If you’re thinking about buying or selling a house, it’s important to factor in all the costs of moving. According to research from Really Moving, the average cost of a home move in England rose to around £17,800 in 2025, a significant increase driven by higher stamp duty charges and rising professional fees.
As well as solicitors’ fees for buying and selling property, costs for buyers may include search fees, surveys and stamp duty, and costs for sellers can include estate agent fees and the purchase of an energy performance certificate (EPC). We’ve put together a checklist of costs for moving house to help you plan your move.
If you’re thinking of buying or selling, you can use our online calculator to get a quote.
What are the costs of moving house?
Jump to:
Costs for both buyers and sellers
Costs for both buyers and sellers
1. Conveyancing Fees
Whether you are buying, selling, or both, a conveyancing lawyer is essential to your house move. You should get several conveyancing quotes for before choosing your solicitor. Your quote should include the legal fees plus costs for searches and stamp duty if applicable.
Try and get recommendations, and ask to speak to the person who would be handling your transaction. Make sure you understand all their fees. At Cartridges Law we are completely upfront about our fees; there are no hidden add-ons.
For more tips, read our advice for choosing a conveyancer.
2. Removals
Make sure you get a couple of quotes for your removals, which can vary greatly depending on the type of service you require. If budgets allow, you may opt for professional removers who pack up and move everything for you, or you may simply want to hire a van and rope in a couple of friends. Whichever you decide, ensure you have accounted for removals, and storage if you will need it, in your budgeting.
3. Mail Redirection
Don’t forget to arrange for your mail to be redirected to your new address before you move. This will ensure you don’t miss anything important and prevent any letters containing your personal information from ending up in the wrong hands, which could put you at risk of fraud. Royal Mail’s redirection service requires at least 5 working days’ notice to arrange your redirection, but you can apply up to 6 months before your moving date and redirection can be arranged for 3, 6 or 12 months.
Additional costs for buyers
4. Search Fees
Searches are enquiries which are made by your solicitor to discover information about the property you plan to purchase. A number of searches will need to be undertaken, the main ones being local authority, water and environmental.
For search fee costs, please contact us to speak to a member of our team.
5. Stamp Duty
Stamp duty is a tax you pay when you are buying a house or piece of land. When it applies, it is usually one of the biggest costs of buying a house so it is important that you factor this into your calculations.
Stamp duty rules changed in April 2025, with thresholds reverting to pre-2022 levels:
- Nil‑rate band: £125,000
- First‑time buyer relief: £300,000
Many buyers now pay more SDLT than in previous years, making early budgeting essential.
Read: Homebuyers’ Guide to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)
6. Survey Fees
A survey is an inspection carried out by a buildings expert, which may uncover potential problems with the property. There are three main types of survey – a valuation survey, a homebuyer survey, and a full structural survey – and costs vary according to the one you choose. They tend to vary in price from £400 to £1,500.
7. Deposit
The deposit is the amount of money you will need to provide up front to secure a mortgage. Lenders will normally require a minimum deposit of at least 5% of the value of the property you are buying. While some lenders accept 5%, many buyers aim for 10% or more to access better rates.
8. Mortgage Fees
Some mortgages come with an extra cost known as an arrangement fee, which is charged by the lender. These fees can be paid up front or added to your mortgage (with interest). Often mortgages with lower interest rates come with higher arrangement fees, so make sure to include it when comparing the cost of different deals.
Additional costs for sellers
9. Estate Agent Fees
Estate agent fees are one of the most significant costs of selling a house, and are paid out of the proceeds of your sale. Most agents charge between 0.75% and 3% of the property sale price, with the average being 1-2%. In some cases agents charge a flat fee, which can work out cheaper for higher value homes, but this often requires upfront payment and is usually owed even if your property does not sell.
10. Energy Performance Certificate
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) contains information about a property’s energy use and is valid for 10 years. With typical costs between £60-£120 depending on the size, location and type of property, it is another cost to consider for sellers. It is a legal requirement for a seller to provide one and it is worth getting quotes from a couple of EPC assessors.
We’re here to help
Buying or selling a home involves more than just the purchase price. From conveyancing fees and surveys to stamp duty, estate agent fees and removal costs, the total cost of moving can quickly add up. Recent increases in stamp duty thresholds and professional fees mean it is more important than ever to plan ahead and budget carefully. Understanding these costs early can help prevent delays, reduce stress and ensure your move proceeds smoothly. Taking advice from an experienced conveyancing solicitor can also help you avoid unexpected charges and keep your transaction on track.
For information about Cartridges Law conveyancing services and to get a quote, you can send us a message using our online form, contact Karen Hakin directly on k.hakin@cartridgeslaw.co.uk or telephone 01392 286798.
All figures are indicative and subject to change; clients should seek tailored legal advice.