Summary
Moving home in the UK involves significant costs beyond the property price. The total can range from £5,000 for a first-time buyer to £30,000+ for someone selling and buying simultaneously. The calculator itemises all the common costs: estate agent fees, solicitor/conveyancing, surveys, stamp duty, removals, and incidental expenses.
How it works
Costs when selling
| Cost | Typical amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Estate agent fees | 1-3% of sale price (+ VAT) | Typically 1-1.5% for online, 1.5-3% for high street |
| Conveyancing (solicitor) | £800 - £1,500 + VAT | Legal work to transfer ownership |
| EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) | £60 - £120 | Required by law before listing |
| Mortgage early repayment charge | 1-5% of outstanding balance | If within a fixed-rate period |
Costs when buying
| Cost | Typical amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stamp Duty (SDLT) | Varies by price and buyer type | See stamp duty calculator |
| Conveyancing (solicitor) | £800 - £1,500 + VAT | Plus disbursements (searches, Land Registry) |
| Survey | £300 - £1,500 | Level 2 (HomeBuyer) or Level 3 (Building) |
| Mortgage arrangement fee | £0 - £2,000 | Some mortgages have no fee |
| Mortgage valuation | £0 - £500 | Often free with the mortgage |
| Removal costs | £500 - £2,000 | Depends on distance and volume |
Disbursements
Solicitors pass on various third-party costs:
- Local authority searches: £100-£300
- Environmental search: £50-£100
- Water and drainage search: £30-£60
- Land Registry fee: £40-£910 (based on property price)
- Bank transfer fee: £25-£50
Worked example
Selling at £350,000, buying at £400,000 (not first-time buyer)
Selling costs:
- Estate agent (1.5% + VAT): £6,300
- Conveyancing: £1,200
- EPC: £80
- Total selling: £7,580
Buying costs:
- Stamp duty: £7,500
- Conveyancing + disbursements: £1,800
- Survey (Level 2): £500
- Mortgage fee: £999
- Removals: £1,200
- Total buying: £11,999
Grand total: £19,579
Inputs explained
- Sale price — the price you are selling your current property for (if applicable)
- Purchase price — the price of the property you are buying
- Estate agent fee % — the agreed commission rate
- Buyer type — first-time buyer, home mover, or additional property (affects stamp duty)
- Survey level — condition report, HomeBuyer, or building survey
Outputs explained
- Total moving cost — the sum of all expenses
- Itemised breakdown — each cost separately with explanations
- Cash required — deposit + all moving costs (the total you need available)
Assumptions & limitations
- Estate agent fees vary significantly. Online agents may charge a fixed fee (£300-£1,000) instead of a percentage.
- Mortgage costs depend on your product choice. Fee-free mortgages often have slightly higher rates.
- Does not include costs of decorating, furnishing, or repairing the new property.
- Chain-related delays may increase costs if you need bridging finance or temporary accommodation.
- Scottish property transactions use a different system (offers over, home reports) with different cost profiles.
Sources
Gov
MoneyHelper - Costs of Moving Homeaccessed 28 Feb 2026
Industry
HomeOwners Alliance - Moving Costs Guideaccessed 28 Feb 2026
moving-cost estate-agent solicitor conveyancing removals