How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House in Los Angeles in 2026? Complete Seller Cost Breakdown

Last Updated: July 2026

Most homeowners in Los Angeles spend 7% to 10% of their home's sale price when selling a property in 2026. These costs typically include:

• Real estate agent commissions

• Escrow and title fees

• City and county transfer taxes

• Recording and notary fees

• Prorated property taxes and HOA dues (if applicable)

• Optional home preparation costs such as repairs, staging, and professional cleaning

For example, if you sell a home for $900,000, your total selling costs will typically range between $63,000 and $90,000, depending on your negotiated commission, the condition of your home, and any seller concessions.

Typical Cost to Sell a House in Los Angeles

Expense	Typical Cost
Real Estate Agent Compensation	5%–6%
Escrow, Title & Closing Fees	Approximately 2.7%
Los Angeles City & County Transfer Tax	0.56%
Measure ULA (Homes over $5.4M)	4%–5.5% (if applicable)
Repairs & Home Preparation	Varies
Estimated Total Selling Cost	7%–10%

While every transaction is different, these figures represent what many Los Angeles home sellers can expect in today's market.

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Where Does the Money Go?

1. Real Estate Agent Compensation (Approximately 5%–6%)

For most sellers, this is the largest expense.

Following the nationwide real estate practice changes that took effect in 2024, all commissions are fully negotiable. Sellers decide what compensation, if any, they wish to offer, and buyer-agent compensation is negotiated separately from the listing agreement.

In many Los Angeles transactions, the combined compensation for professional representation still falls between 5% and 6% of the final sales price.

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2. Los Angeles City and County Transfer Tax (0.56%)

When selling property within the City of Los Angeles, sellers generally pay transfer taxes totaling $5.60 per $1,000 of the sale price, which includes:

• Los Angeles County Transfer Tax: $1.10 per $1,000

• City of Los Angeles Transfer Tax: $4.50 per $1,000

For a $900,000 sale, this equals approximately $5,040.

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3. Measure ULA (Only for Luxury Properties)

Measure ULA, often referred to as the "mansion tax," only applies to higher-value properties.

As of July 1, 2026:

• Sales from $5.4 million to $10.9 million pay an additional 4%

• Sales above $10.9 million pay 5.5%

Fortunately, the vast majority of Los Angeles homeowners will never pay this tax.

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4. Escrow, Title, and Other Closing Costs

Most sellers should budget approximately 2.7% of the sale price for:

• Escrow fees

• Title insurance

• Recording fees

• Notary fees

• Document preparation fees

These costs vary slightly depending on the escrow company, title company, and negotiated terms.

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5. Property Taxes and HOA Dues

If applicable, sellers also pay:

• Prorated property taxes through the closing date

• Outstanding HOA dues

• HOA document or transfer fees

The exact amount depends on the closing date and your homeowners association.

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6. Preparing Your Home for Sale

Many homeowners invest in preparing their home before listing.

These costs may include:

• Interior painting

• Landscaping

• Minor repairs

• Deep cleaning

• Professional staging

• Professional photography

Preparation costs can range from only a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the home's condition.

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7. Optional Seller Expenses

Some expenses are common but not required, including:

• Natural Hazard Disclosure Report: approximately $100–$150

• Home Warranty for the Buyer: approximately $400–$600

While optional, these items are frequently included in Los Angeles real estate transactions.

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Example: Selling a $900,000 Home in Los Angeles

Expense	Estimated Cost
Agent Compensation (5.5%)	$49,500
Transfer Tax	$5,040
Closing Costs (2.72%)	$24,480
Estimated Total	Approximately $79,000 (8.8%)

This example does not include:

• Repairs

• Home staging

• Seller concessions

• Measure ULA tax

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What Can Increase or Decrease Your Selling Costs?

Several factors affect your final net proceeds.

Your Home's Condition

Homes that are move-in ready often require minimal preparation.

Older homes may require repairs, painting, landscaping, or staging before attracting top-dollar offers.

Your Sale Price

Since most selling expenses are percentage-based, higher-priced homes generally have higher dollar costs.

Luxury homes may also be subject to Measure ULA.

Negotiated Terms

Every transaction is unique.

Items such as commissions, seller credits, repair requests, escrow fees, and buyer concessions can all influence your final costs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to sell a house in Los Angeles in 2026?

Most sellers spend 7% to 10% of the sale price, including agent compensation, transfer taxes, escrow fees, title costs, and other closing expenses.

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What is the Los Angeles transfer tax?

Within the City of Los Angeles, sellers generally pay $5.60 per $1,000 of the sale price, which combines both the County and City transfer taxes.

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What is Measure ULA?

Measure ULA is an additional transfer tax that applies only to properties selling for more than $5.4 million.

Most residential home sales are not affected.

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Are Realtor commissions negotiable in California?

Yes.

California real estate commissions are fully negotiable. Since the industry practice changes implemented in 2024, buyer-agent compensation is negotiated separately from the listing agreement.

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Who usually pays escrow and title fees in California?

The payment of escrow and title fees depends on local custom and the terms negotiated in the purchase agreement. In Southern California, these costs are commonly shared between the buyer and seller, although every transaction is different.

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Can I estimate my net proceeds before selling?

Absolutely.

A professional net proceeds estimate can provide a detailed breakdown of your expected selling costs before your home goes on the market, helping you avoid surprises at closing.

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My Perspective as a Los Angeles REALTOR®

As a REALTOR® serving Los Angeles homeowners since 2016, I've helped sellers navigate many different situations, including traditional home sales, probate transactions, investment properties, divorce sales, and move-up purchases.

One of the biggest surprises I see is that many homeowners focus only on the sales price and overlook the actual cost of selling. Between escrow fees, transfer taxes, negotiated credits, and other closing expenses, the amount you receive at closing can be significantly different than expected.

That's why I prepare a personalized seller net proceeds estimate before my clients list their home. Knowing your expected costs upfront allows you to price your home strategically, negotiate with confidence, and avoid surprises on closing day.

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Thinking About Selling Your Home?

Every property is different.

Before you put your home on the market, I can prepare a complimentary personalized Seller Net Proceeds Estimate showing your expected:

• Real estate compensation

• Escrow fees

• Title charges

• Transfer taxes

• Estimated closing costs

• Approximate amount you'll receive at closing

If you're planning to sell anywhere in Los Angeles or Orange County, I'd be happy to help you understand your numbers before you list.

Andrea Pazmino-Pace, REALTOR®
Bilingual: English & Español

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Sources

This article is based on publicly available information and current industry practices, including guidance from:

• California Association of REALTORS®

• Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk

• City of Los Angeles transfer tax information

• Measure ULA official resources

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Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Selling costs vary based on your property's location, sale price, negotiated contract terms, and individual circumstances. Always consult your real estate professional, escrow officer, attorney, or tax advisor for advice specific to your transaction.