Typical estate agency fees have risen 61 per cent in the past decade although average house prices have increased by a more modest 39 per cent.
That's the conclusion of a study by the Centre for Economic and Business Research and Post Office Money.
These higher charges contribute to the 60 per cent increase in the cost of moving home since 2004, even though the cost of living over the same period has risen by 29.4 per cent.
The study found that the cost of moving home has risen from £7,475 at the end of 2004 to £11.984 at the end of last year. These expenses increased by 20 per cent in the last year alone.
The survey suggests that 84 per cent of prospective movers - whether first time buyers or existing owner occupiers - under-estimate the cost.
The breakdown of costs found by the survey are:
Stamp Duty:
2004: £1,950
2014: £3,620
87% increase
Estate Agent:
2004: £3,229
2014: £5,214
61% increase
Surveyor:
2004: £402
2014: £607
51% increase
Conveyancing:
2004: £1,039
2014: £1,419
37% increase
Removals:
2004: £855
2014: £1,034
21% increase
Total:
2004: £7,475
2014: £11,894
58% increase
Comments
@Guest (Not on the high street)
You make a great point, the public have more choice now than ever before due to the growth of online. But those that choose the service of On the Highstreet shouldn't moan about the cost as they are free to go elsewhere. It's like buying a Ferrari then moaning about the petrol consumption.
Should have read Jeff Djevdet. Apologies.
My righteous anger at your post meant I was typing too fast :)
@Jess Djevdet - more Are you joking Don't you think 5,214 is already far too high
It's entitled agents like you that mean more and more people are turning to the online model, where you get much better value for money and the same level of service. There is certain things we don't do, granted, but you could say the same of many agents. There are good traditional agents, average ones and bad ones. The same could probably be said for online ones.
At least, if an online agent is doing a shoddy job, they're not charging over five grand for the privilege.
People tend to haggle with estate agents.
I suspect this figure is inflated so much because of recent rise of London properties.
Great estate agents earn their fee from negotiation a good deal for their client, progressing the sale and communicating with all parties. Of course, often buyers will not proceed so return to step one.
Not enough! Look at the cost of portals, utilities, staff! Agents deserve more.
Again - please explain your comment.
Yes Jon your are right, much of what is reported in the media about the market is mainly focused on London and therefore not truly representitive as a whole, however, in my experience much of the negative perception of estate agents is propagated by the media, just as are builders, car repairers, etc etc just depends on who is flavour of the month.
My reply was meant to be for @James.
@In Dorset, maybe. In London, definitely not. I imagine London and the South East are skewing the results somewhat, but stories like this don't help change the received wisdom that estate agents are greedy, in it for themselves charlatans. Unfair, but that's what happens when you're in a profession that is second only to politicians in the unpopularity stakes.
Well I would love to see the full findings of this survey and in relation to estate agents fees how these stats were collected and compiled which will of course vary region by region, but my experience in the Dorset area is that Agents fees as a % of the sale price have actually fallen, typically from 2 - 2.75% to 1 - 1.5%
Interesting comment - please explain.
Estate agents living up to their reputation. Wonderful.
Tut-tut. Those greedy estate agents doing nothing to dispel those stereotypes.
Would you care to dispute the findings Obviously this isn't indicative of the industry as a whole, but I'd argue estate agent fees rising in London has been a consistent trend in the post-recession years.
What planet are you working on, and can I come and join you