How Much Do Estate Agents Charge to Sell Your Home? A Complete Guide by Bates & Co

How Much Do Estate Agents Charge to Sell Your Home? A Complete Guide by Bates & Co

If you’re thinking about selling your property, one of the first questions you’ll likely have is: “How much does an estate agent charge?”
Understanding estate agent fees—and what’s actually included in them—is essential to making the right choice for your sale.

At Bates & Co, we believe transparency is key. Below, we break down the typical percentage fees you can expect to pay, what services those fees include, and why paying a little more for a quality service often pays off in the long run.

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Average Estate Agent Fees in the UK

Most estate agents in the UK charge a percentage-based commission on the final sale price of your home. This usually falls between 0.75% and 3% + VAT, depending on the level of service, location, and marketing offered.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at different price points:

0.5% – 1% (Low-cost or online agent)
These agents typically offer a very basic service. You’ll get standard online listings on property portals such as Rightmove or Zoopla, but support is usually limited. There are rarely any accompanied viewings, professional photography, or meaningful negotiation support. Many of these agents also charge their entire fee upfront, which means you’ll pay whether your property sells or not.

1% – 1.5% (Standard high street agent)
This is the most common range for traditional estate agents. You can expect professional photography, listings on the major property portals, a “For Sale” board, accompanied viewings, negotiation of offers, and support through to completion. However, marketing and presentation can still be fairly standard, and the level of personal attention may vary.

1.5% – 3% (Premium full-service agent)
At the higher end of the scale, you’ll find premium agents who provide a full marketing and sales service designed to achieve the best possible result. This typically includes professional photography and videography, detailed floorplans, social media advertising, AI assisted technology to ensure no lead is missed, property staging advice, targeted online campaigns, expert negotiation, and dedicated support from valuation through to completion.

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What’s Included in an Estate Agent’s Fee?

A good estate agent’s fee should cover every stage of the selling process. This typically includes:

• Accurate property valuation based on local market data
• Professional photography and videography
• Marketing across major property portals (Rightmove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket)
• ‘For Sale’ board and printed marketing materials
• Accompanied viewings to showcase your home professionally
• Buyer vetting and qualification to avoid wasted time
• Negotiation expertise to achieve the best possible sale price
• Sales progression management, liaising with solicitors to keep things moving smoothly

At Bates & Co, all of these services are included as standard, because we believe every client deserves the highest level of marketing and support.

Why Paying a Little More Can Mean Selling for a Lot More

It’s tempting to choose the cheapest estate agent—but in property, as in most things, you tend to get what you pay for.

Cheaper agents often cut corners on marketing, photography, and buyer engagement. This can lead to:

• Fewer viewings
• Lower offers
• Longer time on the market
• Large or frequent price reductions

By contrast, a quality agent invests in premium marketing, professional presentation, and skilled negotiation. That often means a faster sale and a higher final selling price—more than covering the slightly higher fee.

In other words, a better service often pays for itself.

Selling with Bates & Co

At Bates & Co, we combine local expertise with high-end marketing to get the best results for our clients. From beautiful photography and compelling listings to expert negotiation, we handle every detail to make selling your home simple, stress-free, and successful.

Whether you’re selling in Hailsham, Eastbourne, or Polegate, our team is here to help you get the best possible price with a service that truly earns its fee.

📞 Contact Bates & Co today for a free, no-obligation property valuation and discover how our marketing-first approach can help you move with confidence.

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