Moving Costs When Buying or Selling a Home | Moving to a new home is both exciting and challenging. Alongside the anticipation of a fresh start, many practical tasks require attention. A key consideration is the cost of moving, which can quickly increase if not properly managed. Expenses such as hiring movers, purchasing packing materials, and arranging transportation must be carefully planned. This guide outlines the key costs of moving and offers practical budgeting tips to ensure a smooth transition.
Whether you’re stepping onto the property ladder or upgrading your space, it’s essential to understand the cost of moving home. Beyond the purchase price of your new property, there are several moving costs to consider. In this guide, we’ll break down the typical expenses involved in moving home. This will help you budget realistically, avoid hidden fees, and ensure a smooth transition to your new property.
What Are the Main Costs of Moving?
| Moving Cost | Details |
|---|---|
| Estate Agent Fees | If you’re selling a property, estate agent fees typically range from 0.75% to 3% of the sale price, plus VAT. These fees cover marketing, viewings, and negotiations. Online agents may offer fixed fees, but ensure the service level meets your needs. |
| Solicitor or Conveyancing Fees | Conveyancers or solicitors handle legal work for property sales or purchases. Fees typically range from £800 to £1,500, depending on the property’s value and complexity. Look for quotes that include all potential disbursements. |
| Stamp Duty Land Tax | In England and Northern Ireland, Stamp Duty applies to properties priced above a certain threshold. First-time buyers get relief, while second-home buyers may face a surcharge. Visit the official government website for the latest thresholds. |
| Mortgage Fees | Mortgage-related costs can include application, valuation, and product fees. Some lenders waive certain fees or allow you to add them to your mortgage. Review the total cost of borrowing with your mortgage adviser. |
| Survey Costs | A survey helps identify property issues before you commit. Basic valuations may be free, but a Homebuyer Report or Full Structural Survey can range from £400 to £1,500. This can save you money by flagging costly repairs early. |
| Removal Costs | Hiring a removal company can cost between £400 and £1,200, depending on distance, volume, and services included. Declutter in advance to reduce volume and costs. You may save by packing yourself, but weigh that against the stress and time involved. |
| Insurance Costs | You must have buildings insurance in place from the day you exchange contracts. You may also want to take out contents insurance and consider mortgage protection. These policies protect your home and personal belongings. |
| Council Tax and Utility Set-Up | Don’t forget to account for council tax, gas, electricity, water, broadband, and other bills when moving into your new home. You may also need to pay cancellation or transfer fees for existing services. |
| Temporary Storage or Accommodation | If there’s a gap between moving out and moving in, you may need storage for your belongings or a short-term rental. Budget for this possibility so you’re not caught off guard. |
Planning for a Stress-Free Move
Moving is a major life event, both emotionally and financially. Planning ahead makes the process smoother and more affordable. Use a moving costs checklist to track every potential expense.
You should also speak with your mortgage adviser early to understand any lender-specific costs and assess the full affordability of your move. For example, some borrowers overlook the fees involved in porting or switching mortgages.
Additional Moving Costs to Include in Your Budget
When calculating your moving expenses, it is important to account for smaller costs that may be easy to overlook. These can include:
- Packing supplies such as cardboard boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and labels
- Fuel costs and toll charges if you are driving a hired van or using your own vehicle
- Hotel stays or short-term accommodation if you are moving over a long distance
- Meal costs during travel or while your kitchen is not yet functional
By planning for these minor but necessary expenses, you can build a more accurate budget and avoid unexpected financial pressure.
How to Keep Your Mail Secure During a Move
During a house move, it is common for important posts to be delayed or misplaced. Using a postal redirection service helps ensure your mail reaches your new address securely. This is especially useful for receiving time-sensitive or confidential documents.
In the UK, Royal Mail offers redirection services that forward your post from your old address to your new one for a selected time period. As of the latest guidance:
- A six-month redirection within the UK costs approximately £33.50
- International redirection for the same period costs around £67.00
You can also request address change cards or ask Royal Mail to hold your mail at a local branch while you complete your move. These services reduce the risk of losing vital correspondence during the transition to your new home.
For help with mortgage applications or related paperwork, you can “Find Mortgage Advisers” who offer support tailored to home movers.
Mail Redirection Services for Businesses
Businesses also benefit from postal redirection during office relocations. This service ensures that essential business mail, including contracts, client communications, and financial documents, is sent to the correct new location. Royal Mail offers business redirection services with flexible options based on your needs.
Pricing for business redirection depends on the service location and duration. For added convenience, businesses can also request address change notifications or temporary post-holding to maintain continuity.
Managing Total Moving Costs Effectively
The overall cost of moving home depends on several factors, including:
- Distance between properties
- Volume of items being transported
- Use of professional moving companies
- Required services such as cleaning, storage, or temporary accommodation
- Utility setup and cancellation fees
To manage your budget more effectively:
- Compare quotes from reputable removal firms
- Plan each stage of your move ahead of time
- Include every expected and optional cost in your moving checklist
If you’re a mortgage adviser looking to support clients with financial planning, you can “Join our Mortgage network” for access to tools, training, and compliance resources.
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