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

Selling a home typically costs 1.5–3.5% of the sale price all-in - on a £300,000 house, that’s £4,500–£10,500 before you’ve paid a penny towards your next home. The biggest line is almost always the estate agent; the most forgotten is Capital Gains Tax.

The cost breakdown

The big three

Estate agent - 1–2% + VAT

On a £300,000 sale, 1.5% + VAT is £5,400. The fee is negotiable, and it’s worth comparing: a good agent who gets you 2% more on the price pays for themselves twice over. Ask what’s included - photos, floor plan, portal listings, viewings.

Capital Gains Tax - the forgotten one

If the home is your main residence, you pay no Capital Gains Tax (CGT) - that’s Private Residence Relief. But if you’re selling a second home, an inherited property, or a home you haven’t lived in for a while, CGT applies: 18% for basic-rate taxpayers and 24% for higher-rate taxpayers on the gain above your annual allowance (£3,000 in 2026/27). Get professional advice before exchanging if this could apply.

Early repayment charge

Moving doesn’t automatically break your mortgage deal - most lenders port it to your next home. But if you’re switching lenders or reducing the balance significantly, an ERC of 1–5% can apply. Check your mortgage statement before you budget.

Your realistic budget

Work on 2.5% of the sale price plus £1,500 as your selling budget, then trim: negotiate the agent down to 1% + VAT, use a local mover, and do the decluttering yourself. On a £300,000 home that lands around £9,000, which is about what most people actually spend.

Source: GOV.UK - selling your home — Process and EPC requirements checked August 2026

Source: GOV.UK - Capital Gains Tax on property — Rates and allowances checked August 2026