Private sale vs estate agent
At a glance
| Consideration | High-street estate agent | FYSH (private sale) |
|---|---|---|
| Commission on a £350,000 sale | ~£4,200–£10,500 (+VAT), at roughly 1%–3% | £0 — no commission |
| Who markets the home & fields enquiries | The agent, on your behalf | You, directly, using FYSH's listing & enquiry tools |
| Control over the listing & negotiation | Limited — agent-led | Full — you decide, in your own words |
| Typical time to go live | Days (agent availability, photos, sign-off) | Same day — publish when you're ready |
| Offer negotiation | Relayed through the agent | Direct with the buyer via the Price Broker tool |
| Material-information compliance | Agent-managed | Guided in-app before you publish |
| Cost to buyers | Free | Free |
| Legal transfer (conveyancing) | Your own solicitor | Your own solicitor |
Figures are typical ranges for illustration; agent fees vary by area and agreement. This is general information, not financial or legal advice.
How much can you save?
Commission is the biggest difference. At a typical 1%–3% (plus VAT), a high-street agent's fee on a £350,000 sale is roughly £4,200–£10,500 before VAT. Because FYSH charges no commission, that amount stays with you — you pay only for conveyancing (which you would pay either way) and any optional platform features. On higher-value homes the saving grows in direct proportion to the price.
When an estate agent might suit you better
A private sale is not for everyone. If you want a completely hands-off process, have an unusually complex sale, or simply prefer someone else to manage viewings, marketing and negotiation on your behalf, a good local agent can be worth the fee. FYSH is built for vendors who are happy to deal with buyers directly and would rather keep the commission — with the tools to make that straightforward.
New to selling privately? Start with the complete selling guide, and see the property glossary for any unfamiliar terms.