How Much Does It Cost to Move House in the UK? (Updated 2025)

Moving house in the UK can be an exciting yet expensive process. Understanding the costs involved can help you plan your budget and avoid unexpected expenses. The total cost of moving varies depending on factors such as property value, location, removal services, and legal fees. This guide breaks down the key costs associated with moving house in 2025.

Average Cost of Moving House in the UK

The cost of moving house in the UK typically ranges between £6,000 and £12,000, but this can vary depending on the property’s value, services required, and location.

Key Moving Costs Breakdown

1. Estate Agent Fees
2. Conveyancing Fees
3. Stamp Duty
4. Survey Costs
5. Mortgage Fees
6. Removal Costs
7. Additional Costs (Storage, Cleaning, etc.)

1. Estate Agent Fees

If you are selling your property, estate agent fees are one of the biggest expenses. Fees are typically charged as a percentage of the property’s selling price.

• Traditional estate agents: 1% – 3% of the sale price (+VAT)
• Online estate agents: Fixed fees ranging from £500 to £2,000

For example, if you sell a house for £250,000, you could pay anywhere from £2,500 to £7,500 in estate agent fees.

2. Conveyancing Fees

Conveyancing costs cover the legal work required to transfer property ownership. Prices vary depending on whether you are buying, selling, or both.

• Buying only: £500 – £1,500
• Selling only: £500 – £1,000
• Buying & Selling: £1,000 – £2,500

Additional disbursement costs include:

• Land Registry fee: £20 – £1,105 (based on property value)
• Local authority searches: £200 – £500

3. Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)

Stamp Duty is a government tax paid on property purchases over £250,000 (for residential buyers in England and Northern Ireland).

Stamp Duty Rates 2025 (England & Northern Ireland)

• Up to £250,000 – 0%
• £250,001 to £925,000 – 5%
• £925,001 to £1.5 million – 10%
• Over £1.5 million – 12%

For example, if you buy a home for £400,000, your Stamp Duty would be £7,500 (5% of £150,000).

Exemptions & Discounts:

• First-time buyers: Pay no Stamp Duty on the first £425,000.
• Scotland (LBTT) & Wales (LTT): Different tax rates apply.

4. Survey Costs

Surveys assess the condition of a property before purchase.

• Condition Report (Basic Survey): £250 – £400
• Homebuyer Report (Mid-Level): £400 – £700
• Full Structural Survey: £600 – £1,500

A survey is optional but highly recommended to identify potential issues.

5. Mortgage Fees

If you are taking out a mortgage, there may be associated costs:

• Arrangement fee: £500 – £2,000
• Valuation fee: £250 – £800
• Broker fees (if using a mortgage broker): £300 – £500

Some lenders offer fee-free mortgages, but these often have higher interest rates.

6. Removal Costs

The cost of moving your belongings depends on distance, volume, and additional services (e.g., packing).

Removal Company Costs:

• Local move (1-2 bed house): £300 – £600
• Medium move (3-4 bed house): £700 – £1,500
• Long-distance move (e.g., London to Manchester): £1,200 – £2,500

DIY Moving Costs:

If you choose to move yourself, you’ll need to budget for:

• Van hire: £50 – £150 per day
• Packing materials: £50 – £200

7. Additional Moving Costs

Storage Costs

If there’s a delay between moving out and moving in, you may need storage:

• Small storage unit: £20 – £50 per month
• Medium storage unit: £60 – £120 per month
• Large storage unit: £150 – £300 per month

Cleaning Costs

End-of-tenancy or pre-move cleaning services typically cost:

• 1-2 bed house: £80 – £150
• 3-4 bed house: £150 – £300

Total Estimated Cost of Moving House in 2025

To give you an idea of overall costs, here’s a sample budget for different property price ranges:

Ways to Save Money When Moving

• Compare estate agent fees – Negotiate commission rates or use online agents.
• Use a mortgage broker – They may find lower interest rates and fee-free deals.
• Book removal services early – Secure lower prices by booking in advance.
• Declutter before moving – Fewer items mean lower removal costs.
• Use free packing materials – Get boxes from supermarkets or friends.

Moving house in the UK can be costly, but careful budgeting and planning can help manage expenses. By understanding the different costs involved – from estate agent fees to removal costs – you can make informed decisions and save money where possible. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced homeowner, knowing what to expect financially will ensure a smoother transition to your new home.

If you’re planning a move in London, get your free competitive quote here today.