Frequently Asked Questions

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Moving Costs Calculator is a helpful tool which calculates the estimated costs of your house move, sale or purchase. From legal fees, through to removals and much more, we can help you prepare for the costs of buying and selling property in the UK.

Our Moving Costs Calculator takes information about your purchase or sale, including the location, the sale or purchase price along with things like the number of bedrooms and legal matters such as if you are a first time buyer. It crunches the numbers and tells you the likely costs you will encounter for each part of the process.

Absolutely! Our Moving Costs Calculator is completely free to use, and we can help you get the best prices for the different moving services you require too!

Yes – our calculator works for all areas of the United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland).

You can, however the more details you can input the better! If you do not know the exact postcode for example, you can use the street or road name instead. Please be aware that the estimated costs will be more accurate with correct information about your property.

On the right hand side of the calculator, we have broken down the different costs for you. Simply hover over the small black question mark symbol to read a short explanation of each cost.

Once you have used the calculator to see what your expected moving costs are likely to be, use the links on the right hand side of the costs to compare quotes for different moving services! From removal companies, to conveyancing solicitors and even mortgages and home buyers surveys, we can help you get the best prices.

Yes, the Moving Costs Calculator can be used by those purely selling, purely buying or buying and selling in one move. Simply select which type of transaction you are doing at the start of the calculator.

Yes, you can request a personalised Moving Costs Calculation using the contact form on our website.

It is advised to plan before you sell your property, an estate agent won't do enough planning for a smooth sale. The biggest fee when moving house is the fees that the estate agent will charge you for their marketing. Every estate agent will have their own set percentage, but the majority of high street estate agents will charge around 1 to 3 percent of the sale amount. Therefore your estate agent will vary based on the estate agent you're using and the price value of your property. If you have Furniture on your property, and you are wanting to take it with you, it is most likely going to cost you a fair amount to transport the items to your new house. The variables here are how heavy your furniture is and how big the distance is that you need it moved. This price is normally quite low unless you have a large house or a moving to a vastly different area. There are also legal fees to keep in mind when selling a house. You will have to pay solicitor fees because although the buyer is paying for the searches, you still have to pay for a licensed conveyancer when selling. This fee should set you back up to around £1500 maximum. Anyone selling a house is legally obligated to provide an energy performance certificate, which has information about the efficiency of the electrics in the property. If you don't have this certificate, it will cost you around £100 to get one.

The first thing you should do when considering selling your property is to get a valuation, an online estate agent can give you a general idea but you are better off getting a local solicitor or licensed conveyor for your evaluations when moving to a new home. However, you should consider getting extra ones done because the valuation can vary and you don't have to stick to one seller, the price of the hose is up to you. Transferring ownership of a property is a legally binding action, which means you need to get a lawyer to transfer ownership; this action is called conveyancing. At this point, you may get an offer and have to sign the exchange contracts. This is the point at which you are legally bound to the sale, only if the buyer pulls out will the sale not proceed at this point. Once you have moved out in the time agreed, the solicitor will report the transfer of ownership of the land and will collect on their percentage which they agreed on before the sale started.

The buyer of a house or property will always be the one to pay Stamp Duty Tax, not the seller.

Real estate commissions usually range between 4% and 6% of a property’s sale price. This amount is then further divided between the brokerage and the agent who worked on the sale.

If you are planning on stretching your budget to the absolute limit, then it is perfectly legal to sell or buy a home without the involvement of an agent.

The average cost of purchasing a house in the UK stands at £33,070, considering a home valued at £277,000, which represents the current average house price in the country. However, it's important to note that this figure can vary depending on the specific location and size of the property. Additionally, it's crucial to consider the fees associated with the conveyancer you choose for the legal process and the type of survey required for the property. Taking these factors into account will provide a more accurate estimation of the overall cost involved in buying a house in the UK.

When purchasing a house, solicitor conveyancing fees typically range from £500 to £1,150, although this can vary depending on various factors. It's important to consider that when including disbursements, the total costs can significantly increase. In the United Kingdom, the average conveyancing fees for buying a house, inclusive of disbursements, amount to approximately £2,339. It's essential to consult with your chosen solicitor to obtain an accurate breakdown of their fees and any additional expenses to ensure transparency and clarity throughout the conveyancing process.

A building survey can be highly valuable and worth the investment for buyers and homeowners, especially for older properties, properties in poor condition, or properties with complex structural issues. By commissioning a building survey, individuals gain detailed insights into the property's condition, identifying potential problems, defects, and maintenance needs that may not be evident during a standard viewing. The survey report provides valuable information that can help buyers make informed decisions, negotiate pricing based on any necessary repairs or upgrades, budget for future maintenance costs, and prioritise renovations or improvements. Additionally, a building survey can uncover hidden issues that could potentially save buyers from costly surprises or major repairs down the line, offering peace of mind and ensuring a thorough understanding of the property's overall condition. Ultimately, the decision to conduct a building survey depends on the property's age, condition, complexity, and the buyer's level of risk tolerance. For many, the benefits of a building survey in terms of peace of mind, knowledge, and potential cost savings make it a worthwhile investment in the property buying process.

