Estate agency commission rates?

Posted by: Jonathan Gorse on 09 August 2005

Hi,

Just hoping someone can advise what would be a reasonable estate agency commission rate for selling a house around the £350 000 level?

We've spotted a house in Sussex we've fallen in love with and are in the process of getting ours on the market. Some local agents are doing 1% deals but what chance have we of getting them below that?

Thanks,

Jonathan

Posted on: 09 August 2005 by Hammerhead

1% was the best rate we found when we were thinking of moving earlier this year. Most were in the region of 1.5% to 2% though (+ VAT). Best of luck if you can haggle them down!

Steve

Posted on: 09 August 2005 by CraigP

2% is the going rate at our local estate agents.

Posted on: 09 August 2005 by Jonathan Gorse

Many thanks for the tips guys. I'm amazed that commission rates of 2% are considered 'standard' particularly when house prices are as high as they are! I can get 1% with a local firm I think which is still £3500 plus VAT so not bad considering all they do is email a few particulars out! Nice work if you can get it.

Still wrestling with what to do. I'm very keen to leave suburbia for Sussex, we both love the house we have found although it needs loads of cosmetic work. With a new baby and potentially a 1hr-1hr 15 mins commute by car we have to make sure that our quality of life doesn't suffer in pursuit of more greenery and those luvverly country pubs.

A nice dilemma to have though I guess.

Jonathan