How to Save Money When Selling Your House in the UK

Selling your home could be one of the biggest financial transactions you ever make, so it makes sense that you'll want to take your time and do whatever you can to keep costs as low as possible and maximise the amount of money that you make from the sale. 

Many people assume that the costs of moving are something you just have to accept, but you'd be surprised by the number of ways there are to save. Often it's only small amounts, but it soon adds up and every penny counts.

We've pulled together a few ideas to help you get the best return on your house sale.

Choose the right estate agent

Estate agent fees are far from consistent across the market and the more your home is worth, the more you stand to lose from even just a 0.1 percentage point difference in charges. Shop around to make sure you're getting the best deal and look at experience and value alongside straight fees. Don't forget to negotiate too - there is usually some scope for a discount if you play your cards right.

If you don't want to go down the traditional high street estate agent route then there is the option to sell your house for free via a cash house buying company. This way you get a guaranteed agreed price with no hidden fees and the added benefit of a quick transaction.

Make minor repairs yourself

You can maximise the selling price of your house by making sure you tackle any outstanding issues. A dripping tap might not seem like a big deal to you but it could be something small that creates that bad first impression and puts people off buying. It's usually worth doing simple jobs like refreshing paintwork, tidying up the garden and making sure the house is generally clean and clutter free.

Be cautious about undertaking big projects that you feel might add value unless you're really sure you can get the return. While it might be tempting to splash out and invest in an extension or extra bedroom, will you be able to recoup those costs down the line? It's useful here to look at selling prices in the surrounding area. You'll often find that your neighbourhood has a ceiling and it's very hard to push through that, even with high-cost upgrades.

Check your energy efficiency

Did you know that the energy efficiency rating of your home could impact the selling price significantly? Start by making sure that your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is up to date and then research potential ways to improve your energy efficiency and make your home more attractive to buyers. Simple improvements like adding loft insulation, upgrading to energy-efficient lighting and servicing your boiler can improve your rating. Some local councils offer grants for energy efficiency improvements, which can further reduce costs.

By following these tips you should be able to streamline the selling process, reduce expenses and make sure you keep more of the profits from your home sale. Remember, every little saving counts and can add up to a substantial amount in the end. Happy selling!