Estate Agent Fees Explained
Estate agency fees are only one part of the decision when choosing how to sell. Sellers should compare what is included, when the fee becomes payable, the agency agreement, marketing arrangements and how the sale will be progressed after an offer is accepted.
A cheaper headline fee may not be cheaper overall if important services are excluded or the contract does not suit your circumstances.
1. Percentage and fixed fees
This stage deserves a deliberate decision rather than an assumption. Look at the property, the transaction and your own priorities together. Gather the relevant information, understand what is confirmed and what still needs checking, and keep a record of the decisions that could affect timing, cost or risk.
2. VAT and what the quote includes
This stage deserves a deliberate decision rather than an assumption. Look at the property, the transaction and your own priorities together. Gather the relevant information, understand what is confirmed and what still needs checking, and keep a record of the decisions that could affect timing, cost or risk.
Good property decisions usually come from combining evidence, context and a clear understanding of the next step.
3. Sole agency and other agreements
This stage deserves a deliberate decision rather than an assumption. Look at the property, the transaction and your own priorities together. Gather the relevant information, understand what is confirmed and what still needs checking, and keep a record of the decisions that could affect timing, cost or risk.
4. Additional marketing charges
This stage deserves a deliberate decision rather than an assumption. Look at the property, the transaction and your own priorities together. Gather the relevant information, understand what is confirmed and what still needs checking, and keep a record of the decisions that could affect timing, cost or risk.
5. When fees become payable
This stage deserves a deliberate decision rather than an assumption. Look at the property, the transaction and your own priorities together. Gather the relevant information, understand what is confirmed and what still needs checking, and keep a record of the decisions that could affect timing, cost or risk.
6. Questions to ask before signing
This stage deserves a deliberate decision rather than an assumption. Look at the property, the transaction and your own priorities together. Gather the relevant information, understand what is confirmed and what still needs checking, and keep a record of the decisions that could affect timing, cost or risk.
Questions worth asking
- What information do I already have?
- What still needs to be verified?
- Could this issue affect value, timing or buyer confidence?
- Do I need legal, tax, financial or technical advice before acting?
Next steps
If the guide relates to a sale or valuation, Aspect Properties can help you understand the property position and the practical route forward.
