For many people, moving house isn’t something that happens often, which is why it can feel so overwhelming. It’s a major life change, and there are plenty of opportunities for things to go wrong if you’re not prepared. Delays, unexpected costs, and poor decisions can all add up quickly.

There are many financial factors to think about when selling a house. Taking time to understand them can help you avoid unnecessary stress and protect your budget throughout the process. The sections below cover some of the key areas to consider when selling a property, with a focus on keeping costs under control and making informed choices.

Here are some of the main financial points to think about when selling a house.

Getting your mortgage

If you’re selling a property as part of a move, your existing mortgage and any onward borrowing are important considerations. This might involve paying off your current mortgage, arranging a new one if you need one for a new home, or reassessing your borrowing if your circumstances have changed.

It’s worth taking time to explore your options carefully. Mortgage terms, interest rates, and fees can vary significantly, and small differences can have a long-term impact on your finances. Some people choose to use a mortgage broker to help navigate the options and find a deal that suits their situation.

If you’ve had credit issues in the past, securing a home loan can feel more challenging. While this can limit your options, specialist products do exist. Understanding what’s available and planning ahead can help you make realistic decisions without rushing into something unsuitable.

Check out why using a mortgage broker might be the best decision for you, and also these tips on how to save money on your mortgage.

Picking your services 

Selling a house involves more than just listing it and handing over the keys. Most people will need professional support at some stage, whether that’s from an estate agent, solicitor, or removal company.

An estate agent can help price your home realistically, market it effectively, and guide you through negotiations. Choosing the right one is important, as experience and local knowledge can make a real difference. It’s also worth thinking carefully about removal services. You’re trusting someone with your belongings, so reliability and care matter just as much as price.

While it’s tempting to cut costs wherever possible, the cheapest option isn’t always the best value. The aim is to balance cost with quality, choosing services that reduce risk and stress rather than create more problems later.

Here are several tips on how to save money when selling your home.

Save money on removals

Removal costs can be one of the larger expenses when selling a home, but there are ways to reduce them. If you’re moving a short distance or have a relatively small amount to transport, asking friends or family to help can be a practical option.

For those who are confident organising the move themselves, hiring a van can work out significantly cheaper than using a full removal service. Planning ahead, decluttering before you move, and being flexible with dates can all help keep costs down. The key is choosing an option that suits your situation without creating unnecessary pressure on moving day.

Check out all these ways you can save money on removals. 

Getting a higher price when selling

Making small improvements before selling can sometimes increase the final sale price, but it’s important to be selective. Not every upgrade delivers a return, and overspending can quickly eat into any potential gains.

Simple repairs, a fresh coat of paint, or improving kerb appeal can help your home present better to buyers. Estate agents can often advise on which changes are worth making and which are unlikely to add value. This can help you focus your budget on improvements that genuinely support a higher asking price.

Make sure you're aware of the different home improvements and their effect on the value of your home to ensure you get a ROI when it comes to selling.

 

Managing legal fees

Legal fees are an unavoidable part of selling a property. Conveyancing covers the legal transfer of ownership and ensures all checks and documentation are completed correctly. Fees can vary depending on the complexity of the sale, so it’s worth comparing providers and asking for a clear breakdown upfront.

While it might be tempting to choose the cheapest option, legal work is an area where cutting corners can be risky. Poor advice or errors can cause delays, fall-throughs, or additional costs later. Choosing a reputable solicitor or conveyancer can help keep the process moving smoothly.

You may also need to account for required documentation or certificates that must be in place before a sale can proceed, which can add to overall costs if not planned for in advance.

Estate agent fees

Estate agents can play a key role in selling your home, but their services come at a cost. Fees are usually charged as a percentage of the final sale price, so it’s important to understand what’s included and how that compares to other agents.

Local knowledge can be particularly valuable, especially in competitive or higher-value markets. For example, working with experienced Estate Agents in South Kensington or similar well-established agencies in prime locations can sometimes help achieve a stronger sale price, which may offset higher fees. This principle applies globally, as local expertise often plays a key role in attracting the right buyers and negotiating effectively.

If you’re looking to reduce costs, online estate agents or private sales are alternatives, but they usually require more time, involvement, and confidence from the seller.

Preparing for unexpected costs

Even with careful planning, unexpected costs can arise when selling a property. These might include additional repairs, professional cleaning, extra surveys, or buyer requests that need addressing before contracts are exchanged.

It’s also worth considering short-term overlap costs, such as temporary storage, council tax on two properties, or bridging gaps between sale and purchase dates.

There’s also the risk of a sale falling through. In some cases, you may still be liable for certain fees even if the transaction doesn’t complete. Setting aside a financial buffer can make these situations far easier to manage without added stress.

Tax implications

Tax is another important consideration, particularly if the property you’re selling isn’t your main residence. In the UK, Capital Gains Tax may apply to any profit made on additional properties, with the amount owed depending on your income and the size of the gain.

If you’re selling your primary home, you’re usually exempt, but individual circumstances can vary. Taking professional advice can help you understand your position clearly and avoid surprises later on.

Timing the sale

Timing can influence both how quickly your home sells and the price you achieve. Property markets tend to be more active at certain times of year, with spring and early autumn often seen as favourable periods for sellers.

That said, local conditions matter just as much as seasonal trends. Speaking with an estate agent about demand in your area can help you decide when to list, especially if you have flexibility around your moving date.

Closing the sale

Once you’ve accepted an offer, there are still financial details to manage before the sale completes. This can include final legal fees, settling any outstanding mortgage balance, and covering last bills or charges linked to the property.

Being organised at this stage can help avoid delays and ensure the process finishes as smoothly as possible. Clear communication with your solicitor and agent can make a real difference.

Final thoughts

Selling a house is rarely just one simple transaction. It’s a series of decisions that affect your time, energy, and finances. Some costs are obvious from the start. Others only appear along the way.

Preparation is what makes the difference. Understanding the likely expenses, planning for the unexpected, and making informed choices can help you stay in control throughout the process. Saving money doesn’t always mean choosing the cheapest route, it often means choosing the most sensible one.

With realistic expectations and a clear plan, selling your home can feel far more manageable. It’s not just about completing the sale, it’s about putting yourself in a strong position for whatever comes next.

Buying a house? Check out this list of costs to prepare for when buying a house.