Deciding to sell is the easy part. Working out exactly what it will cost you is where most sellers start reaching for a calculator, and often find there's more to factor in than the estate agent's fee alone. If you're planning a move in Purley, Croydon or anywhere across Greater London, here's a clear, honest breakdown of the costs involved in selling, so there are no surprises further down the line.
Estate agent fees
This is usually the biggest and most visible cost, typically charged as a percentage of the sale price. Rates vary depending on whether you choose sole agency or a multi-agent arrangement, and whether you're paying on a no-sale-no-fee basis.Always ask any agent you're considering to set out their fees in plain terms before you commit, including what happens if your sale falls through and you need to re-market. At ShineRocks, we're always upfront about our fee options from the first conversation, so you know exactly where you stand - you can read more about how we sell homes or browse our track record of sold properties across the area.
You'll need a valid EPC before your home can be marketed, and if yours has expired or you've never had one, this is a cost to factor in early. It typically takes an assessor under an hour to complete, and the certificate lasts ten years, so if you've owned your home a while, do check whether you already have one before paying for a new one.
Your solicitor or conveyancer will charge for handling contracts, liaising with the buyer's side, and managing the legal transfer of ownership. Fees vary depending on the complexity of your sale and whether you're part of a chain. It's sensible to get a few quotes and ask what's included, since some quotes look cheaper on paper but add on extras like bank transfer fees or ID checks later.
If you have a mortgage, check your current deal for early repayment charges, particularly if you're still within a fixed term. You may also need to pay an exit or deeds release fee to your lender. These figures are usually available from your online mortgage account or a quick call to your lender, and they're worth confirming before you accept an offer, not after.
Arranging the right mortgage that is tailored to suit your individual needs is vital, especially in an increasingly competitive mortgage market and changing economic environment. Receiving trusted and honest advice from industry experts can help secure the property you want and avoid a property sale falling through, meeting your time scales to provide a hassle-free personal service.
That’s why we recommend CBM Financial an independent mortgage broker, who is well respected by mainstream institutions, private banks and other specialist providers.
The cost of a removals firm depends on the size of your home, how far you're moving, and whether you want them to pack for you as well. It's worth getting quotes from a couple of local companies well in advance, particularly if you're aiming for a summer moving date when demand is higher.
This one is optional, but it can make a genuine difference to how quickly you sell and the offers you receive. A fresh coat of paint, a tidy garden, or fixing that sticking door might cost a little now, but they often pay for themselves by helping buyers see your home at its best. We always talk sellers through which improvements are worth the investment and which really aren't necessary, based on what we know local buyers respond to - take a look at our free home staging advice for some simple, low-cost ways to present your home well.
A few costs are easy to overlook until they land:
Leasehold information packs, if you're selling a flat, which your management company or freeholder will charge for
Storage costs, if there's a gap between selling and moving into your next home
Council tax and utility overlaps if your moving dates don't line up neatly
None of these are usually large individually, but together they're worth building into your budget rather than discovering them at the last minute.
The good news is that none of this needs to be daunting. Most sellers we work with find that once they have a clear picture of the costs involved, the whole process feels far more manageable, and they can budget with confidence for their next move.
If you'd like a straightforward, no-obligation conversation about what selling your home might look like, including a realistic valuation and an honest run-through of the costs specific to your situation, we're always happy to help. With over twenty-five years of experience across Purley, Croydon and Greater London, we know this market inside out, and we'll make sure you go into your sale with your eyes open. You can read more about ShineRocks and meet the team who'll be looking after your sale.
Get in touch with the ShineRocks team: 020 8660 2010 or enquiries@shinerocks.co.uk
Or get your free instant valuation online, or contact us here to talk through your move.
In the meantime we've answered some of your common questions about the costs of selling youir home.
Do I have to pay stamp duty when I sell my house?
No. Stamp Duty Land Tax is paid by the buyer, not the seller, so this isn't a cost you need to budget for when selling. You may, however, need to consider Capital Gains Tax if the property being sold isn't your main residence, so it's worth speaking to an accountant if this applies to you.
How much are estate agent fees in the UK?
Fees vary by agent and by arrangement, but sole agency typically costs less than instructing multiple agents at once. Rather than simply chasing the lowest percentage, it's worth weighing up an agent's track record for achieving the asking price, since a slightly higher fee can still leave you better off overall if it results in a stronger sale price.
Do I need an EPC to sell my house?
Yes, an EPC is a legal requirement before you can market your home, and it's valid for ten years once issued. If you've sold or let your property within the last decade, it's worth checking the government's EPC register first, as you may already have a valid one on file.
How long does it take to sell a house from offer to completion?
This varies depending on your chain and circumstances, but it typically takes several months from accepting an offer to completion. Having your paperwork, such as ID, title deeds and your EPC, ready in advance can help keep things moving as smoothly as possible.
Use the form to send us your questions and we'll respond as quickly as possible.
You can also call us on 020 8660 2010, or email enquiries@shinerocks.co.uk.
Learn more about the areas we cover by reading these helpful location guides.
