Estate agent fees are open to negotiation - so it's worth seeing what the agent you choose will offer

Few home sellers realise the fees that their estate agent charges them are totally open to negotiation. Some people simply haggle over the percentage of the selling price, which varies between 1.5% and 3% depending on where you live - but there are several factors worth considering:

• The further south you go in the UK, the higher the percentage of the selling price the fees become, and London has the highest.
• In a 'hot' property market you have more power, and the agent will be more likely to agree to a lower fee - the reverse is true in a slow market.
• Some people use a sliding scale - the more money the agent secures for the property, the higher the percentage they get. This can help persuade them to work harder for their fee.
• People in a hurry sometimes offer to pay a higher fee (or more percentage) if the house is sold within an agreed time limit.

• Find a propertyfinder registered agent in your area.