Estate Agent Fees: A Comprehensive Guide for UK Home Sellers

If you’re planning to sell your home in the UK, you’ll need the services of an estate agent. But how much do estate agents charge, and what do you get for your money? In this guide, we’ll take a detailed look at estate agent fees, the different types of estate agent contracts, and how to save money when selling your property.

What is Estate Agent Fees?

Estate agent fees are the charges you pay to an estate agent for selling your home. The average estate agent fee is a percentage of the selling price, although some agents charge a fixed fee or a sliding scale based on the value of your property. The fee covers the estate agent’s services, including advertising your property, arranging viewings, negotiating with potential buyers, and managing the sale process.

What do estate agent fees usually include?

Estate agent fees typically include a range of services related to selling a property, including:

Valuation: The estate agent will provide a professional valuation of the property to determine its market value.

Marketing: The estate agent will advertise the property through various channels such as online portals, social media, and local newspapers.

Photography: The estate agent will take professional photographs of the property to showcase its features and attract potential buyers.

Viewings: The estate agent will arrange and conduct viewings of the property for potential buyers.

Negotiation: The estate agent will negotiate with potential buyers on behalf of the seller to secure the best possible price for the property.

Sales progression: The estate agent will assist in managing the sales process, liaising with the buyer’s solicitor, and ensuring that the transaction progresses smoothly.

The specific services included in estate agent fees can vary depending on the type of contract agreed upon and the estate agent’s experience and expertise. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of the estate agent contract to understand what services are included and what fees will be charged.

Things to look out for

When considering estate agent fees, there are several things to look out for:

Hidden costs: Make sure you are aware of any additional costs, such as marketing incentive fees, advertising costs, and withdrawal fees.

Tie-in period: Some estate agents will require you to sign a sole agency agreement with a tie-in period, which means you can’t use another estate agent to sell your property during that time.

Sole selling rights: If you sign a sole selling rights contract, the estate agent will be entitled to a commission if you sell your property to anyone during the term of the agreement, regardless of whether they were introduced by the estate agent.

Withdrawal fees: Some estate agents may charge you a fee if you decide to withdraw your property from the market before the end of the contract.

Only agent: If you sign a contract with an “only agent” clause, you may be liable to pay a commission to the estate agent even if you find a buyer yourself.

In-house conveyancers: Some estate agents have in-house conveyancers who they will recommend you use to handle the legal aspects of the sale. These conveyancers may charge higher percentage fees than others, so it’s worth comparing prices.

Notice period: Make sure you are aware of the notice period required to terminate the contract with the estate agent.

Other agents: If you sign a contract with one estate agent but decide to change agents, you may be liable to pay a commission to both agents if the second agent introduces a buyer.

Few details: Be wary of estate agents who offer a service at a much lower fee than others, but provide few details about what the service includes. It’s important to know exactly what you are paying for.

Online estate agent fees – are they always cheaper?

Online estate agents have been growing in popularity over the years due to their lower fees compared to traditional high street agents. While online estate agent fees tend to be lower than those of high street agents, it’s important to note that they may not always be the cheapest option for everyone.

The fees charged by online estate agents can vary widely depending on the package you choose, the level of service you require, and the type of property you are selling. Some online agents may charge a flat fee, while others may charge a percentage of the final sale asking price. Some online agents may offer a range of packages with different levels of service and varying fees.

It’s important to do your research and compare the fees and services offered by different online estate agents so we do not advise to choose the cheapest estate agent based on their fees alone .Make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully to understand exactly what you are getting for your money. Some online estate agents may offer a lower fee but have hidden costs, such as additional fees for viewings or marketing, so it’s important to check for any additional costs.

It’s also worth considering the type of property you are selling. If you are selling a high-value property, you may find that a traditional estate agent with a strong local presence and a personal touch may be more effective in attracting potential buyers and achieving a higher sale price. However, for lower-value properties, an online estate agent may be a more cost-effective option.

Ultimately, the decision on whether to use an online estate agent or a high street estate agent will depend on your individual circumstances and preferences. Online estate agents may be a good option if you are looking to save money on fees and are comfortable handling the sale process yourself. High street estate agents may be more suitable if you prefer more personal service and want a local agent with a strong track record of selling properties in your area.

Who pays the fee – the buyer or the seller?

Typically, the UK estate agent fees are paid by the seller of the property. This is because the estate agent is working on behalf of the seller to help them sell their property, and the fee is usually a percentage of the sale price. However, in some cases, the buyer may be required to pay a fee to the estate agent. This is more common in situations where the buyer has engaged the services of the estate agent to help them find a property to buy, such as in the case of a buyer’s agent.

It’s important to note that the estate agent fee is separate from any other costs that the buyer or seller may be responsible for, such as legal fees, stamp duty, and other expenses associated with buying or selling a property.

How much are estate agent fee?

Estate agent fees in the UK vary depending on the type of service you require and the estate agent you choose. Typically, estate agents charge a percentage of the sale or rental price.

For sales, the fee can range from 0.75% to 3.5% of the sale price, with an average fee of around 1.5% to 2%. Some agents may also charge additional fees for services such as photography and floor plans.

