Can estate agent fees be negotiated in the UK?
Yes, estate agent fees can be negotiated. Whether you’re selling through a high street estate agent or an online estate agent, there’s usually some flexibility in what you pay. Most estate agents in the UK charge a percentage of the final sale price, but you don’t have to accept their first offer. By asking the right questions, comparing estate agents, and understanding how commission structures work, you can often reduce estate agent costs and keep more money from your property sale.
Is it possible to haggle estate agent fees?
Absolutely. Estate agent commission is not fixed, and agents want your business. If they think you might choose another estate agency, they may be willing to lower their fees. The key is to balance cost with performance. The cheapest agent isn’t always the best, but that doesn’t mean you should overpay. Always compare house selling fees and look at agent performance, including how quickly they sell homes and whether they achieve asking price or above.
Some estate agents in London and other competitive markets have set fees, but many will negotiate, especially if your property is highly desirable. Always check if VAT is included in the quote to avoid unexpected costs.
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How To Negotiate Estate Agent Fees
1: What is an estate agent’s starting offer?
Before signing any contract, get multiple quotes from different UK estate agents. In 2025, the average estate agent commission rate is 1.42% including VAT, but this can range from 0.9% to 3.6%, depending on location and the type of service.
Ask each agent what’s included in their fee. Most estate agency services cover:
Listing your home on property portals like Rightmove and Zoopla
Professional property photography and floor plans
A For Sale board outside your home
Arranging and conducting house viewings
Negotiating with buyers, solicitors, and surveyors
A lower fee might mean reduced services, so make sure you’re comparing estate agents based on value, not just cost.
2: Can estate agent fees be reduced based on my property?
If an estate agent values your house and believes it will sell quickly, they may be willing to lower their commission. Factors that may work in your favour include:
Your property is in a high-demand area
You have a well-maintained home ready for sale
There are fewer properties on the market, making yours more attractive
Property market conditions matter too. In a seller’s market, where homes sell fast, agents are more likely to compete on price.
3: How does a sliding scale estate agent fee work?
A sliding scale commission can encourage an agent to aim for a higher sale price. You could propose something like:
1% fee if the property sells below the asking price
1.2% fee if it sells for the asking price
1.5% fee if it sells above the asking price
This gives agents an incentive to negotiate better house sale prices, rather than settling for a quick sale at a lower price.
4: Can you haggle with estate agents?
Yes, and you should. Here’s how to improve your chances of getting a better deal:
Let agents know you’re comparing multiple estate agents
Ask for a shorter exclusivity period (many agents ask for 12 weeks, but you can try for 4-6 weeks)
Request additional marketing services (such as featured listings) at no extra cost
Bundle services if you’re selling and buying through the same estate agent
5: Can you negotiate online estate agent fees?
Most online estate agents charge a fixed fee rather than a percentage of the sale price, making negotiation harder. However, you can still look for savings by:
Comparing cheap estate agents to find the best deal
Asking if they offer discounts on hosted viewings or other services
Checking if there are any limited-time promotions
Choosing a pay-on-completion package rather than paying upfront, to avoid losing money if your house doesn’t sell
6: Can you refuse to pay estate agent fees?
You can’t refuse to pay estate agent fees if your property has been sold through their service, but you can avoid unnecessary charges by:
Reading the estate agent contract carefully
Checking for “ready, willing, and able purchaser” clauses (which could make you liable for fees even if the sale falls through)
Avoiding estate agent withdrawal fees if you decide to change agents
Find Out How Much You Could Save on Estate Agent Fees
Use our expert tips to negotiate lower estate agent fees and get the best value for your home sale. See how much you could save today!
What should I expect to pay an estate agent?
Fees vary depending on the type of agreement:
| Type of Agreement | Typical Fee (Including VAT) |
|---|---|
| Sole Agency | 1.2% – 1.8% |
| Multiple Agency | 3% – 3.6% |
| Online Estate Agents | £999 – £1,500 (Fixed Fee) |
For a £275,000 property, this means:
At 1.42% commission: £3,900 in estate agent fees
At 1.2% commission (negotiated lower rate): £3,300, saving £600
Using an online agent with a £1,500 fixed fee: Saving £2,400 compared to a 1.42% commission
How do you make sure you’re getting the best deal?
Negotiating estate agent fees can save you thousands, but price isn’t everything. A good agent will justify their commission by achieving a better selling price and faster house sale.
When comparing agents, look beyond fees and consider:
Their track record in selling properties like yours
How close they get to asking prices
How quickly they sell homes
Customer reviews and estate agent reputation
If you’re negotiating, don’t just focus on the commission rate. Ask for added value services, compare estate agent performance, and be prepared to walk away if the deal doesn’t suit you.
