Key takeaways
Moving home costs more than just your deposit and removals, so budget for the hidden extras too.
Legal fees, surveys, Stamp Duty and repairs can quickly increase the cost of moving.
Planning your moving budget in advance helps avoid unexpected bills and added stress.
A contingency fund can help cover delays, repairs and other unexpected moving costs.
A professional survey can identify defects early, giving you the chance to renegotiate or walk away.
Most people budget for the obvious costs such as their deposit, mortgage and removal van. But it's often the unexpected expenses that catch movers out and add stress to an already busy process.
Whether you're buying your first home, upsizing or relocating, here's what you should factor into your moving budget.
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from one person to another.
Your conveyancer will handle everything from property searches and contract checks to exchanging contracts and completing your move.
Expect to pay £800 to £1,900 to buy and £600 to £1,300 to sell, according to The Law Society. The exact figure will change depending on the property's value, location and whether it's freehold or leasehold. Buying typically involves more legal work than selling, including searches, enquiries and liaising with your mortgage lender, so it costs more.
Before instructing a conveyancer, make sure you understand exactly what's included in the quote. The cheapest quote isn't always the best value if important services have been excluded.
Searches help uncover information that could affect your property or future plans.
These may include:
Search costs vary depending on location but are an important part of protecting your investment They can reveal issues like flood risks, local planning changes, or drainage problems before you buy. Spotting these problems early gives you the facts you need to either negotiate a lower price or walk away from the deal before it is too late.
Many buyers choose to commission a survey before completing their purchase.
Depending on the property, you may opt for:
While a survey is an additional cost, it can help identify costly issues before you commit to buying. According to the Home Owners Alliance, RICS property surveys typically cost between £400 and £1,500, depending on the type of survey and the property's size, age, value, and location.
If you're buying in England, you may need to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). The thresholds changed on 1 April 2025, and the amount you pay depends on the property's purchase price and your circumstances, such as whether you're a first-time buyer. Use HMRC's official calculator to work out exactly what you'll owe.
Buying in Wales? You'll pay Land Transaction Tax (LTT) instead. It's administered by the Welsh Revenue Authority, has its own rates and thresholds, and does not offer first-time buyer relief. Use the official Welsh Government calculator to check your liability:Buying in Wales? You'll pay Land Transaction Tax (LTT) instead. It's administered by the Welsh Revenue Authority, has its own rates and thresholds, and does not offer first-time buyer relief. Use the official Welsh Government calculator to check your liability.
Some lenders charge additional mortgage fees, such as arrangement, booking, valuation or product fees.
Arrangement fees for owner-occupier mortgages typically range from £1,000 to £1,500, while valuation fees average around £350, although costs vary between lenders and products. Some fees can be added to your mortgage, but doing so means you'll pay interest on them over the life of the loan.
Mortgage fees and charges vary, so it's important to check the total cost of any mortgage product before making a decision. As conveyancers, we can't provide mortgage or financial advice. If you're unsure which mortgage is right for you, speak to your lender or an independent mortgage adviser.
Whether you hire professional movers or rent a van yourself, moving day comes with a price tag.
According to the HomeOwners Alliance (using Reallymoving.com data), the average cost of hiring a removal company is approximately:
Costs can increase if:
Getting quotes early can help you avoid surprises and compare what's included. It's also worth checking whether the quote includes insurance for loss or damage in transit, as this isn't always provided as standard. While professional removals can cost more than hiring a van yourself, many buyers find the convenience and peace of mind well worth the investment.
Even properties that appear move-in ready often need some work.
Common expenses include:
Surveys and move-in inspections often turn up a mix of issues, some structural and urgent, like a damp patch or a boiler on its last legs, and some purely aesthetic, like tired paintwork that can wait. A contingency fund helps you tell the difference: fix what needs fixing now, and take your time with the rest.
Many movers forget to budget for the smaller expenses that quickly add up.
These might include:
Individually they may seem small, but together they add up fast. Even Royal Mail redirection, from £45 for three months, stacks up alongside insurance, broadband setup, a new mobile plan based on different coverage areas, and more
One of the smartest things you can do when moving home is set aside a contingency fund. We've already looked at the cost of repairs. But it's also worth planning for unexpected delays, a completion date that shifts, or move-in and move-out dates that don't quite line up, meaning a few nights in temporary accommodation or a short spell of storage for your belongings. A financial buffer reduces stress and keeps your move on track.
Moving home is one of life's biggest financial commitments.
By understanding the full range of costs involved and planning ahead, you'll be in a much stronger position to enjoy your move rather than worry about unexpected bills.
If you're preparing to move and would like a clear, transparent conveyancing quote, our team is here to help make the process as straightforward as possible.
