How much does it cost to move house?

Moving home is exciting, but it can also be pricey. Here, we’ve broken down the expenses that crop up when you’re moving to a new home to help you understand the costs so you’re prepared.

Read on to learn how you can plan and budget for a smooth move.

Introduction to moving costs

Moving costs depend on several factors, like your moving distance, the size of your home, and whether you hire professional help. Knowing these costs in advance can help you budget and plan.

Weʼve outlined the main costs you’ll need to think about with moving, so you can start working out your budget in time for moving day.

Key factors influencing moving costs

Here are things you may want to budget for:

• How much do you need to move? If you're moving home and taking all of your furniture with you, it will probably cost more than if you were a first time buyer with fewer of the large possessions, such as sofas.
• Or with the help from some friends, you may not need professional movers at all!
• Moving distance:  The distance between your old property and your new one will impact the overall cost of transporting your things. The further away, the more you’ll have to pay in petrol (if you’re moving yourself) and service fees (if you’ve hired a removal service).
• Timing: Moving at the beginning or end of the month tends to be more expensive, as does moving on weekends or holidays. If possible, schedule your move during off-peak times, to help you save on rental costs and service fees. Most people choose to move on a Friday to save costs.

Breakdown of costs before moving home

When you move home, it's good to know all the fees upfront, so you can budget these into your moving costs. Weʼve outlined some of the things you may want to consider, which are important to budget for as part of your overall moving day plan.

Legal and administrative fees

If youʼre buying a home, youʼll already have thought about your deposit and mortgage costs—but there are other costs to consider such as the cost of solicitors or any selling fees:

• Legal and conveyancing fees: Youʼll need a solicitor to manage the purchase of your home, which will either cost a percentage of the purchase price or a flat fee. Youʼll also need to pay land registry fees (based on the purchase price of your home). Costs will depend on who you choose to work with. Getting quotes in advance will help you to budget.
• Stamp Duty and Land Transaction Taxes: There are specific taxes that may apply to your new home purchase, which will depend on whether youʼre a first time buyer, where youʼre located within the UK, and the sale price of your property. These taxes vary for homes in England, Scotland, and Wales, and are based on a tiered system related to the value of your home. Visit the Gov website, or talk to your mortgage provider for advice or guidance on how to calculate any fees that may be associated with your move.
• Estate agent fees: Most people use an estate agent for support when selling their home, which means you will likely have to pay estate agent fees while selling. The cost will vary based on the estate agent you work with and the value of your property, but this will be agreed as part of your contract with them.

Moving day expenses

When it comes to moving day itself, there are a number of costs that can crop up. These expenses will depend on how you decide to move and what services you might need to use. Some things to think about include:

• Removal company: Hiring a moving company can cost between £350 and £1,400, depending on home size and distance. Hiring a van yourself might be a cheaper option. Try and get some quotes from local van hire businesses to get the best deal.
• Packing materials: Boxes, tape, and other supplies can add up. Some removal companies offer packing services for an additional fee. Try asking your local supermarkets or businesses for any spare boxes.
• Insurance: Ensure your home insurance covers your belongings during the move, or consider a temporary contents policy. You'll also need to have home insurance when you exchange on the new property.

Additional costs

There may be additional services you need during or shortly after moving day to help you transition into your new home. While planning your move, itʼs worth thinking about:

• Storage: Temporary storage may be useful while you unpack.
• Utility setup fees: Transferring or installing utilities in your new home may come with connection fees.
• Service charges: Leasehold properties may require ground rent or service charges.

Strategies to save money on moving costs

While moving typically comes at a big expense, there are many different things you can do to save money along the way. Once you have a good understanding of your overall expenses and a plan for your move, spend some time looking for ways to cut down costs:

• Compare quotes: Get two or three quotes for removal companies and solicitors to find the best rates.
• Negotiate rates: Talk to agents, solicitors, or removal companies to see if discounts are available.
• Do-It-Yourself: Handle as much of the packing and moving yourself, or get help from friends and family to cut down on professional fees.

Final thoughts

Moving to a new home is an exciting time. Planning ahead and doing your research will give you a better understanding of your moving costs. From there, you can organise your finances and properly budget for your move.

Get more tips and advice on planning for a move or chat to our Mortgage Experts to talk mortgage rates, home insurance, and more ways we can help you settle into your next home.