Get the setup right first
Heating, UVB, thermostats and correct humidity must be running and stable before the animal arrives. Never use an unregulated heat mat — a thermostat is not optional.
Quick answer
How much do reptiles cost in the UK?
Reptiles in the UK typically cost £30–£500. PetTrader lists them from licensed breeders, private sellers and rescues, with 8 species guides, prices, locations and health details on every advert.
- Typical price
- £30–£500
- Species guides
- 8
- Live adverts
- 0
- Seller checks
- ID verified
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Reptiles advice & buying guides
Feeding history matters
Ask what the animal is feeding on, how often, and when it last ate and shed. A hatchling snake with no established feeding record is a risk for a first-time keeper.
Tortoises and paperwork
Mediterranean tortoise species such as Hermann's and spur-thighed need an Article 10 certificate to be sold legally in the UK. Always check it is present and matches the animal's microchip.
How much do reptiles cost in the UK?
Reptiles typically sell for £30–£500 in the UK. Price depends on the breed or variety, health testing and registration paperwork, the seller's location and the time of year. An advert priced well below the band for its breed is one of the most common signs of an unlicensed seller or a scam.
| Breed | Typical UK price |
|---|---|
| Bearded Dragon hatchlings | £50–£250 |
| Leopard Gecko hatchlings | £40–£200 |
| Crested Gecko hatchlings | £40–£200 |
| Corn Snake hatchlings | £40–£200 |
| Royal Python hatchlings | £60–£400 |
| Hermann's Tortoise hatchlings | £150–£450 |
| Blue Tongue Skink hatchlings | £150–£600 |
| Veiled Chameleon hatchlings | £80–£300 |
Reptiles for sale: common questions
How much do reptiles cost in the UK?+
Animals themselves run about £30–£500 — leopard geckos and corn snakes from £40, bearded dragons £60–£150, royal pythons £50–£300 depending on morph, and tortoises £150–£500. The vivarium, heating, UVB lighting and thermostat usually cost more than the reptile.
Which reptile is best for a beginner?+
Leopard geckos, crested geckos, corn snakes and bearded dragons are the usual first reptiles: their care requirements are well documented, they stay a manageable size and they tolerate handling. Avoid green iguanas, water dragons and large constrictors as a first pet.
What equipment do I need before collecting a reptile?+
Set the vivarium up and get the temperatures stable before the animal arrives. You need the correct size enclosure, a thermostat-controlled heat source, a thermometer at both ends, UVB lighting for most lizards and tortoises, suitable substrate, hides at each end and a water dish.
Do I need a licence to keep a reptile in the UK?+
Most pet species need no licence, but venomous snakes, crocodilians and certain large lizards fall under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act and require a local authority licence. Some tortoises are CITES Annex A and must come with an Article 10 certificate.
What should I check before buying a reptile?+
Ask to see the animal feed, check for clear eyes, a clean vent, no retained shed on the toes or tail tip and good body weight. Ask what it eats, how often, and what temperatures it has been kept at, and ask for a feeding record.
How long do pet reptiles live?+
Leopard geckos and corn snakes commonly reach 15–20 years, bearded dragons 8–12, royal pythons 20–30, and tortoises often outlive their owners at 50–100 years. They are a long commitment, and tortoises are frequently written into wills.
How do I avoid scams when buying a reptile online?+
View the animal in person at the seller's own home before any money changes hands, keep all messages inside PetTrader so there is a record, and never pay by bank transfer, gift card or crypto to someone you have not met. Every PetTrader seller completes a photo-ID and live selfie check, and verified accounts carry a badge, and you can report an advert from the listing page.
Where to advertise reptiles for sale
Selling rather than buying? Identity-verified private sellers get their first advert free, and the first 200 businesses and breeders get 12 months free. See all reptiles for sale, read where to advertise reptiles in the UK for the costs and legal rules, or rehome a pet you already own.