For rentals, the fee can range from 5% to 15% of the annual rental income, with an average fee of around 10%. Some agents may also charge additional fees for services such as tenant referencing and property management.

It’s important to note that VAT (Value Added Tax) may also be added to the fees, which is currently set at 20%. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to ask for a breakdown of all fees and charges before entering into an agreement with an estate agent.

Estate agent contracts: things to check

When selling a property, signing a estate agent’s contract is an important step. However, it’s important to understand the terms and conditions of the contract before signing it. Here are some things to check in an estate agent contract:

Sole agency agreement: Check if you are signing a sole estate agency agreement with the estate agent. This means that you will only use their services to sell your property. If you decide to use another estate agent or sell the property yourself, you may still be liable to pay the original estate agent’s fees.

Sole selling rights: This is similar to a sole agency agreement, but it gives the estate agent the exclusive right to sell your property. If you sell your property to someone the estate agent introduced to you during the period of the agreement, you may still have to pay their fees.

Marketing incentive fees: Some estate agents may offer a marketing incentive fee, which is an additional charge for extra advertising to promote your property. Check if this is included in the contract and if you agree with the terms.

Advertising costs: Estate agents may charge additional fees for advertising your property, such as professional photographs, floor plans, and online listings. Make sure you understand the costs associated with advertising and if there are any limits on the amount the estate agent can spend on advertising.

Fixed fees: Some estate agents may offer a fixed fee, rather than a commission-based fee. Check if this is an option and if it’s more cost-effective for you.

Withdrawal fees: Check if there are any fees associated with withdrawing your property from the market before the end of the contract. This may include costs for advertising, marketing, and administrative fees.

Tie-in period: A tie-in period is the minimum length of time you have to stay with an estate agent before you can change agents or sell your property yourself. Check how long the tie-in period is and if there are any penalties for breaking the contract early.

Professional photographs: Check if the estate agent will provide professional photographs of your property as part of the service. High-quality photos can make a significant difference in the appeal of your property to potential buyers.

In-house conveyancers: Some estate agents may have in-house conveyancers who can handle the legal aspects of the sale. Check if this is an option and if there are any additional costs associated with using their services.

Notice period: Check how much notice you need to give the estate agent before terminating the contract. This can vary from a few days to several weeks, so make sure you understand the terms.

Other agents: Check if the contract includes any restrictions on using other estate agents or selling the property yourself. Some contracts may have a clause that requires you to pay the estate agent’s fees even if you sell the property yourself.

Sliding scale: Some estate agents may offer a sliding scale of fees, where the percentage charged decreases as the sale price of the property increases. Check if this is an option and if it would be more cost-effective for you.

Overall, it’s important to carefully review an estate agent contract before signing it. If you’re unsure about any terms or conditions, ask the estate agent to clarify them or seek legal advice.

Why compare estate agent fees?

Comparing estate agent fees can be beneficial for several reasons:

Cost savings: By comparing fees from different estate agents, you can find the most cost-effective option and potentially save money on your property sale.

Transparency: Comparing fees helps you understand what you are paying for and avoid any hidden costs that some agents may try to add.

Negotiating power: With knowledge of what other agents charge, you can negotiate fees with your chosen agent and potentially get a better deal.

Agent performance: When comparing fees, you may also come across information about an agent’s performance, such as their track record for selling properties in your area. This can help you choose an agent who is more likely to achieve a successful sale.

Service offerings: Comparing fees can also help you understand what services different online agents offer for the price they charge. This can help you choose an agent who offers the services that you need to sell your property effectively.

In summary, find and compare local estate agents and fees and it will help you make an informed decision about which agent to choose for your property sale, potentially saving you money and helping you achieve a successful sale.

Do solicitors pay estate agent fees?

No, solicitors do not typically pay estate agent fees in the UK. Estate agent fees are usually paid by the property seller or landlord, depending on the type of transaction. In some cases, buyers may also be responsible for paying a portion of the fees, such as in shared ownership or leasehold transactions.

However, it is important to note that solicitors may be involved in the transaction and may charge their own fees for their services, such as conveyancing, legal advice, and other related services. These fees are separate from estate agent fees and are typically paid by the party that hires the solicitor, such as the buyer or seller.

No sale, no fee estate agents

No sale, no estate agents fees. Agents will only charge a fee if they are successful in selling your property, with no pay upfront. This means that if your property does not sell, you will not have to pay any fees to the estate agent.

This type of agreement can be attractive to sellers who are concerned about the risk of paying upfront fees with no guarantee of a sale. However, it’s important to note that the fees charged by no sale, no-fee estate agents may be higher than those charged by agents who charge upfront fees.

It’s also worth checking the terms and conditions of the no sale, no fee agreement carefully, as there may be certain conditions that need to be met in order for the agreement to be valid. For example, some agents may require you to use their recommended solicitors or conveyancers, or to agree to a minimum asking price for your property.

As with any type of estate agent agreement, it’s important to compare fees and services from a range of different agents before making a decision. This will help you to find an agent who offers the best value for money, and who is best placed to help you achieve a successful sale.