The uncertainty surrounding the financial settlement when selling your home in Haarlem can be quite paralysing. What costs will you actually face? We break down the fees for 2026 and protect you from unpleasant financial surprises.
When you’re selling your home, you naturally want to know exactly where you stand financially. The biggest expense is the estate agent’s commission. This is the fee you pay to the selling agent for their services. Usually, this is a percentage of the final sale price, but a fixed fee can also be agreed.
You will also pay an initial fee. These are the costs incurred right at the start of the process to ensure your home is presented in the best possible light. These include:
From 2026, providing a definitive energy performance certificate will also be a mandatory requirement for property transfers. If you do not yet have one, or if your current certificate is more than 10 years old, you will need to engage a certified advisor to draw up this report. Fortunately, you don’t have to figure all this out on your own. Our advisers are happy to help you clearly map out these start-up costs through a personalised and no-obligation consultation.
In addition to the direct estate agent’s fees, there are additional costs that sellers sometimes overlook. A good first impression is everything, which is why it can be worth investing in home staging. A professional stylist can highlight the strengths of your property, which in today’s market pays off immediately in a higher selling price and a quicker sale.
Then there is the legal and administrative side of things. Although, in a standard transaction, the buyer pays the notary fees for the transfer of ownership (costs payable by the buyer), as the seller you are responsible for the costs of having your current mortgage removed from the Land Registry (the discharge deed). Do you plan to reinvest the equity immediately or pay off your mortgage early? If so, it is wise to check with an independent adviser beforehand to see if there is a penalty interest charge.
Experience shows that a transparent approach and thorough preparation can save you thousands of euros. We take a realistic view of your situation, so you know exactly where you stand. It’s no surprise that our clients have given our open and friendly approach top marks on Funda.
It makes sense to try to save money by selling your home yourself. However, experience shows that a professional estate agent almost always pays for themselves. The property market is complex and negotiations can be emotionally charged. An experienced estate agent keeps a cool head, remains objective and possesses the right negotiation techniques to turn the buyer’s absolute bottom line into the best possible outcome for you.
As the proud winner of the MAVA Top Estate Agent award for region Haarlem in 2025, we know exactly how to navigate the local market strategically. We have an active database of prospective buyers comprising thousands of candidates who are notified immediately. We take care of the entire promotion via social media, viewings (including outside office hours) and the complex contractual documents. This saves you time and energy and prevents costly financial or legal blunders.
The estate agent’s fee is the payment you make to the estate agent for selling your house. This is usually a percentage of the final sale price (on average between 11% and 21%, including VAT), but you can also opt for a fixed rate. We always agree this clearly in advance.
Set-up costs cover the marketing and presentation of the property. This includes measuring the property in accordance with the NEN 2580 standard, professional property photography and 360-degree videos, the preparation of floor plans, and the registration fees for prominent placement on Funda.
The buyer chooses the solicitor and, as a rule, pays the costs of the deed of transfer (buyer’s costs). As the seller, you do, however, pay the notary fees for the cancellation (removal) of your current mortgage registration in the Land Registry. This costs on average between €150 and €500.
Yes, providing a valid energy performance certificate at the handover of the keys will be a legal requirement for almost all properties from 2026. As the seller, you are responsible for applying for this in good time through a certified advisor. Only listed buildings are exempt.
No, the estate agent’s fees, set-up costs and other costs directly related to the sales Unfortunately, the costs associated with your home are not tax-deductible. Only certain financing costs relating to the purchase may be tax-deductible.
