Estate agent fees calculator
See what an agent’s commission or fixed fee costs on your sale price, including VAT, so you can compare quotes like for like.
Total agent fees £4,320.00 including VAT, 1.44% of the sale price.
| Agent fee excluding VAT | £3,600.00 |
|---|---|
| VAT at 20% | £720.00 |
| Total you pay | £4,320.00 |
| What you keep from the sale before other costs | £295,680.00 |
Rates checked 24 October 2026 against GOV.UK VAT rates and the Estate Agents Act 1979. For guidance only, not tax or legal advice.
How estate agent fees are worked out
Most high-street agents charge a percentage of the final sale price, payable when the sale completes. Online and hybrid agents more often charge a fixed fee, sometimes payable up front whether or not the property sells.
Fees are usually quoted excluding VAT. If the agent is VAT-registered, add 20%.
Example. A 1.2% fee on a £300,000 sale is £3,600 + VAT of £720 = £4,320. That is 1.44% of the sale price.
Before you sign with an agent
- Get the fee in writing, including VAT. Estate agents must give you their fees and the terms of the contract in writing before you agree to use them.
- Check the contract type: sole agency and sole selling rights mean very different things if you find a buyer yourself.
- Look for the tie-in period, the notice period and any withdrawal fee.
- Ask about extra charges: some agents charge for photos, floor plans, an EPC or an AML check.
Why your agent asks for ID
Estate agents are covered by the Money Laundering Regulations. Before they act for you, they must check who you are and, where relevant, where the money comes from. Some agents pass on the cost of the check. Read who pays for AML checks when buying a house.
Estate agent fees calculator questions
Are estate agent fees quoted with VAT?
Often not. Many agents quote a percentage excluding VAT. If the agent is VAT-registered, add 20%: a 1% fee becomes 1.2% of the sale price.
When do I pay the estate agent?
With most no-sale, no-fee agents you pay on completion, usually out of the sale money via your conveyancer. Some online agents charge up front. Check your contract.
What is the difference between sole agency and sole selling rights?
With sole agency you don’t pay the agent if you find the buyer yourself. With sole selling rights you pay the agent even then. Ask the agent which one their contract uses.
Can an estate agent charge me for an AML check?
Yes, an agent may pass on the cost of the identity and anti-money laundering checks they must run, as long as it is in their terms. Fees vary; some agents absorb the cost.
Do I pay the estate agent if the sale falls through?
Not usually, with a no-sale, no-fee contract. Fixed-fee online agents may still keep a fee paid up front. Some contracts also charge a withdrawal fee.
Sources
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