House Moving Costs

Moving house costs can be split into three basic categories;

Cost of Removals

Removal Fees

Removal fees will vary depending on; size of property, distance between properties, and volume of items to be moved. Different companies will offer different service plans, so shop around to find the right company for you. Using a member of the British Association of Removals ensures best codes of practice and greater financial security.

Storage

Most storage facilities charge monthly or quarterly. Fees will vary depending on the amount you wish to store and the type of storage you opt for;

• Self store – You move the items yourself to a non-manned storage facility.
• Containerised storage – A removals company will collect your items, put them in a large container which you can seal, they’ll then take your container/s to their storage facility and return it to your new address when you’re ready.

Learn more about Storage

Post Redirection

You can arrange with the Royal Mail to have your post redirected for set periods;

• 3 months
• 6 months
• 12 months

Fees start at around £33 for 6 months.

Service Fees

Some companies such as broadband providers, SKY TV will also charge a fee for switching your service to a new address.

Cost Of Buying A Property

Stamp Duty

Stamp Duty Land Tax applies to all property purchases and is paid to HM Revenue & Customs and should be factored into moving house costs.

There is a threshold for Stamp Duty, properties valued below £125,000 aren’t required to pay any Stamp Duty. For properties valued above £125,000, the cost of Stamp Duty varies depending on the value of your property.

You can calculate duty through the .Gov website’s Stamp Duty Calculator.

The cost will also vary if;

• You’re a first-time buyer.
• You already own a property and are buying an additional property.
• You’re not a UK resident.

Scotland – In Scotland rather than Stamp Duty, you are required to pay Land & Buildings Transaction Tax.

Wales – Welsh property buyers are required to pay Land Transaction Tax.

Property Surveyor

You should expect to pay between £400 and £1,500 depending on the size of property. A basic survey will identify potential faults, defects or major immediate remedial work. It will also give you a rough price of the costs of any required works.

There are three types of standard survey;

• Homebuyers Report – A basic report for modern properties in reasonable condition.
• RICS Homebuyers Report – A more detailed report, suitable for modern properties in reasonable condition.
• RICS Building Survey – Will include roof inspection, floors, ceilings, windows, suitable for larger, older properties, or properties in a poor state of repair.

Conveyancing

Conveyancing covers all the legal work by a solicitor for your house move. Costs are typically between £800 – £1,500 depending on the size of your property. In some areas and for larger properties (where additional land might be involved), costs can be more. Leasehold properties will also likely incur a larger fee.

Valuation Fee

If you’re getting a mortgage, your lender will require a valuation to ensure your property is worth the sum you wish to borrow. It’s worth shopping around (or speaking to your bank) as some lenders won’t charge a valuation fee.

There are two types of valuation;

• Mortgage Valuation – For properties under 50 years of age, in good general condition.
• Valuation & Homebuyers Report – For older properties, properties in a poorer state of repair or if you are considering immediate building work (such as an extension).

Once again, fees will depend on the size of property, starting at around £100 for a basic Mortgage Valuation on a smaller property.

Cost Of Selling A Property

Estate Agent Fees

Traditional estate agency fees are based on a percentage of the value of your home. Typically they can range between 0.75% – 3%

Online only estate agents charge a set fee, rather than a percentage of value. The fee covers your property listing for a set period of time, whether or not it sells.

Conveyancing

Conveyancing covers all the legal work undertaken by a solicitor to facilitate your house move. Conveyancing moving house costs are typically between £800 – £1,500 depending on size of property. If you are buying and selling, fees may be combined.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

By law, all properties being sold must have an EPC, fees start at around £35.

All information correct at the time of writing. For the most up to date information, please contact our team.