The costs of selling a house

When you sell your home, you will encounter various costs. The biggest expense is the real estate agent costs (startup costs and real estate agent commission). Additionally, you may incur other costs, such as applying for an energy label or making your home ready for sale. Read here about the possible expenses, including average amounts.

Go directly to: 

• Real estate agent costs (startup costs and commission)
• Costs of applying for an energy label
• Costs of making your home ready for sale
• Costs of switching real estate agents / withdrawing from sale
• Notary costs
• Costs of canceling a mortgage at the Land Registry
• Total overview of possible costs

The real estate agent costs

Most people choose to sell their home with a sales real estate agent. This professional not only takes many tasks off your hands, but also typically has a positive impact on the speed and price of the sale. The real estate agent costs are therefore often recouped.

Below, you can read about the average real estate agent costs, including the startup costs and commission. What you actually pay depends on the real estate agent you choose.

Tip: always ask which services are included and check whether the rates are inclusive or exclusive of VAT. A 21% VAT is charged on the real estate agent costs, so you won’t be surprised when you receive the bill later.

The startup costs

The real estate agent costs include startup costs. These costs are usually between €300 and €700. You pay this amount in most cases before the real estate agent starts working. The money is used for the preparations of the sales process. Think of measuring, taking photos, starting an advertising campaign, and placing your home on Funda. 

Read more about the startup costs

Sometimes no startup costs or included in real estate agent commission

Many real estate agents charge startup costs, but not every real estate agency works with them. There are sales real estate agents who advance the costs for the preparations themselves. As a seller, you only have to pay these costs upon a successful sale. Other real estate agents include the startup costs in the commission. If it's not clear, it's wise to ask about it.

Start-up costs

The real estate agent commission

If you sell your home with the help of a real estate agent, you will, of course, pay this person for their services. In most cases, the sales real estate agent will charge a commission. This is a percentage of the sale price of your home. However, there are also real estate agents who charge a fixed amount of costs.

On average, sales real estate agents in the Netherlands charge a commission of 1.1%, which amounts to an average of €4,900. Unlike the startup costs, you only pay the commission after your home is sold. The amount is usually paid by the notary from the sales proceeds. 

The actual amount of the commission depends on various factors, such as your location, the type of home, and the price range. On our page about the costs of a sales real estate agent you can read all about the average commissions for different homes in the Netherlands. You'll quickly see what percentage you can expect.

Commission acts as an incentive for real estate agents

The higher the sale price of your home, the higher the commission for the real estate agent will be. Real estate agents, therefore, have an interest in selling your home for the best possible price. 

By the way, don't just consider the costs in your decision, but also take reviews and personal connection into account. On our page about comparing real estate agents you can read our tips for choosing the right real estate agent. 

Internet real estate agents

You can also save on real estate agent costs by choosing a so-called 'internet real estate agent'. Such a real estate agent only performs the essential tasks for you, and you handle the rest yourself. Think of taking photos, planning and organizing viewings, and writing an advertisement text. 

The costs for hiring an internet real estate agent range between €0 and €1,570. The more the real estate agent takes off your hands, the more costs you incur. Compared to 'regular' real estate agents, internet real estate agents charge higher startup costs. You are, therefore, always liable for these costs, even if your home is not sold.

However, don't focus solely on the costs you can save by hiring an internet real estate agent. The real estate agents are less involved in the sale of your home; this can affect the speed and price of the sale. Be aware that you will have many tasks to handle. This can be very stressful, especially during such a life-changing period. 

Read more about the rates of internet real estate agents here.

The cost of a real estate agent (2025)

Selling a house without a real estate agent?

Of course, you can also try to sell your home without a real estate agent. Be aware, though, that you will encounter some issues, such as only being able to list your home on Funda through a real estate agent. In our article about selling a house with or without a real estate agent, we list the pros and cons for you. 

The costs of applying for an energy label

To sell your home, it has been mandatory since 2015 to have an energy label. You must also add this energy label to your advertisement, for example, on Funda. This rule was introduced to encourage homeowners to make their homes more energy-efficient.

The better the energy label, the more attractive your home becomes for sale. Not only because of the costs and sustainability but also because from 2024, you can get a higher mortgage for an energy-efficient home.

