Cost of moving home

One of the biggest costs when moving home is your deposit. This typically ranges from 5% to 15% of the property value, depending on your lender and mortgage product. If you already own a home, you may be able to use the equity you’ve built up to support your next purchase.

Alongside your deposit, Stamp Duty is another key cost to consider. This is a government tax paid when buying a property over a certain value, and the amount you pay will depend on the price of your new home and your buyer status. While your solicitor will handle the payment, it’s important to make sure the funds are available when needed.

There are also legal costs involved in buying and selling a home. A conveyancing solicitor will manage the legal process for you, with fees typically varying depending on the complexity of your move.

When arranging your mortgage, there may be a few additional costs to factor in.

These can include arrangement fees, booking fees and, in some cases, a fee for working with a mortgage advisor. Some lenders allow these to be added to your mortgage, but paying them upfront can help keep your monthly repayments lower over time.

You may also choose to have a property survey carried out before completing your purchase. While not essential, it can give you peace of mind by highlighting any potential issues early on.

If you’re selling a home as part of your move, estate agent fees are another cost to consider. These are usually a percentage of your property’s value and are paid once your sale completes.

At Tilia Homes, we can help make this part of the process easier with schemes such as Smooth Move on selected homes, where we may cover your estate agent fees.

When it comes to moving day itself, many people choose to hire a removal company to make things simpler. Costs will vary depending on the size of your home and the level of service you choose, with packing services available if you’d like an extra helping hand.

There may also be a few smaller costs to think about, such as storage, insurance or cleaning, but planning ahead can help avoid any last-minute surprises.

Alongside the upfront costs, it’s important to think about your ongoing monthly expenses in your new home.

As well as your mortgage, this may include utility bills, council tax, broadband, insurance and, in some cases, service charges or ground rent. Understanding these early can help you budget more confidently and ensure your new home remains affordable long term.