The duration of a building survey varies depending on factors such as the type of survey chosen, the size and complexity of the property, the accessibility of areas to be inspected, and the thoroughness of the surveyor's examination. On average, a building survey can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day to complete, with more extensive surveys like Building Surveys (Level 3) typically requiring more time due to their in-depth nature. For a Condition Report (Level 1) or HomeBuyer Report (Level 2), which are less detailed compared to a Building Survey, the survey may be completed in a shorter timeframe, typically a few hours. During this time, the surveyor conducts a visual inspection of the property, evaluates key areas, and notes any significant findings. In contrast, a Building Survey involves a comprehensive and thorough examination of the property, including in-depth assessments of structural components, roofing, plumbing, electrical systems, insulation, and more. Due to the detailed nature of a Building Survey, the surveyor may need a full day or longer to complete the inspection, especially for larger or more complex properties. After the survey is conducted, the surveyor compiles their findings into a detailed report, which may take additional time to prepare, depending on the extent of the survey and the level of detail included in the report. Overall, while the exact duration of a building survey can vary, buyers can typically expect the process to take anywhere from a few hours to a day or more, including both the on-site inspection and report preparation

Yes, a building survey typically includes a visual inspection of the property's electrical systems as part of the overall assessment. During the survey, the surveyor will examine the condition of the visible electrical fixtures, wiring, sockets, switches, and any visible electrical components to assess their general state and identify any potential issues or safety concerns. While the electrical inspection conducted during a building survey primarily focuses on visual observations, the surveyor may look for signs of outdated or faulty wiring, visible damage, exposed wires, improperly installed fixtures, and other visible electrical hazards. They may also assess the location and number of electrical outlets, the use of extension cords, and the general condition of the electrical installations to determine if any immediate attention or further investigation by a qualified electrician is necessary. While the electrical inspection during a building survey provides valuable insights into the visible condition of the property's electrical systems, it is essential to note that the surveyor's evaluation may not encompass a detailed electrical audit or testing of the system's functionality. If potential electrical issues are identified or if the property is older or has specific electrical concerns, the surveyor may recommend further assessment by a qualified electrician for a more thorough inspection and testing of the electrical systems.

The cheapest days for removals are typically Tuesday or Wednesday. These midweek days are often less busy for removals companies compared to the weekends or Mondays, making them more likely to offer discounted rates or special deals for moving services. Additionally, choosing a midweek day for your move can help you avoid peak demand times, potentially resulting in lower costs and more flexibility in scheduling your relocation

Yes, the size of your house can significantly impact the cost of removals services. The volume of items to be moved, the number of rooms, the size of furniture pieces, and the overall complexity of the move are all factors that are influenced by the size of your house. Larger homes typically have more belongings, furniture, and items that need to be packed, loaded, transported, and unloaded, which can require more time, resources, and manpower from the removals company. As a result, the cost of removals services is often higher for larger houses compared to smaller residences. Removals companies may take into account the size and type of property, the number of rooms, and the amount of furniture and belongings to be moved when providing a quote for their services. It is essential to consider the size of your house and the associated logistics when budgeting for removals costs.

Yes, many removal companies offer furniture dismantling and reassembly services as part of their offerings. Professional movers are often trained and equipped to disassemble large or complex furniture pieces, such as bed frames, tables, wardrobes, and other items that may not fit through doorways or staircases in their assembled state. This service can help ensure the safe and efficient transportation of furniture during the move and prevent damage to the items or the property. Once the items reach the new location, the removal company can reassemble the furniture and place it in the desired rooms according to the client's instructions. Not all removal companies may offer this service, so it is advisable to inquire about furniture dismantling and reassembly when selecting a removal company for your move.

To save money when working with removal companies, consider comparing quotes from multiple providers to find the best deal that fits your budget and needs. Planning ahead by booking your move in advance can also result in lower rates and more options for cost-effective moving dates. Additionally, decluttering your belongings before the move can reduce the load and, in turn, lower costs associated with labor and transportation. Packing your items yourself, choosing off-peak days for the move, and being organized on moving day can further help save money. Utilizing any available do-it-yourself options and being flexible with your moving dates can also lead to potential savings. By implementing these strategies and negotiating with removal companies for competitive rates and services, you can effectively reduce the overall cost of your move without compromising on the quality of service.

Contents insurance typically covers personal belongings and possessions inside the home, including furniture, electronics, clothing, appliances, jewelry, and other valuables. In the event of theft, fire, damage, or loss due to covered perils, contents insurance provides financial protection by covering the cost of repairing or replacing the items. It offers peace of mind by ensuring that belongings are protected against unexpected events that could result in financial loss.

Buildings insurance covers the physical structure of the property, including walls, roof, floors, ceilings, and permanent fixtures such as kitchens and bathrooms. It also extends to external structures like garages, sheds, and fences. In the event of damage caused by perils like fire, floods, storms, subsidence, or vandalism, buildings insurance pays for the repair or rebuild costs of the property's structure and fixtures. This insurance is essential for homeowners to protect their investment in their property.

Certain exclusions typically apply to home insurance policies. Common exclusions for contents insurance may include high-value items that exceed policy limits, wear and tear, damage caused by pet animals, and belongings used for business purposes. Exclusions for buildings insurance may involve damage due to poor maintenance, gradual deterioration, acts of war, or intentional damage. It is essential for policyholders to review their insurance documents to understand what is not covered under their specific policy.

Several factors can impact the cost of home insurance, including the type and level of coverage selected, the value of the property and possessions, the location of the property, the age and condition of the property, security measures in place, previous claims history, the policyholder's credit score, and the presence of specific risks like flood zones or high-crime areas. Additionally, external factors such as changes in weather patterns, natural disasters, and market conditions can influence insurance premiums. Reviewing these factors and taking steps to mitigate risks can help homeowners manage insurance costs effectively.

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