House Clearance Guide Scope of Works Pre‑visit survey & inventory – assess volume, note valuables, check access. Segregate, load & transport contents (r...
UK house clearance services typically cost £300–£2,500 depending on house size and contents. A small flat clearance: £300-£700; standard 3-bed house: £600-£1,500; large or hoarded properties: £1,500-£5,000+. Most jobs include all labour, vehicles, disposal, and basic cleaning. The price-driver after volume is whether items have resale value (deducted from cost) or hazardous/awkward materials (added).
The single most useful service when clearing inherited properties, end-of-tenancy, or downsizing. Saves the homeowner the time, vehicle hire, tip charges, and physical labour.
Typical UK house clearance costs
| Property | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Studio / small flat | £300–£600 |
| 1-bed flat | £400–£800 |
| 2-bed flat | £500–£1,000 |
| 3-bed house | £700–£1,500 |
| 4-bed house | £1,000–£2,000 |
| 5-bed+ / large house | £1,500–£3,500 |
| Hoarder property (severe) | £2,000–£8,000+ |
| Garden / shed clearance add-on | £100–£500 |
| Loft clearance add-on | £100–£400 |
| Garage clearance add-on | £150–£500 |
| Basic clean after clearance | £150–£400 |
What's typically included
- Site survey before quote.
- 2-4 person team for the duration of the job.
- Vehicles (Transit van or larger).
- Labour for removing all contents.
- Sorting items for disposal, recycling, or resale.
- Transport to landfill, recycling centre, or charity shop.
- Disposal costs (skip charges, tipping fees).
- Sweeping floors after clearance.
- Waste Transfer Notes (legal proof of disposal).
What's typically NOT included (or charged extra)
- Asbestos removal (specialist trade).
- Items requiring biohazard handling (severe hoarder properties).
- Garden waste in significant quantities.
- Demolition or fixed structure removal.
- Deep cleaning beyond basic sweep.
- Carpet uplift and disposal (sometimes extra).
Resale offsetting
Many house clearance firms offset the price against items they can resell. This is genuinely worthwhile for furniture, antiques, white goods, electricals, and tools:
- Quality wood furniture — solid oak, walnut, mahogany pieces.
- Working white goods — fridges, freezers, washing machines under 5 years old.
- Electrical items — TVs, laptops, audio in working order.
- Antiques and collectibles — get separate valuation if you suspect significant value.
- Tools and garden equipment — power tools, mowers, bicycles.
For high-value items (antiques over £500-£1,000), get an independent valuation before clearance — house clearance firms aren't antique experts.
Things people often miss
- Waste Carrier Licence — only licensed waste carriers can legally remove waste from your property. Always ask for the SIC number; check at
environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers. Fly-tipping by an unlicensed clearance firm can be traced back to YOU. - Recycling rates — reputable firms recycle 70%+ of contents. Cheap "tip everything" firms do worse environmentally and may charge less but harm sustainability.
- Probate clearances — if clearing on behalf of an estate, get authority from the executor. Document items disposed of vs sold for probate accounts.
- Important documents — go through paperwork before clearance day. Will, deeds, family photos, jewellery, banking documents are sometimes irretrievably lost in clearances.
- Charitable donations — usable items can go to British Heart Foundation, Sue Ryder, Salvation Army, local hospices. Some collect; some you take to.
- Hazardous items — fridges (pre-2003), TVs, batteries, paint, chemicals all have separate disposal routes. Reputable firm handles these correctly.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a typical house clearance take?
1-bed flat: half-day. 2-3 bed house: 1 day. 4-bed+: 1.5-2 days. Hoarded properties: 2-5 days plus. Pre-survey gives reliable estimate.
What happens to items they remove?
Reputable firms split contents: charity (clothing, books, usable furniture), recycling (metal, paper, electronics), resale (quality items), landfill (only what genuinely can't be reused). 70%+ recycling rate is standard for ethical operators.
Can I be present during clearance?
Yes, recommended at least at the start (to confirm what stays / goes) and end (to inspect). Middle hours can be unsupervised if you trust the firm.
How do I find a reputable house clearance firm?
NACHCE (National Association of House Clearance and Charity Enterprises) directory. Local recommendations. Trustpilot reviews. Avoid the cheapest quote — fly-tipping risk is real.
What about valuable items?
Walk through with a valuer (auction house, antique dealer) before clearance for any items you suspect have value. £100-£200 valuation visit can identify items worth £thousands.
Is clearance cheaper if items have resale value?
Yes — reputable firms offset price against resaleable items. Difference can be 20-40% on a typical clearance with quality contents.
Want a local pro to handle this? A NACHCE-member or licensed waste carrier with experience in your property type. £700-£1,500 for a typical 3-bed clearance is excellent value vs DIY skip hire + multiple tip trips + physical labour.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
