The Costs of Moving House | Guides

Regardless of if you’re moving for the first time or upgrading to a home that suits your current stage of life, it’s important to understand the full range of costs involved with moving house.

According to the Homeowners Alliance, the average cost of moving house in the UK, excluding deposit, is currently estimated to be £13,018. This is based on buying and selling an average priced house of £292,000.

Read our latest guide below, which has been created to help you understand the main costs of moving house.

House deposit

One of the biggest costs of moving house is your deposit, which typically ranges from 5% to 15% of the property value. However, the exact amount needed depends on the lender, your financial history and the mortgage product you choose.

If you already own a home, you may be able to use the equity built up in your current property as a deposit towards your next home. A mortgage adviser can help you understand the best approach based on your circumstances, including whether you may be eligible for products with lower deposit requirements.

Stamp Duty

Stamp Duty Land Tax s usually the single biggest upfront cost after your deposit. It’s a tax paid on homes costing over £125,000 and must be paid within 14 days of completing your purchase. Although your solicitor will manage the paperwork, you will need to ensure the funds are available in advance.

If you’re a first-time buyer, you won’t pay Stamp Duty on homes up to £300,000, saving a significant amount on your first purchase. For everyone else, the current rates are:

Property Price	Stamp Duty Rate
Up to £125,000	0%
Above £125,001 and up to £250,000	2%
£250,001 to £925,000	5%
£925,001 to £1.5 million	10%
Above £1.5 million	12%

Check out Tilia’s stamp duty calculator to find out how much stamp duty you’ll have to pay on your new home.

Legal fees

Every property purchase in the UK requires legal work, from drafting contracts to registering ownership. This process is known as conveyancing.

Average legal fees typically range between £1,500 and £2,500 including VAT. If you’re buying and selling at the same time, you’ll usually need conveyancing for both properties.

Costs for legal fees will vary, often ranging from £500 to £2,000, depending on the complexity of the case.

Mortgage fees

When arranging a mortgage for your new home, there are several fees to be aware of. The following fees may apply:

• Arrangement fee: Usually between £1,000 and £2,000, this secures your chosen mortgage product.

• Booking fee: Typically, £100-£300, sometimes paid upfront when submitting your application.

• Broker or advisor fee: If you use a mortgage broker to find the best deal, they may charge between £0 - £500

Some lenders will let you add these fees to your mortgage but remember this means you’ll pay interest on them over time. Paying them upfront can help keep your monthly repayments lower in the long run.

Property survey costs

Before moving house, it’s important to understand its condition and value. A house survey, carried out by a qualified surveyor, can identify potential issues and give you peace of mind before you complete your purchase.

While not legally required, a survey can potentially save you thousands by uncovering hidden issues early and helping you make a confident, informed decision.

Estate agent fees

Sellers pay estate agent fees once a home is sold; this can range from 0.75% to 3.5% of the property value.

This fee usually covers marketing your property and progressing the sale through to completion. However, the exact percentage depends on your agent, property type, and how well you negotiate.

When you buy a new build home with Tilia, you could save thousands through our Smooth Move scheme, where we cover your estate agent fees to make selling your old home, and moving into your new one, even easier.

House removal

The easiest way for most people to transport their belongings is by hiring a removal company.

According to Zoopla, the average removal cost is around £1,300 for a 1–2-bedroom home and £1,700 for a 3-bedroom property. Optional extras such as a full packing service can also add an extra £250–£700.

For those concerned about the expense though, hiring a van and loading it yourself could save you hundreds.

Other potential costs to consider when moving are:

• House removal insurance

• Storage facilities

• Cleaning – leaving your old property clean can be crucial to upholding your tenancy agreement

• Childcare for your children or kennels for a pet

• Ongoing monthly costs

Ongoing monthly costs

As well as your monthly mortgage payments, there are many other recurring costs involved when buying a house. Some of the main monthly costs to budget for include:

• Utility bills: Water, electricity, and gas

• Broadband and telephone services

• Council Tax

• Service charges: For maintaining communal areas

• Ground rent: For leasehold properties

• Parking charges: If applicable to your home or development

• Insurance: Including home and contents cover

Factoring in these costs early can help you budget more accurately and ensure that owning your new home remains both enjoyable and affordable.

Ready to make your move?

Now that you have a clearer picture of the costs involved in moving house, you can plan your next step with confidence.

At Tilia Homes, we’re here to help make your move smoother and more affordable. Explore our stunning new build developments for sale and discover a home that’s perfectly suited to your lifestyle.

And, don’t forget to take advantage of our exclusive schemes and offers, designed to ease the upfront costs of buying and selling, so you can focus on finding and moving into your dream home sooner.

How much does it cost to move house?