House clearance prices in the UK range from free (for properties with valuable contents) to over £2,000 for large, heavily filled properties. Here's what to expect and how to get a fair price.
| Property Type | Typical Cost Range | Duration | Vans Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / bedsit | £80–£200 | 1–2 hours | 1 small van |
| 1-bed flat | £150–£350 | 2–4 hours | 1 van |
| 2-bed flat / house | £250–£500 | 4–6 hours | 1–2 vans |
| 3-bed house | £400–£700 | 1 full day | 1–2 vans |
| 4-bed house | £600–£1,000 | 1–2 days | 2 vans |
| 5-bed+ house | £800–£1,500+ | 2 days+ | 2–3 vans |
| Large/hoarder property | £1,500–£5,000+ | 2–5 days | 3–5 vans |
| Region | 3-bed Average | vs. National Average |
|---|---|---|
| London | £600–£900 | +20–30% |
| South East | £500–£800 | +10–15% |
| Midlands | £350–£650 | Average |
| North West / Yorkshire | £300–£600 | −5–10% |
| Scotland | £300–£600 | −5–10% |
| Wales | £280–£550 | −10–15% |
The biggest factor. A lightly furnished property costs significantly less than one packed floor-to-ceiling. Many quotes are based on number of van loads.
Narrow stairs, no lift, no parking nearby, long carry distances — all add time and cost. Upper-floor flats cost more than ground-floor houses.
If the company can resell furniture, antiques, or electronics, they may reduce or waive the fee. An antique-filled property may be cleared free of charge.
Extreme hoarding, biohazards, or significant mess require specialist handling and adds to labour time and disposal costs.
London and South East are most expensive. Rural areas may attract a travel surcharge if the company has to come a long distance.
Landfill tax and council tip charges have risen sharply. Companies pay ~£150–£250/tonne. This is a major cost driver factored into every quote.
| Service | Typical Extra Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic clean after clearance | £100–£200 |
| Deep/end-of-tenancy clean | £200–£450 |
| Specialist hoarding clearance | £1,500–£5,000+ |
| Asbestos survey (required before some clearances) | £200–£500 |
| Asbestos removal (if present) | £1,000–£3,000+ |
| Weekend / out-of-hours surcharge | +15–25% |
| Loft / garage included | +£50–£200 each |
| Single item removal (sofa, mattress, white goods) | £40–£150 per item |
Sell furniture, antiques, and electronics on Facebook Marketplace or eBay before the clearance. Fewer items = fewer van loads = lower cost.
British Heart Foundation, Age UK and similar charities collect large furniture for free. Removing these items yourself saves money.
Monday–Thursday clearances are often 10–20% cheaper than weekend bookings.
Prices vary enormously. Using Moving Merchant takes 2 minutes and can save hundreds of pounds.
If there are antiques, collectibles, vintage clothing, or working electronics, tell companies before quoting. This may result in a free or reduced-cost clearance.
Yes — if the property contains enough resalable items (antique furniture, working appliances, collectibles), a clearance company may waive their fee entirely, as they can recoup costs through resale. This is more common in properties of older residents with traditional furniture and antiques.
Most reputable companies price per job after a survey — either in person or by video call. Some smaller operators price by the hour or by van load. Per-job pricing gives more certainty. Be wary of hourly pricing as this can spiral if the job takes longer than expected.
Typically no — a standard house clearance removes items but does not include deep cleaning. Many companies offer cleaning as an add-on service at an extra cost. If you need the property "broom clean" for a sale or tenancy, confirm this is included or get a separate cleaning quote.
Yes — most companies offer partial clearances, such as clearing just the garage, loft, or specific rooms. Some also offer single-item collection for large items like sofas or mattresses. Prices start from around £40–£80 for single items.