Moving House Costs in the UK

Moving house can be a pricey process, we all know that. It often starts with excitement, but then the costs quickly add up. Luckily, most of us don’t move very often.

I have prepared this informative guide to help you understand all the costs you may encounter when moving house in the UK.

Estate Agent Fees (if selling)

Estate agent fees are what you pay a professional (an estate agent) to market and sell your property.

They typically handle:

• Listing your home (photos, descriptions, property portals)

• Organising viewings with potential buyers

• Negotiating offers

• Managing the sale process from start to completion

Typical Price Range

• £2,000 – £10,000+ total

• Usually 0.9% – 3.6% of the property’s sale price

✔ Usually Included:

• Property valuation

• Listings on major portals

• Basic marketing

• Buyer negotiations

2. Conveyancing / Solicitor Fees

Conveyancing fees are what you pay a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to handle the legal side of buying or selling a property. They ensure everything is legally correct, from contracts to transferring ownership.

Typical Price Range

Buying:

• £800 – £1,800

Selling:

• £600 – £1,500

Buying + Selling:

• £1,500 – £3,000+

What Affects the Cost

• Property price (higher value = higher fees)

• Leasehold vs freehold (leasehold costs more)

• Location (fees can be higher in London)

• Complexity (chains, shared ownership, new builds)

3. Stamp Duty Land Tax

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) depends on the property price and buyer status (e.g. first-time buyer or existing homeowner). Rates are set by HM Revenue & Customs and published on GOV.UK.

Current Rates (England & Northern Ireland)

• £0 – £125,000 → 0%

• £125,001 – £250,000 → 2%

• £250,001 – £925,000 → 5%

• £925,001 – £1.5m → 10%

• £1.5m+ → 12%

Example

If you buy a property for £300,000:

• 0% on the first £125,000 = £0

• 2% on the next £125,000 = £2,500

• 5% on the remaining £50,000 = £2,500

Total Stamp Duty = £5,000

Stamp Duty in the UK varies depending on property value, buyer status, and location. Rates may change, so always check the latest guidance.

4. Survey Costs

You don’t always need a survey, but it’s strongly recommended, especially for older properties.

Typical Price Range

• £250 – £1,500+ depending on the type of survey

• Most buyers choose a Level 2: £400 – £800

• More detailed surveys (Level 3): £800 – £1,500+

Prices may be higher for larger or older homes, especially in London.

5. Removal Company Costs

Costs by Property Size (Typical)

• 1-bedroom flat: £400 – £700

• 2–3 bedroom home: £800 – £1,500+

• Large homes: £1,500 – £3,000+

Removal companies usually provide a fixed quote, based on how long the move will take (often calculated using a daily rate).

Key Factors That Affect Cost

• Distance (local vs long-distance)

• Volume of items (biggest factor)

• Packing services (adds ~£300–£400)

• Access (stairs, parking, city locations like London)

6. Packing Materials

Typical Price Range

• £50 – £300 total

Breakdown:

• Small move: £50 – £100

• Average home: £100 – £200

• Large home: £200 – £300+

If you are on a budget, consider buying bundles or reusing boxes. If you're unsure what you need, you can explore ready-made packing kits from Movly to simplify the process and avoid overbuying.

7. Mortgage Fees

Typical Range

• £0 – £2,500+ total

• Most buyers pay around £500 – £2,000

Some deals are “fee-free” but may come with higher interest rates.

✔Included Fees

• Arrangement fee (product fee)

• Valuation fee

• Booking / application fee

• Mortgage broker fee (if used)

• Funds transfer fee

• Account / administration fee

8. Mail Redirection

Mail redirection ensures you don’t miss important post after moving. This is typically done via Royal Mail.

Typical Cost

• 3 months: £40 – £60

• 6 months: £60 – £90

• 12 months: £90 – £120+

What Affects Cost

• Length of redirection

• Number of people included

Why It’s Important

• Prevents missed bills or legal documents

• Gives you time to update your address

• Reduces risk of identity fraud

Hidden Costs You May Encounter

• Cleaning (end-of-tenancy or pre-sale)

• Repairs and touch-ups

• Storage costs

• Early mortgage exit fees

• Utility setup & deposits

• Parking permits for moving vans

• Buying new furniture or appliances

It’s always wise to keep some extra funds aside.

Tips: How to Save Money When Moving

• Move mid-week or off-season

• Declutter (sell unwanted items)

• Compare removal quotes

• Pack yourself instead of using full-service

• Avoid peak times (summer, weekends)

Step-by-Step Moving Budget Checklist

• 8–12 weeks before: Budget planning

• 4 weeks before: Book removals

• 1 week before: Final cost checks

• Moving day: Prepare for last expenses

FAQ:

How much does it cost to move house in the UK?
Moving house in the UK typically costs £10,000 to £20,000+ when buying and selling, depending on the property price and location. Stamp Duty is often the largest cost and can range from £0 to £20,000+, significantly affecting the total.

Can I reduce the cost of moving house?

Yes, you can reduce costs by:

• Comparing removal company quotes

• Packing your own belongings

• Moving during off-peak times

• Decluttering before moving

• Choosing cost-effective service options

When is the cheapest time to move house in the UK?

The cheapest time to move house is usually mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) and outside peak seasons.

Moving costs tend to be higher:

• During weekends

• In summer months

• At the end of the month (when most tenancies end)

By choosing an off-peak time, you can often save money on removal companies and services.