity and can achieve higher prices. The market typically quietens over the Christmas period. Autumn (September-November) is the second-best period. However, market conditions in 2026 — improving affordability and falling mortgage rates — mean demand is relatively steady throughout the year, making the traditional seasonal pattern less pronounced than in previous decades.

How to Sell Your House UK 2026: Step-by-Step, Costs & How to Get the Best Price

How to Sell Your House UK 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

Chandraketu Tripathi

Finance Editor, Kaeltripton

Published 4 Apr 2026

Last reviewed 4 Apr 2026

✓ Fact-checked

Selling a property is one of the biggest financial transactions most people undertake. Getting the process right — from pricing to choosing an agent to managing the chain — can make a difference of thousands of pounds. Updated April 2026

Step-by-Step: How to Sell Your House

Step	What to Do	Timeline
1. Decide on agent	Compare high street (1-3%), hybrid (£500-£1,500) and online agents (£500-£1,500). Interview 3+ agents.	4-8 weeks before listing
2. Get an EPC	Commission if current one expired. Cost £60-£120. Mandatory before marketing.	Before listing
3. Price your property	Use Rightmove Sold Prices, Zoopla estimates and agent valuations. Overpricing causes stagnation.	At listing stage
4. Prepare the property	Declutter, clean, fix obvious defects, first impressions matter for photos and viewings.	1-2 weeks before listing
5. Photography	Professional photos are standard. Agents typically arrange this.	Before listing
6. Go live	Listed on Rightmove, Zoopla and OnTheMarket. First 2 weeks get the most views.	Listing date
7. Viewings	Be flexible; vacate where possible; agent accompanies viewers.	Ongoing
8. Receive and negotiate offers	Consider buyer's position (FTB vs chain) as well as price.	When offers arrive
9. Instruct solicitor	Get 3 quotes. Conveyancing solicitor handles legal transfer.	Immediately after accepting offer
10. Exchange contracts	Legal commitment. Buyer pays deposit (usually 10%).	8-16 weeks after sale agreed
11. Completion	Receive sale proceeds. Move out. Keys handed over.	Agreed date after exchange

Selling Costs — What to Budget

Cost	Typical Range	Notes
Estate agent fee (high street)	1-3% + VAT	Average around 1.5% on most properties
Estate agent fee (online/hybrid)	£500-£1,500 fixed	Pay upfront or on completion; no sale, still pay on some
Solicitor/conveyancing fees	£800-£2,000	Include disbursements (searches, Land Registry)
EPC	£60-£120	Required; valid 10 years
Removal costs	£500-£3,000	Depends on distance and volume
Mortgage ERC	0-5% of outstanding balance	Check your deal — may be zero if deal has ended
Total on £300,000 sale (est.)	£8,000-£15,000	Depending on agent type and whether ERC applies

Estate Agents — High Street vs Online

Type	Typical Cost	Pros	Cons
High street (traditional)	1-2.5% + VAT (~£4,500-£7,500 on £300k)	Local knowledge; accompanied viewings; no upfront cost	Higher cost; commission model means incentive to agree fast, not best price
Hybrid (e.g. Yopa, Purplebricks)	£500-£1,500 fixed	Lower cost; modern service	Less local presence; viewings may be your responsibility
Online only	£500-£999 fixed	Cheapest option	You conduct your own viewings; less support

Pricing Your Property Right

Overpricing is the most common seller mistake. A property priced correctly attracts multiple viewings and often competitive offers in the first 2-3 weeks. A property priced too high goes stale — and a reduced price attracts buyers who wonder 'what's wrong with it?' Research comparable sold prices (not asking prices) on Rightmove (use the 'Sold Prices' section), get 3 agent valuations, and be realistic about current market conditions. In a market with Bank of England base rate at 3.75% and buyers constrained by affordability, pricing competitively is more important than in a hot market.

KAELTRIPTON VERDICT

Selling a house in the UK costs 2-4% of the sale price. Getting the price right is the single most important decision — overpricing kills interest. Spring is traditionally the best time to list. Use a combination of agent types to compare fees: high street agents offer the best service; hybrid and online options cut costs significantly. Start the conveyancing solicitor search early — delays are common.

Get 3 Agent Valuations — Then Price Realistically

Q: How much does it cost to sell a house UK?

A: Typically 2-4% of sale price. Main costs: estate agent 1-3% + VAT; solicitor £800-£2,000; EPC £60-£120; removal costs; any mortgage ERC.

Q: How long does it take to sell a house?

A: 4-6 months average from listing to completion. 2-8 weeks to find buyer; 8-16 weeks to exchange; 1-4 weeks to completion.

Q: Do I need an EPC?

A: Yes — mandatory before marketing. Valid 10 years. Cost £60-£120 if you need a new one.

Q: When is the best time to sell?

A: Spring (February-May) traditionally strongest. Autumn also good. Market conditions in 2026 mean demand is relatively steady year-round.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or property advice. House prices and mortgage rates change frequently. Always seek independent financial advice before making property decisions. All figures verified April 2026.

Kael Tripton

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How to Sell Your House UK 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

Step-by-Step: How to Sell Your House

Selling Costs — What to Budget

Estate Agents — High Street vs Online

Pricing Your Property Right

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