When Exactly Are Estate Agent Fees Paid?
Selling your home can be a bit of a whirlwind, especially when it comes to understanding the costs involved. One of the biggest questions sellers ask is, “When do I actually have to pay my estate agent?” The answer? In most cases—at the end. But there are a few variations depending on how your contract is set up.
Typically, estate agent commission is paid on completion—the day your property legally changes hands and the buyer gets the keys. This is when your solicitor will usually deduct the agreed fee from the sale proceeds and pay the agent directly.
What If There’s a Delay Between Exchange and Completion?
If there’s a longer gap between exchange of contracts and completion, some agents may request payment of their commission on exchange instead of waiting. This isn’t overly common, but it’s also not unusual—so always check the small print in your agency agreement. Better still, ask your agent directly to explain when they expect payment.
In nearly all cases, unless you’ve signed up for a fixed-fee, DIY-style service, your fee will be due at the very end—on either exchange or completion.
Upfront Fees: What Are They and Why Do Some Agents Charge Them?
Alongside commission, some estate agents also charge an upfront fee. This can cover things like:
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Your EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
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Professional photography and videography
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Floorplans
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Portal listings and marketing materials
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Admin costs of bringing your property to market
Think of it like hiring a tradesperson—you often pay something upfront to get the work started, with the remainder due when the job’s done.
Upfront fees vary depending on the agent, your property, and the level of service. Some are as little as £100, others can be up to £1,000 or more. Many agents (like us) are transparent and flexible—some will offer to split or defer upfront fees to make it more affordable. It’s always worth asking, especially if you’re keen to work with a specific agent but worried about immediate costs.
Some agents don’t charge upfront at all—but may increase their commission slightly or apply a withdrawal fee if you change your mind after going live. Again, transparency is key.
What About AML Checks and Admin Charges?
All estate agents are legally required to carry out Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks on sellers. Some agents charge a small admin fee for this (usually under £100), while others include it in their standard service. Ask upfront so you’re clear on exactly what’s included and what’s extra.
How Eastaway Property Charges
We like to keep things simple—and transparent.
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We don’t charge sellers for AML checks. That’s our responsibility, and we cover it.
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We do charge an upfront marketing payment, which covers everything we need to launch your home properly—photos, floorplans, marketing, and more. We’ll explain the exact cost at your valuation meeting and include it clearly in your written valuation report.
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Our sales commission is payable on completion—or on exchange if there’s a long delay between the two. Again, it’s all detailed in writing before you’re asked to sign anything.
We tailor every quote individually, so we don’t publish fees online. But when we meet, we’ll give you a full, clear breakdown of what to expect and when. And if the upfront marketing payment is a concern? Talk to us. We’re flexible and will always try to find a way to work with sellers we believe we can help.
If we’re not the right agent for your property, we’ll tell you. But if we are, we’ll go all-in to sell it properly, professionally, and with zero faff.
Thinking of Selling Your Home in Stamford or Rutland?
If you’re considering a move, we’d love to help. At Eastaway, we combine local expertise with honest advice—and we only take on homes we believe we can sell.
Book your free valuation today and we’ll show you:
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What your home could be worth in the current market
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How we’d market it to the right buyers
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A clear, no-pressure breakdown of our fees and how we work
No hard sell. Just straight-talking, expert guidance from a team that genuinely cares about getting you the best result. 👉 Get started here
