Selling a property comes with a number of costs – some are unavoidable while others are optional. As a seller, being aware of the main costs is important for budgeting and to ensure you are not hit with any surprises down the track.
The main costs are typically:
Fenwick’s commission (no sale, no fee basis) as a percentage of final selling price, inclusive of:
- Photography and Floorplans
- Accompanied Viewings
- Marketing portals
- Brochures
- Sales progression
- Energy Performance Certificate (Valid for 10 years)
- Legal Costs
- Conveyancing fees
- Mortgage exit fees if applicable
- Capital Gains Tax, if applicable, i.e., if property is not main residence – check with HMRC.
https://www.gov.uk/tax-sell-property
- Cosmetic repairs / Cleaning.
- Styling to sell, if applicable
- Moving costs
TYPICAL COSTS OF BUYING A PROPERTY
Being aware and prepared for the extra costs of buying a property can ensure you are not hit with any nasty surprises down the track and can help ensure the purchase process runs smoothly.
Stamp Duty
This is a compulsory tax that you pay to HMRC through your solicitor / conveyancer and is the biggest add on expense for home buyers. Check the government website for the up-to-date rates.
https://www.gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax
Legal and Conveyancing Fees
Buying a property is a legal process, so ensuring you have local experts helping you navigate the transaction is important. They will review the contract, negotiate changes and arrange the legal transfer of ownership.
There may also be immediate increased monthly mortgage repayments.
A good conveyancing team will remind you, but don’t forget you will need Property Insurance.
If your new home is an apartment or a flat, then it could be a Leasehold property with maintenance and ground rent to pay.
Pre-Purchase Inspections
It is highly recommended you get both a building survey organised before signing any purchase contracts. Mortgage lenders will insist on valuation surveys. Ensuring you are aware of any structural issues is important. Surveys are also relevant for flats or apartments.
Moving Costs
Unless you have friends, who are willing to lend a hand on moving day, you will need to factor in the costs for professional removal company to help you. Depending on your moving plans, this may include the cost of storage.
And don’t forget - New Home may mean New Furniture!
If you Intend on Renovating
Cost can easily and quickly escalate whether you use builders or intend doing it yourself. A “rule of thumb” is to add on 30% of original estimate and always keep to planned result in mind – no project creep. Observing local building regulations early on will save unnecessary expense.
If you are looking to “buy to let” or let your property at some future date, then don’t skimp on quality as sometimes it proves to be “cheap dear”.
