Cost of selling a house in Northern Ireland: a Derry seller's checklist

There is no single cost for every seller

The cost of selling a house in Northern Ireland depends on the agent you choose, the legal work, the condition of the property, your mortgage and how far the move takes you. A useful budget starts with quotes for your own sale rather than a headline percentage copied from another property or another year.

Before you compare offers, get a guide value for your home. Knowing the likely price helps you understand which charges are fixed, which are percentage-based and which only apply if a particular issue appears during the transaction.

The main costs to ask about

Estate agent charges may be a percentage of the sale price or a fixed fee. Ask whether VAT is included, what marketing is included, when the fee becomes payable, whether there are withdrawal charges, and whether the agreement gives the agent sole selling rights. Get the terms in writing before signing.

Your solicitor or conveyancer will quote for the legal work and may charge extra for matters such as title issues, leasehold information, additional owners, a management company or a complicated chain. Ask what is included in the quote and what would trigger an additional charge.

You may also need an Energy Performance Certificate before the property is marketed. The Northern Ireland Department of Finance says the price is determined by the market and varies with the size, type and location of the property. Check whether an existing certificate is still valid and whether the quoted price includes registration.

Costs that depend on your circumstances

If there is a mortgage, ask the lender for a redemption statement and check for an early repayment charge, exit fee or other condition. If you are moving to another home, budget separately for removals, storage, cleaning, repairs, garden work and any work needed to make the property ready for viewings.

Leasehold or managed properties can involve additional information and administration charges. A property with an extension, right-of-way question, missing paperwork or title issue may also need extra legal work. These are reasons to ask early, not reasons to assume a standard internet estimate will be accurate.

A simple way to build your own selling budget

Write the expected sale price at the top of a page. Under it, add the written agent quote, conveyancing quote, EPC quote if needed, mortgage redemption quote, moving costs and a separate allowance for property preparation. Keep fixed costs separate from percentage-based costs so you can see what changes if the sale price changes.

Then compare the net amount you would keep, not just the agent headline fee. A private guide estimate can help you start the conversation, but your legal and financial advisers should confirm the figures for your circumstances.

House Price Derry provides a guide estimate only. It is not a RICS valuation, mortgage valuation, tax valuation, legal valuation, survey, insurance assessment, or promise of a sale price.