Jack Tuck | The cost of moving! Crunching the numbers.
Moving to a new home can be an exciting adventure, but it often comes with a range of costs that can catch you off guard if you're not prepared.
The Real Cost of Moving: What No One Tells You Until It’s Too Late
Moving home is often sold as an exciting fresh start a new chapter. But here’s the part most estate agents and property blogs won’t tell you: it can also be one of the most financially draining experiences you’ll face if you're not properly prepared.
The reality? Most people seriously underestimate the true cost of moving. And that underestimation can lead to stress, delays, and poor decisions.
Whether you're buying, selling, or both, getting a handle on the full picture is essential not just for peace of mind, but for financial protection. Below, we break down the actual costs you’re likely to encounter (and some you probably haven’t even considered).
1. Estate Agent Fees 💼💰
Selling your home? Expect to pay for it sometimes handsomely. Estate agent fees vary, but transparency is everything. Too many sellers agree to low upfront fees only to find “extras” tacked on later. Always clarify what's included and what isn’t. We like to Keep it simple.
2. Solicitor or Conveyancer Fees 📜⚖️
Legal support is non-negotiable, but fees can vary wildly. The cheapest quote may also be the slowest or least communicative. In a chain-dependent market, poor legal support can derail your move — so choose wisely, not cheaply.
3. Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) 🏴📜
This tax still catches many buyers off guard. The thresholds and exemptions are complex especially for second-home buyers or investors. Don’t wait until offer stage to calculate it.
👉 Use our Stamp Duty Calculator to know exactly what you’re dealing with before you commit. - https://ivyandstone.uk/tools/stamp-duty-calculator/
4. Survey Costs 🔍🏡
Skipping a survey to save a few hundred pounds could cost you thousands down the line. Depending on the type of property and age, a homebuyer or full building survey may be critical.
Tip: Get quotes and confirm turnaround times. A delay here can stall your entire transaction.
5. Removal Costs 🚚
The cost of physically moving your belongings is often overlooked until it’s too late. Volume, distance, and access issues (like narrow stairwells or top-floor flats) can all drive prices up. Don’t leave it until the week before completion.
6. Mortgage Fees 💳🏦
Arrangement fees, booking fees, valuation fees mortgage providers are experts at hiding costs in the small print. Work with a broker who explains every line item.
7. Insurance Costs🛡️
Lenders may require buildings insurance before exchange, and some buyers forget this step entirely. Add in contents and mortgage protection insurance, and you’re looking at a stack of ongoing monthly commitments most people fail to budget for upfront.
8. Utilities and Council Tax💡🏡
Setting up utilities can feel like a full-time job. Aside from deposits and setup fees, many people overlook council tax band differences especially if you're upsizing. It adds up.... quickly.
9. Repairs & Pre-Move Work 🔧🤝
Whether you're fixing up your current home for sale or prepping the new one to move in, repair costs are rarely optional. Paint, flooring, plumbing, and general maintenance can snowball so get quotes early and build in a buffer.
10. The “Hidden” Moving-In Costs 📦🏠
New furniture, curtains, appliances, or even just a deep clean it all comes at a price. Then there are the overlooked logistics: childcare, pet boarding, time off work... and the inevitable takeaway nights while the kitchen is in chaos.
The Bottom Line?
Moving isn’t just an emotional shift it’s a major financial undertaking. But the problem isn’t the cost it’s the lack of awareness.
At Ivy & Stone, we don’t sugarcoat the process. We believe in transparency from day one so you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and control.
