Cost of Moving Home in the UK - Buying, Selling and Moving House
Find out the full costs of moving home in the UK including estate agent fees, conveyancing, surveys, stamp duty and removal costs when buying and selling property.
Understanding the potential costs of moving home allows you to plan and budget properly, whether you are selling, buying, or doing both. Below is a breakdown of the typical costs involved when selling and buying a home simultaneously in the UK.
What is the Average Cost of Moving House in the UK?
The total cost of moving home varies depending on individual circumstances, property value, and location. Using the UK average house price as a guide, the estimated average cost of moving home in the UK runs to several thousand pounds once all buying, selling, and moving expenses are accounted for.
Selling Costs
When selling a property, the main costs to budget for include:
| Charge or Cost | Notes |
| Estate Agent Fees | Typically 1–3% of the sale price, negotiable |
| EPC Certificate | Required if you do not have a current certificate |
| Legal Conveyancing Fees | Solicitor or licensed conveyancer costs |
| Legal Conveyancing Disbursements | Searches and other third-party charges |
Buying Costs
When purchasing a property, the main costs to budget for include:
| Charge or Cost | Notes |
| Mortgage Arrangement Fees | Setup fee charged by the lender |
| Mortgage Lender Valuation Fee | Lender's assessment of the property value |
| RICS Homebuyer Survey | Recommended for most second-hand properties |
| Legal Conveyancing Fees | Solicitor or licensed conveyancer costs |
| Legal Conveyancing Disbursements | Searches, Land Registry fees, and other charges |
| Removal Fees | Moving company costs |
| Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) | Depends on property price and buyer status |
Other Costs to Consider When Moving Home
Moving costs don't stop on completion day. Additional expenses that frequently arise after relocating include:
Mail Redirection
Royal Mail offers redirection services from your old address to your new one. This ensures you receive important correspondence while you update all your service providers, and also reduces identity fraud risks.
Home Insurance
New property purchases require home insurance. Shopping around using comparison websites helps you find the right level of cover at a competitive price. Buildings insurance is typically required by mortgage lenders as a condition of the loan.
Utilities
Notify your water, gas, and electricity suppliers about your move. Take meter readings on the day you move out and move in, and contact providers to close your old accounts and transfer or open new ones.
Life Insurance
Moving home is a good time to review your life insurance coverage, particularly if you have taken on a larger mortgage. Ensure your policy adequately covers your new property and the financial obligations associated with it.
Telephone, TV and Broadband
Contact your existing providers about moving your services. Most have dedicated home-moving teams. Bear in mind that early cancellation fees may apply if your new address is not serviceable by your current provider.
How to Save Money When Moving Home
- Research potential suppliers thoroughly and gather multiple quotes before making decisions
- Ask for recommendations from friends and family who have recently moved
- Read customer reviews carefully before choosing removal companies, solicitors, or other service providers
- Compare conveyancing quotes online to ensure you're getting competitive rates for the legal work
Use our conveyancing fees calculator to instantly compare costs from nationwide solicitors and licensed conveyancers, ensuring you get transparent, all-inclusive pricing for the legal side of your move.
Compare conveyancing quotes online from property solicitors and conveyancers
Get instant online conveyancing quotes and compare conveyancing costs from UK property solicitors in just a few minutes.
All quotes are fully itemised and include legal fees, disbursements and VAT, helping you make an informed decision.
Using our conveyancing calculator, you can compare conveyancing quotes and costs side by side to find the best value option for your property transaction.
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