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If you’re facing a house clearance, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: “How much is this going to cost?” The honest answer is — it depends. But understanding how the industry works will help you see why prices vary so much, and how to avoid overpaying.
Typical UK House Clearance Costs
On average, a full house clearance in the UK can range from:
- £300–£600 for a small flat
- £600–£1,200 for a standard 2–3 bed house
- £1,200+ for larger properties or heavily cluttered homes
However, these figures can change significantly depending on access, parking, location, type of contents, and — most importantly — how much waste is involved versus items with resale value.
The Hidden Cost Most People Don’t Know About
One of the biggest cost drivers in house clearance is waste disposal. Licensed clearance companies cannot simply take items to the local tip like a homeowner. Commercial operators must use approved waste transfer stations — and many now pay over £160 per tonne to dispose of general waste.
That means if a property contains lots of broken furniture, damaged items, or non-recyclable rubbish, disposal alone can cost hundreds of pounds before labour and transport are even added.
So how do clearance companies stay in business?
How Most Clearance Firms Make Their Money
Many traditional house clearance firms balance disposal costs by selling any good items they find — furniture, antiques, tools, collectibles, electronics. This helps offset tipping fees and labour.
But here’s the issue: with some companies, you don’t always know what things were worth, or how much value was recovered. You might still pay a large clearance fee while valuable items quietly cover the company’s profit.
On the other end of the spectrum are auction houses.
The Auction House Option – Not Always Cheaper
Auction houses often sound attractive: “Sell everything and make money back.” In reality, it’s rarely that simple.
Auction houses typically:
- Pick and choose only the items they believe will sell easily
- Leave you responsible for clearing everything else
- Charge entry fees, commission, insurance, photography, and storage
- Take weeks or months before items sell
- May reduce prices heavily if lots don’t perform
By the time fees are deducted, the return can be far lower than expected — and you still need to pay for a clearance service for unsold goods.
Why a Blended Approach Works Best
This is where a model like Home Cleared stands out. Instead of simply charging for removal or cherry-picking like an auction house, the process combines:
- Professional house clearance
- Identification of items with resale value
- Responsible recycling and disposal
- Real value recovery from contents
Good items are channelled into resale routes, waste is handled legally, and you get a fairer overall outcome — often reducing the net cost of the clearance significantly.
The Bottom Line
House clearance isn’t just about removing things — it’s about balancing waste costs with asset value. The cheapest quote isn’t always the best, and the “sell it all at auction” route often comes with more fees than people realise.
Understanding how costs work helps you choose a service that clears the property efficiently, legally, and with your financial interests in mind.
