How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House in London?

Selling a home in London is no small financial feat. Whether you’re relocating, downsizing, or moving up the property ladder, you must first understand the true cost of selling your home before putting it on the market. There are numerous costs involved that can catch sellers off guard, including estate agent fees and conveyancing charges, as well as removals and potential tax liabilities.

In this blog, we’ll break down the true costs of selling a home in London in 2025, so you can plan your move with confidence and clarity.

1. Estate Agent Fees

Estate agent fees are one of the most expensive aspects of selling a home, and in London, they are especially high due to the city’s fast-paced and competitive housing market.

• The typical rate is 1.5% to 3% of the final sale price, including VAT
• Example cost: On a £600,000 London property, you could pay between £9,000 to £18,000

Some sellers choose online or hybrid agents, who charge fixed fees starting around £999. While this can save money, traditional high street agents typically provide more local knowledge and hands-on assistance – especially in London’s diverse neighbourhoods.

2. Conveyancing Fees

To legally transfer ownership of your property, you should hire a solicitor or licensed conveyancer. Fees in London may be slightly higher than the UK average, particularly for complex leasehold sales.

• Typical costs range from £800 to £2,000 (including VAT)
• Disbursements: Expect additional charges for land registry documents, bank transfer fees, and identification checks

If your property is leasehold, you may incur additional costs when dealing with the freeholder or managing agent, such as obtaining a leasehold information pack.

Tip: Always request a full quote upfront and confirm that it includes disbursements.

3. EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)

Before marketing your property, a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required by law.

• Cost in London: £60 to £120
• EPCs are valid for ten years, so make sure yours is still current before ordering a new one

An EPC assesses your home’s energy efficiency and can influence buyers’ decisions, particularly as energy costs rise.

4. Mortgage Exit Fees and Early Repayment Charges

If you’re still paying off your mortgage when you sell, you might encounter one or both of the following:

• Mortgage exit fee: £50 to £300
• Early repayment charge (ERC): Usually between 1% and 5% of the outstanding loan

If you’re in a fixed-rate agreement, you’ll usually be subject to ERCs. A 2% ERC on a £200,000 mortgage balance equals £4,000, so keep this in mind when timing your sale.

5. Removal Costs

Moving house in London presents unique challenges, such as parking restrictions, traffic, and narrow staircases – all of which can increase removal costs.

• Typical removal cost: £500 to £2,000+
• Prices vary depending on the property size, distance, and whether you need packing or storage

Booking ahead of time and travelling during the week can help you save money. Decluttering before your move will also save time (and money) on removals.

6. Home Repairs, Cleaning and Staging

To make your home market-ready, consider investing in minor repairs or home staging to attract buyers.

• Basic improvements (paint, repairs, cleaning): £500–£1,500
• Professional staging and photography: £200–£500

While not required, they can significantly increase buyer interest and raise your sale price, especially in competitive boroughs.

7. Capital Gains Tax – When Does It Apply?

Most homeowners who sell their primary residence will not have to pay Capital Gains Tax (CGT) due to Private Residence Relief. However, CGT could apply if:

• The property is not your main home
• It was let out under your ownership
• You are a non-resident seller
• 2025 CGT rates: 18% (basic-rate) or 24% (higher-rate) on profits

Speak with a tax adviser if you believe CGT may apply, especially if you own a buy-to-let property or inherited it.

8. Leasehold Property Costs

If you’re selling a leasehold flat (which is common in London), you’ll almost certainly need to pay for a Leasehold Management Pack, which provides critical information to the buyer’s solicitor.

• Cost: £150–£500
• This must be obtained from the managing agent or freeholder and may take several weeks, so begin early

You may also be required to pay any outstanding service charges and ground rent before the sale is completed.

9. Additional Costs You May Encounter

Here are some other common costs that sellers may encounter:

• Cleaning services: £100–£300
• Storage (short-term): £30–£80 per week
• Final utility bills and council tax payments
• Home report or survey (Scotland only)

While these costs vary, they can quickly add up, especially in London, where services are frequently more expensive than the national average.

10. Total Cost of Selling a House in London (2025)

Here’s a general overview of what you can expect:

Need to Sell Your London House?

If the costs of selling a house in London appear too high, there is an alternative. At Sell House Fast, we offer homeowners the opportunity to:

• Sell without hiring an estate agent or paying legal fees
• Avoid repairing, staging, and cleaning
• Complete the sale in as few as a couple of weeks

Whether you are experiencing financial difficulties, relocating, or simply want a stress-free, fee-free house sale, we provide fast, fair cash offers for properties in any condition.