Considering your next move? Property expert explains the true cost and how to save

To sell your existing property, costs vary depending on your location, the value of your home and the specifics of your sale. While every sale is different, here are some fees that most sellers can expect:

1. Estate agent fees - If you instruct an estate agent, this is usually the largest cost. They typically take a percentage of the final sale price, ranging from 1% to 3% plus VAT.
2. Conveyancing fees - These cover the work involved in transferring ownership of the property. Again, costs can vary depending on the complexity of the sale, but they typically range from £500 to £1,500 plus VAT.
3. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) - You’re legally required to have an EPC before you can market your property for sale, which can range from £60 to £120.
4. Removal costs - These can vary widely depending on the distance you’re moving, the amount of belongings you have and whether you’re prepared to do it yourself!
5. Home improvements - Depending on the condition of your current home, you might also need to do some repairs or decorating to make it more attractive to buyers. These tasks can incur a fee if you’re not able to do it yourself.

How to save

While some of these costs are unavoidable, there are some nifty ways to make selling your house much cheaper and simpler.

Shop around

If you do choose to instruct an estate agent, be sure to shop around with multiple local agents to compare their fees and services. Don’t be afraid to haggle with them either, their fees are often negotiable. We recommend aiming for a fee of around 1-2% plus VAT if possible.

Online estate agents also tend to have lower fees than traditional high-street agents. But be aware of any trade-offs that may come with their service offering.

It’s the same when it comes to conveyancing fees. Be sure to get quotes from several conveyancers and don’t automatically go with one recommended by your estate agent. If you’re buying a new build home, your sales consultants often recommend firms that provide a high-quality service for a good rate.

Get handy

If you’re physically able and have a smaller amount of belongings, you can consider hiring a van to do the removals yourself. This will be much cheaper than using a removal professional. You may even be able to enlist the help of some supportive friends and family.

If you’re willing to get handy you can also reduce the cost of preparing your house for sale.

For minor repairs, try tackling them yourself instead of hiring a handyman. If you have to focus your budget on one aspect of the home, prioritise kerb appeal. Homes with a presentable exterior are often among the easiest to sell.

Use an assistance scheme

One of the most cost-effective ways to sell your existing home is to use an assisted house sale scheme - available to those buying a new build home.

At Countryside Homes, we arrange for one or more estate agents to value your existing property and agree on a realistic selling price. We will instruct the estate agent and deal with them on your behalf during the marketing of your property. Once a buyer has been found for your old property, you can reserve your new Countryside Home.

But most importantly, on completion, we will pay the estate agent’s fees. This means that for a home worth £200,000, you could save £3,600 in estate agent fees.*

Our Smooth Move assisted house sale scheme is available across all our developments in Manchester, including The Fairways at Brackley Village, where homes start at £379,995.

Countryside Homes is also currently offering a 5% financial boost on its four-bedroom The Ashley at The Fairways at Brackley Village. Buyers can use this boost for their deposit, stamp duty, contribute to mortgage payments or pay for exciting upgrades.

*Calculation based on typical estate agent’s fees of 1.5% plus VAT at 20%.