What Selling a House and Playing Golf Have in Common 🏌️‍♂️⛳️

💷 Want to Know What Estate Agents Really Cost?

If you’ve ever wondered what different estate agents charge—and what you actually get in return—I’ve broken it all down for you in my latest guide which you will find below and on our website:

👉 How Much Do Estate Agent Services Cost? Your 2025 Guide

You’ll find a side-by-side comparison of:

• Online-only vs high street vs independent agents

• Typical costs and hidden trade-offs

• What really motivates agents (spoiler alert: not all get paid to get you the best deal)

If you’re planning a sale in the next 6–12 months, this is a must-read. Knowing what questions to ask and what service really looks like can make the difference between a "For Sale" board gathering dust and a record-breaking result.

How much will it cost to work with an estate agent?

The answer depends on a number of factors, including the level of service you want, the type of agent you choose, and your goals when selling your home.

At LS Properties International, we believe in total transparency. That’s why we created this in-depth pricing guide. Whether you’re aiming for maximum value, speed, or a hands-off process, this article will help you understand the costs involved and choose the right estate agency service for your needs.

Note: all prices and costs are provided below as a guide only, subject to variations. It is our recommendation to always get several quotes for each service in order to better budget your next move.

What Are the Typical Costs of Moving Home?

Before we look at estate agent fees specifically, here are some other common costs sellers should budget for:

• Conveyancing (legal fees): £850–£2,000 + VAT

• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): £60–£120

• Removal costs: £800–£4,000 (example figure for a 4-bedroom house, 150 mi)

• Home staging (optional): ca. 1% of the final selling price (full staging)

• Mortgage exit fees (if applicable): flat or a percentage, it should be mentioned in your mortgage offer

Types of Estate Agents and Their Services

Not all estate agents operate the same way. The level of service—and pricing—varies widely. Here are the main types:

1. Online-Only or Fixed Fee Agents (e.g. Purple Bricks)

• Cost: £0–£2,000

• Pros: Low upfront cost, DIY-friendly for experienced sellers

• Cons: Typically just a listing service with limited marketing or negotiation support, you might have to carry out the viewings

• Suitable for: Confident sellers who are comfortable managing viewings, negotiations, and legal prep themselves

2. High Street Agents

• Cost: Flat fee or 1%–1.5% of sale price (depending on location)

• Pros: Local recognition and footfall, traditional in-person service

• Cons:

  • Often use a well-established, cookie-cutter approach

  • Flat commission means less incentive to secure the highest price

  • Some overvalue properties to win business, then advise price drops near the end of contract

• Suitable for: Straightforward properties in average markets where familiarity is reassuring

3. Independent Lifestyle-Led Agencies (like us)

• Cost: 1.5%–2.5% of sale price; premium packages (with staging) closer to 4%

• Pros:

  • Bespoke marketing strategy tailored to the property

  • Fewer listings per agent = more personal attention

  • Fee-only remuneration means your agent is motivated to sell fast and high

  • Strategic focus with measurable results

• Suitable for: Unique homes, high-value properties, or sellers who want hands-on expertise

How Are Estate Agents Paid?

This is a crucial difference often overlooked:

• High Street agents: Typically paid a salary and most of the times a flat commission, regardless of whether they sell above or below asking price. Motivation can wane once the property is listed.

• Independent agents (like LS Properties International): Paid only on completion, and the fee is a percentage of the actual sale price. That means we’re financially aligned with your success—motivated to achieve the best price and work with the most proceedable buyers.

This also explains why:

• High street agents are comfortable handling dozens of listings at once.

• Independent agents limit the number of homes they take on—to give each the attention it deserves.

Why Staging & Marketing Make a Difference

Our most comprehensive packages include home staging for a reason:

• Staged homes sell 3x faster on average

• A quicker sale reduces price drops and uncertainty

• Competition among buyers often leads to bidding wars and higher final sale prices

• Properties marketed well and priced strategically are less likely to fall through

So while the upfront cost of a premium service might feel higher, the ROI is often significantly better.

Our Flexible Pricing

Because we are independent, we can tailor the structure of your fee depending on your goals and needs:

• A flat contribution to marketing + success fee

• A commission-based fee between 1.5% and 2.5%

• Or, for high-end or time-sensitive sales, a comprehensive strategy including home staging and marketing support—typically around 4%

We align our success with yours.

Which Type of Agent Is Right for You?

It depends on your property and how involved you want to be:

• 🌐 Online-only listing service: Great if you’re experienced, autonomous, and cost-conscious

• 🏡 High street agent: A fit if you want local familiarity, and your situation is straightforward

• 🧠 Independent lifestyle-led agency: Best for unique homes, premium buyers, stale listings, or owners who value expertise, strategy, and service

Final Thoughts: Ask the “What Will Happen If” Questions

Choosing an estate agent isn’t just about price—it’s about peace of mind. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• ❓ What will happen if my home doesn’t sell in the next 3 months?

• ❓ What will happen if the offers I receive are well below what I need?

• ❓ What will happen if I can only reach my agent Monday to Friday, 9 to 5?

The right partner will answer those questions before they become problems.

At LS Properties International, we’re here to guide you at every step—with strategy, clarity, and results.

Need advice on pricing, selling, or staging your home? Book a free, no-obligation consultation today.

👩‍🍳 Spotlight: Walk Through Your Dream Kitchen—Before It’s Built

This month, I’m thrilled to introduce Hannah from Raison Home Newbury, a visionary kitchen designer who’s redefining how dream kitchens come to life.

📍 Instead of dragging you into a showroom, she comes to you—designing your space in your home, around your lifestyle.

💡 Using VR headsets and advanced 3D visuals, you can walk through your future kitchen before a single cabinet is ordered. It’s sleek, high-tech, and surprisingly fun. (See the photo of a client joyfully walking through her project!)

This is a designer who makes your ideas real—before they’re even built.

❓ Why I recommend Hannah? Because her business follows a similar models to ours, where you’ll have a single point of contact —a dedicated designer in her case— throughout the entire journey. They are active listeners and work for their clients’ benefits.

🎁 Prestige readers get an exclusive 10% discount on their kitchen project. If you’ve been thinking of a revamp, there’s no better time.

Let Hannah help bring your ideas from flat pack to full life.

How to claim Prestige Collection business offers 😀 

1️⃣ Invite a friend to join The Prestige Collection by sharing this link with them https://theprestigecollection.beehiiv.com/subscribe
2️⃣ Send me this e-mail once done, and I’ll unlock your exclusive discount.