The True Cost of Selling a Home in 2025

1. Estate Agency Service

Your estate agent plays a crucial role in the success of your sale. Beyond simply advertising your property, a good agent will:

• Create a tailored marketing plan with professional photography, property portals and social media reach.
• Arrange and manage viewings, ensuring buyers see your home in the best light.
• Negotiate strongly to achieve the best price possible and avoid unnecessary reductions.
• Progress the sale once an offer is accepted, keeping the chain together and minimising delays or fall-throughs.

While some agents promote low upfront costs, it's important to look at the bigger picture. A well-resourced, proactive agent can shorten time on market, maintain asking price strength and save you the hassle of a collapsed chain - all of which can mean you keep more overall, even if the initial fee is higher.

2. Legal (Conveyancing) Work

You'll need a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to handle contracts, transfer funds and liaise with the buyer's legal team. Their job includes checking titles, answering enquiries, managing searches and ensuring all compliance paperwork is in order. Service levels can vary: some firms are very hands-on and keep transactions moving smoothly, while others work more slowly and may contribute to delays. When comparing options, consider speed of service and communication alongside cost.

3. Compliance & Certification

Before you can list your home, certain legal documents and checks may be required. The most common is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which rates the property's energy efficiency. Depending on the property type or location, other reports or safety certificates may be recommended. An experienced agent will advise what's mandatory and connect you with reliable providers to avoid last-minute hold-ups.

4. Preparing Your Property for Sale

First impressions can significantly impact both sale speed and final price. Many sellers choose to invest time or modest funds into:

• Decluttering and depersonalising rooms to help buyers imagine themselves living there.
• Refreshing décor - neutral paint, clean carpets and small repairs can have a big effect.
• Professional photography and floor plans to maximise interest online.
• Optional staging to create an aspirational look and highlight key spaces.

These steps aren't mandatory, but they can help secure stronger offers and reduce the risk of renegotiation later in the process.

5. Moving & Logistics

The practical side of moving can carry hidden costs. Depending on your circumstances, you may need a professional removals company, temporary storage, deep cleaning services or help with packing fragile items. Planning early, requesting multiple quotes, and booking well in advance can help control these costs and reduce moving-day stress.

6. Hidden Costs Sellers Often Forget

Beyond the obvious steps, sellers sometimes overlook:

• Mortgage exit or early repayment charges if you're paying off your current loan.
• Mail redirection services to avoid missing important post.
• Insurance adjustments - updating buildings and contents policies for your move date.
• Utility transfers and connection fees for your new property.

While these aren't huge line items individually, they can add up and are worth factoring into your move plan.

Why the Cheapest Route Can Cost More

It's tempting to choose an agent based on the lowest advertised fee, but selling is about your net return - the amount you actually keep after the whole process. An experienced local agent who markets effectively, negotiates robustly and keeps the transaction on track can help you achieve a higher final price and avoid the expense of long delays or fall-throughs. This often outweighs any small saving on the upfront fee.

Plan Early - and Choose an Agent Who Adds Value

Selling your home is one of the most significant financial transactions you'll make. Planning early, understanding each stage and partnering with an agent who focuses on results - not just a headline fee - can make the move faster, smoother and more financially rewarding.

Farrell Heyworth combine local market expertise with proven marketing and attentive sales progression to help you sell efficiently and maximise your final return. Speak to our team today for clear, personalised advice on preparing to move.