What Moving House Really Costs (And Why Your Budget's Probably Wrong)
Moving house doesn't have to be a financial nightmare if you plan properly
So you're thinking about moving house? Brilliant!
But before you start dreaming about your new kitchen, let's have a proper chat about what it's actually going to cost you. Because here's the thing - everyone talks about removal fees and solicitor costs, but there's a whole bunch of other expenses lurking in the shadows, waiting to pounce on your carefully planned budget.
The Stuff Everyone Expects to Pay For
Your Removal Company
This one's obvious, right? But the price can vary depending distance of the move, and the level of service required.
A local move for a two-bedroom house might cost significantly less than a long-distance relocation for a four-bedroom family home. Don't forget to factor in additional services like packing, storage, or specialist handling for pianos or artwork.
Estate Agents
They'll want their cut - typically between 1-3% of your property's sale price, though this varies by region and negotiation skills.
Solicitors
Legal costs for both buying and selling usually range from £500-£1,500 per transaction, depending on complexity.
Stamp Duty
A significant cost for buyers, calculated on a sliding scale based on property value.
The Sneaky Ones That'll Catch You Out
Surveys and Valuations
Your mortgage company insists on a valuation, but you'd be mad not to get a proper survey done too. Nobody wants to discover the roof's about to cave in after they've signed on the dotted line.
Mortgage Fees
Lenders love their arrangement fees. Some let you roll it into the mortgage, but then you're paying interest on it for decades.
Insurance From Day One
You need buildings insurance the moment you exchange contracts - not when you get the keys.
Getting Connected
Gas, electric, water, broadband, phone - they all want deposits, especially if you're new to the area.
Double Council Tax
You might face a period where you're paying council tax on both properties, particularly if there's a gap between selling and buying completion dates.
The Ones Nobody Mentions Until It's Too Late
Taking Time Off Work
Unless you're incredibly lucky, you'll be taking unpaid leave for viewings, surveys, and the actual move. That's money not coming in when you need it most.
Storage Fees
If your moving dates don't align perfectly, you might need temporary storage. Even a few weeks can add up.
Professional Cleaning
Want your deposit back from your rental? Need the new place liveable? Professional cleaners aren't cheap, but they're often essential.
Fixing the Obvious Problems
That wonky door handle and dripping tap you noticed during the viewing? They'll drive you mad within a week of moving in.
New Locks
First rule of moving into any property - change the locks. You never know who's got spare keys floating about.
Garden Emergencies
Moved in during spring to find the garden's a jungle? Or worse, moved in winter to discover the fence has blown down? These things need sorting quickly.
The 'Oh Crikey' Expenses
Living on Takeaways
Your kitchen's packed in boxes somewhere, so you'll be living on expensive convenience food for longer than you'd like.
Emergency Shopping Trips
Guaranteed you'll pack away something crucial and have to dash out to buy a replacement immediately.
Pet Complications
Got furry family members? They might need special transport or temporary boarding, especially for long-distance moves.
How to Not Go Completely Skint
Shop Around Properly
Don't just accept the first quote you receive. Compare services and prices from several removal companies, but remember - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Time It Right
Everyone moves at the end of the month and during school holidays. Be different if you can - it'll save you money.
Have a Proper Clear-Out
Why pay to move stuff you don't want? Sell it, give it away, or bin it. Your removal costs will thank you.
Keep Every Receipt
Moving for work? Some of these costs might be tax-deductible. Keep the paperwork.
Add Extra to Your Budget
Whatever you think it'll cost, add another 20% on top. Trust me on this one.
The Reality Check
Moving house is expensive - properly expensive. We're talking thousands on top of your actual property costs. But here's the thing: it doesn't have to be a financial nightmare if you plan properly.
The trick is being realistic about what it'll actually cost, not what you hope it might cost. And while it might seem tempting to cut corners, sometimes spending a bit more upfront saves you a fortune later. Good removal companies might cost more, but they're insured, experienced, and won't disappear with your belongings.
Don't let the costs put you off making your move - just make sure you know what you're getting into. With proper planning and a realistic budget, you can get through it without any horrible surprises.
