The Real Cost of Selling your Home

Selling your home isn’t just an exciting journey, it also comes with its fair share of financial surprises too. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or relocating, knowing the real costs involved can help you stay prepared and in control of the game ahead and avoid any bumps in the road.

Here’s a handy breakdown of what to expect when selling your home

Getting Sale-Ready: Home Prep Costs

First impressions matter. To make your home stand out, you might want to invest in:

• A deep clean or professional staging
• Freshen up any paintwork
• Consider small upgrades, such as replacing cabinet hardware to refresh without major renovations
• Quick fixes to any minor issues such as creaky doors or worn flooring or broken tiles
• Get the garden in order and any exterior areas for good kerb appeal
• Consider renting a storage unit to temporarily store anything that clutters the space, or makes it very personal

These small upgrades can often boost your home’s interest and even its final sale price.

Mortgage Fees

If you’re paying off your mortgage early your lender may charge either an early repayment charge, an exit fee, admin fees, or a transfer fee. Always review your mortgage terms before deciding whether to sell as it could save you money.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

An EPC is legally required to market your property and shows your home’s energy efficiency. It usually costs £60 to £120 and remains valid for 10 years. If you have a property with a good EPC rating this can really boost the saleability of your property.

If you market your property with Aquarius Homes, we take care of this cost for you!

Surveyor Fees

While buyers usually arrange surveys, some sellers commission their own to uncover any hidden issues early, which helps avoid any last-minute hiccups. Depending on the type of survey, costs can vary anywhere from £250 to £1,000.

Conveyancing & Legal Fees

Conveyancers handle the legal nitty-gritty of selling your property. Generally, they will draft and execute the sales contract, handle any ID checks, transfer the title deeds, and liaise with the buyer/the rest of the chain. You can expect to pay £500 to £2000, depending on the complexity of your sale.

You may also use a solicitor, especially for more complex sales (leaseholds, probate, or land sales), which can add to your legal costs.

Other legal-related expenses might include:

• ID verification and anti-money laundering checks
• Bank transfer fees
• Leasehold information packs (if required)

These are often rolled into your conveyancing or solicitor’s bill — but always double-check.

Agent Fees

The agent you choose to market your property will usually charge a % fee of the agreed sale price which will be due upon completion. It may be that they charge a set cost.

Moving Costs

When moving day comes, you’ll need to budget for removal expenses. Costs depend on:

• How much you’re moving
• The distance to your new home
• Whether you’re hiring pros or doing it yourself
• If you need temporary storage
• If you decide to rent to either speed up the sale process, or just to make the move less stressful

Prices typically range from around £300 to £1,500 depending on the level of service you require.

Thinking of Selling?

At Aquarius Homes, we know every move is unique. Our friendly local team is here to make the process simple, smooth, and stress-free, from valuation to completion.

Book your FREE property valuation today and get expert guidance on pricing, prepping, and selling your home with confidence.