Moving home is exciting! But understanding the true cost of moving house is essential to avoid surprises… From your first property viewing to completion and beyond, there are upfront fees, ongoing costs, and hidden expenses that aren’t always clearly explained.
This guide breaks down the cost of moving home in the UK, so you know what to expect at every stage. We also offer free financial advice and a bespoke cost of moving appointment to help you plan the entire journey with confidence. Please contact us to book in for a no-obligation conversation.
📞 Call us: 01606 531 556
✉️ Email us: info@zeomortgages.co.uk
📅 Prefer to book online? 👉 Book a free call with a Zeo adviser
Before You Make an Offer: Laying the Groundwork for Your Move
Deposits and No-Deposit Mortgages
One of the first questions is how much you need upfront. This could be:
- A traditional deposit from savings or a gift
- Or, for some buyers, a low or no-deposit mortgage
What’s right for you depends on your circumstances, and this is exactly where a conversation with us early on can help clarify what’s realistic (and comfortable) for your budget.
Having Savings and Clear Funds Ready
Even before an offer is accepted, it’s important to have clear, accessible funds set aside for upfront costs, such as:
- Potential mortgage-related fees
- Initial legal costs
- ID and anti-money laundering (AML) checks required by professionals
We’ll help you understand how much you should have available and when you’ll need it.
Once Your Offer Is Accepted: Hidden and Less-Obvious Moving Costs
This is the stage where costs can feel less predictable.
Legal Fees
Your solicitor will usually require payment to:
- Open their file
- Carry out searches
- Complete AML checks
These are early costs that often need paying well before completion.
Selling a Property?
If you’re also selling, there may be some upfront costs such as:
- Professional photography
- Floorplans or EPCs
- Estate agent marketing fees (depending on provider)
We can help you plan for these so there are no last-minute surprises.
Stamp Duty Costs (Including Shared Ownership Purchases)
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is one of the biggest moving costs, but it’s not always simple!
This is especially true for non-standard purchases, such as:
- Shared ownership
- Home mover scenarios
- Buying while still owning another property
We’ll help you understand what applies to your purchase and factor it accurately into your overall moving budget.
Moving Day Costs: Removals and Practical Expenses
Removals
Whether you choose a full removals service or a DIY approach, costs can vary depending on:
- Distance
- Volume of belongings
- Packing services
It’s another area we’ll help you plan for realistically, based on your situation.
After Completion: Mortgage Payments, Insurance and Ongoing Costs
Once you’ve got the keys, the costs sadly don’t stop, but they do change and become easy to manage.
We’ll walk you through:
- Your mortgage illustration (we can show you exactly what your first payment is being calculated at, and when to expect it based of your lenders documents)
- Protection and insurance policies
- When initial payments are likely to be taken
Those first payments can sometimes feel a little sporadic before everything settles into a regular monthly routine. Knowing what’s coming (and when!) helps you feel in control from day one.
Let’s Map Out the Full Cost of Your Move
The cost of moving isn’t just about the deposit or the mortgage; it’s about everything in between and beyond.
Our free, bespoke cost of moving appointment is designed to:
- Uncover the costs that aren’t always obvious
- Help you plan for upfront and ongoing expenses
- Give you confidence at every stage of your move
If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or moving home, it’s never too early to get clarity. By speaking to us early, we can help you understand the full cost of moving house, from deposits and stamp duty to removals and first mortgage payments.
Together, we’ll map out the entire cost of your move, so there are no surprises along the way.
Ready to Map Out the True Cost of Your Move? 🏡💷
The cost of moving is about more than just your deposit or mortgage rate. From upfront fees and hidden costs to those first few payments after completion, having a clear plan makes all the difference.
We offer free financial advice and a bespoke cost of moving appointment, tailored to you, to help you understand the full picture and move forward with confidence.
📞 Call us: 01606 531 556
✉️ Email us: info@zeomortgages.co.uk
📅 Prefer to book online? 👉 Book a free call with a Zeo adviser
We’re here to help you plan for the costs you expect (and the ones you don’t) so there are no surprises along the way ✨