What fees should I expect when selling my house for cash?

The main costs when selling a house for cash are usually conveyancing, mortgage-related charges and property-specific administration fees. A cash sale does not automatically mean the transaction is fee-free, so establish which costs you will pay, which the buyer will pay and whether any deductions will be made from the agreed purchase price.

Conveyancing and legal work

You will normally need a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to deal with the contract, title documents, property forms, enquiries, redemption of any mortgage and transfer of ownership. Their quote may be fixed or based on the work required. Check whether it includes VAT, bank transfer charges, dealing with a lender, leasehold work, gifted deposits or resolving title issues. A low initial quote may exclude additional work that becomes necessary later.

If the property is inherited, jointly owned or affected by divorce, the legal work can be more involved. Probate documents, a grant of representation, a trust arrangement or an order relating to ownership may need to be reviewed. Ask the conveyancer to identify these costs before instructing them rather than assuming they are covered by a standard sale package.

Mortgage and secured borrowing charges

If there is a mortgage, the lender will provide a redemption statement showing the amount needed to repay it. This can include the outstanding balance, daily interest, an early repayment charge if the mortgage is still within a fixed or discounted period, and administration or discharge fees. Other secured loans or charges registered against the title may also need to be settled before completion.

These deductions reduce the amount you receive from the sale but are not normally a fee charged by the cash buyer. Request an up-to-date redemption figure because the balance can change between the initial offer and completion.

Leasehold and management charges

Leasehold properties can involve costs that do not apply to freehold homes. The freeholder or managing agent may charge for a leasehold information pack, replies to enquiries, a notice of transfer, a notice of charge or a certificate required by the lease. You may also need to account for service-charge and ground-rent balances, planned major works or administration fees.

Ask for a current statement and check the lease for consent requirements. Outstanding service charges or disputes should be disclosed to your conveyancer early, as they can affect the sale proceeds and the information supplied to the buyer.

Property documents and compliance

Depending on the property and its location, you may need to provide an Energy Performance Certificate or replace one that has expired, unless an exemption applies. Missing building-regulation approvals, planning permissions, guarantees or certificates for alterations can lead to further solicitor work or the need for a suitable indemnity policy. The cost and responsibility for resolving such matters should be agreed in writing.

In Scotland, the selling process commonly involves a Home Report, which has its own requirements and potential preparation costs. The relevant rules differ across the UK, so use a conveyancer familiar with the part of the country where the property is situated.

Tax and financial liabilities

Tax is not usually a standard selling fee, but it can affect the net proceeds. Capital Gains Tax may be relevant where the property is not fully covered by the owner’s main-home relief, including some investment, second-home or inherited-property circumstances. The calculation depends on ownership, use, allowable costs and the seller’s tax position. Specialist advice may be appropriate.

Mortgage arrears, court costs, local authority charges and other debts secured against the property can also be deducted on completion. If the sale proceeds are insufficient to clear secured borrowing, speak to the lender and an independent adviser before agreeing a completion statement.

Costs that may be negotiable

A cash buyer may offer to contribute towards particular legal or administrative costs, but this is a contractual point rather than an automatic feature of a cash sale. The written offer should state whether any contribution is capped, paid directly to a solicitor or deducted from the price. Confirm whether accepting a contribution creates conditions attached to the sale.

Be cautious about arrangements where a headline offer is later reduced for vague processing, valuation or administration charges. Any deduction should be explained, evidenced and included in the written terms. Ask whether the buyer expects you to use a nominated solicitor and whether you are free to obtain your own independent legal advice.

How to calculate the amount you will receive

Ask your conveyancer for a draft completion statement. It should start with the agreed sale price and list each deduction, such as mortgage redemption, legal fees, leasehold charges, secured debts and any agreed contribution. Compare this with your own records and query unfamiliar entries before authorising completion.

• Obtain a written conveyancing quote that identifies exclusions and possible additional charges.
• Request current redemption figures for every mortgage or secured loan.
• Check whether the property is freehold or leasehold and obtain any relevant management information.
• Confirm responsibility for certificates, indemnity policies and unresolved title matters.
• Ask for all buyer deductions and contributions to be set out in the offer and contract.
• Allow for tax advice where the property is an investment, second home, inherited asset or jointly owned.

The most reliable figure is not the cash offer alone but the net proceeds shown after documented deductions. Reviewing the completion statement with an independent conveyancer gives you a clearer basis for comparing a cash proposal with other ways of selling.