How Much Does It Cost To Move House

Cost Guides

Last updated: 23 September 2024

The cost of moving house in the UK can vary depending on a number of factors such as the size of your current property, the distance you are moving, the amount of belongings you have and the services you require. Here are some estimated costs to consider:

Estate Agent Fees: If you're selling a property, estate agent fees can range from 0.75% to 3.0% of the sale price, depending on the location and the type of contract you choose. On average, it may cost around £2,500 to £5,000.
Conveyancing Fees: Conveyancing is the legal work involved in buying or selling a property. The fees can range from £500 to £1,500 depending on the complexity of the transaction.
Stamp Duty Land Tax: If you're buying a property in the UK, you may have to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). The amount you pay depends on the purchase price of the property. For example, if you are purchasing a property for £300,000, you would pay £5,000 in stamp duty.
Removal Costs: The cost of hiring a removal company can vary based on the distance you are moving, the size of your current property, and the amount of belongings you have. On average, it can cost around £400 to £1,200.
Other costs: There may be other costs associated with moving house such as mortgage fees, insurance, cleaning costs, and storage costs.

Overall, the total cost of moving house in the UK can range from £5,000 to £15,000 or more depending on your specific circumstances.

How much does it cost to hire a removal company to move house?

The cost of hiring a removal company in the UK can vary depending on several factors, such as the distance you are moving, the amount of belongings you have, and the services you require. Here are some estimated costs to consider:

Local move: For a local move within the same city or town, a removal company may charge around £400 to £800 for a one-bedroom flat or apartment. For larger properties, such as a four-bedroom house, the cost can be around £1,200 to £2,000.
Long-distance move: For a long-distance move, such as from London to Manchester, the cost can be significantly higher. On average, it can cost around £1,000 to £3,000 for a one-bedroom flat or apartment, and up to £5,000 or more for a larger property.
Additional services: Some removal companies may offer additional services such as packing, unpacking, and storage. These services can add to the overall cost. For example, packing services may cost around £300 to £500, while storage can cost around £50 to £100 per week.
Weekday vs. weekend: The day of the week you move can also affect the cost. Moving on a weekend or a bank holiday can be more expensive than moving on a weekday.

Overall, the total cost of hiring a removal company in the UK can range from a few hundred pounds to several thousand pounds, depending on the factors mentioned above. It's a good idea to get quotes from multiple removal companies and compare their prices and services before making a decision.

Things to consider when choosing a removal company for your home move

Choosing the right removal company for your home move in the UK can make a big difference in the smoothness and ease of your move. Here are some things to consider when selecting a removal company:

Reputation: Look for a removal company with a good reputation in the industry. Check online reviews and ratings to see what previous customers have to say about their experiences.
Insurance: Make sure the removal company has adequate insurance coverage for your belongings during transit. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your possessions are protected.
Services: Consider the services that the removal company offers, such as packing and unpacking, storage, and furniture dismantling and reassembly. Choose a company that can provide the services you need.
Price: Get quotes from several removal companies and compare their prices. However, remember that the cheapest option may not always be the best. Consider the reputation, services, and insurance coverage in addition to the price.
Experience: Choose a removal company with experience in the type of move you are making. For example, if you are moving a large and heavy item such as a piano, look for a company with experience in moving pianos.
Availability: Make sure the removal company is available on the date you need to move. Book the company well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Communication: Choose a removal company that communicates clearly and promptly with you. This will ensure that you are informed about the progress of your move and any changes that may arise.

By considering these factors, you can choose a reliable and efficient removal company that will make your home move in the UK a success.

In addition to some of the house moving costs mentioned you need to think about other hidden costs

Moving house in the UK can be a costly process, and there are some hidden costs that you should be aware of. Here are some of the most common hidden costs to consider:

Mortgage fees: When applying for a mortgage, there may be arrangement fees, valuation fees, and legal fees. These fees can add up to several hundred or even thousands of pounds.
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT): If you're buying a property in the UK, you may have to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). The amount you pay depends on the purchase price of the property. For example, if you are purchasing a property for £300,000, you would pay £5,000 in stamp duty.
Surveys: Before buying a property, it's a good idea to get a survey done to identify any potential issues with the property. Surveys can cost several hundred pounds.
Removal company charges: As mentioned earlier, hiring a removal company can be a significant cost when moving house. Be sure to get quotes from several companies and compare prices to avoid any hidden fees.
Utility bills: Don't forget to budget for utility bills such as gas, electricity, and water when you move into your new home. You may also need to pay a deposit to set up these accounts.
Council Tax: You'll need to pay council tax on your new property, so be sure to factor this cost into your budget.
Home insurance: You'll need to have home insurance in place before you move in, so be sure to get quotes and factor this cost into your budget.