If there is no energy label for your home yet, or if it has expired, you must apply for one. The cost of the application varies per provider, but is usually between €300 and €600. On our page about energy labels, you can read which providers are the most affordable. Take advantage of it.

If you do not provide an energy label when selling your home, you can be fined. In 2024, the fine is €435.

Energy label

Selling a house with or without a real estate agent?

Choosing a real estate agent: things to keep in mind

The costs of making your home ready for sale

If your house is going up for sale, photos will be taken for the advertisement. Shortly after, the first people will start viewing your home. Naturally, you want to present your house in the best possible way, both in photos and during viewings. So, there's work to be done.

You can tackle various tasks to make your home ready for sale. Make sure to clean everything, tidy up, and remove all personal items. Also, read our tips for preparing your home for sale. More expenses than a fresh bouquet of flowers, a small lick of paint, and hiring a cleaner shouldn’t be necessary. 

Costs for (minor) overdue maintenance

If there is overdue maintenance on your home, it's a good idea to tackle these tasks before putting your home up for sale. Buyers can be put off by the smallest things. Moreover, visible overdue maintenance can give the impression that there are more issues with the house.

Tasks that don’t cost too much money and time are best handled before the sale. Think of repairing window frames, removing mold in the bathroom, and painting walls. Read more about this on our page about renovating your house for sale.

For fixing up your home, you are usually out a few tens to a few hundred euros. The actual costs depend on the tasks. Are you unsure which tasks are worthwhile to tackle? Your sales real estate agent can provide you with good insights, as they know exactly what people might be concerned about. 

Sales styling

A home sells best when the interior looks neutral and tidy. Homes with a busy, quirky, or untidy interior generally stay on the market longer. People see themselves living there less quickly; they can’t see through the furniture as easily.

That’s why sales real estate agents sometimes recommend using sales styling. Most offices work with a stylist, or have one in-house. Naturally, there are costs associated with this service. Expect an amount between €25 and €40 per square meter.

Sales styling isn’t cheap, but it usually has a large positive impact on the speed and price of the sale. Especially in homes where the interior is the sticking point. The chance is high that you’ll earn back the investment. Do talk to your sales real estate agent and get informed.

Is there urgency in selling your home, but you just can’t sell it? Consider selling your house to a real estate agent, or read the rest of our tips for quickly selling your house. You might find options you haven’t thought of.

The costs of switching real estate agent or canceling the sale

Choosing the right real estate agent for selling is crucial. Therefore, take your time and don't choose hastily. Always compare the costs and services of different real estate agents. Also, schedule a meeting, because you will collaborate a lot with the real estate agent. It is important that there is a good connection and that you are on the same page.

Also check reviews from other sellers and inquire about the costs. What exactly do you get for your money? Is the service inclusive or exclusive of VAT? What happens if the property is not sold? And also: is there a penalty if you decide to switch to another real estate agent?

Some real estate agents charge a penalty or extra fees if you decide to switch to another real estate agent, or if you cancel the sale. The amount varies, but usually ranges from €1.250 to €1.750. It's good to be aware of this. 

The notary costs (if agreed in the purchase contract)

In most cases, the buyer pays the notary costs. These costs fall under the so-called buyer's costs. However, if you make different agreements about this, the notary costs may still be your responsibility as the seller. These agreements are always recorded in the purchase contract.

Sometimes it happens that the seller prefers to choose the notary themselves, for example when selling a property from an inheritance. It can also be agreed during negotiations that the notary costs are the seller's responsibility.

The notary costs usually range from €1.000 to €3.000. The actual costs depend on the notary office and the complexity of the documents. On average, you can expect €2.000 in notary costs. The notary costs are tax-deductible once. 

The costs for canceling your mortgage registration at the Land Registry

If you have sold your property and paid off the mortgage, you need to cancel the mortgage registration with the Land Registry. To cancel it, you need a deed of discharge from a notary. There are costs associated with this. The amount depends on the notary and usually ranges from €90 to €500. These notary costs are tax-deductible. 

Total overview of possible costs for selling a house

Read more about selling your property

How do I quickly sell my house?

Sell house to a real estate agent

What is the best time to put your house up for sale?

Selling a House: everything you need to know

What to do if you're unable to sell your house?

Tips for selling the parental house