The Hidden Costs of Moving House UK: How to Plan for Them

Buying a new home is exciting, but many people underestimate the hidden costs of moving house UK buyers face. These extra expenses from removals to insurance to overlapping bills can add thousands to your budget if you don’t prepare for them.

Why Moving House Always Costs More Than You Think

Moving house should be one of the most exciting times in your life. A fresh start, new surroundings, and the buzz of making a place your own.

But having just moved house myself, I can tell you one thing with certainty: it’s rarely as straightforward—or as cheap—as you expect.

According to MoneyHelper, the average cost of moving home in the UK is around £12,000 once you include legal fees, removals, and Stamp Duty. And that’s before you factor in the unexpected extras that almost nobody budgets for.

Hidden Costs of Moving House in the UK

When people budget for a house move, they usually think in terms of the big-ticket items:

• Deposit

• Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) – for many buyers, one of the single biggest upfront costs.

• Solicitors’ fees

• Mortgage broker and lender fees

But these are just the headline numbers. The real surprises come from the smaller, less obvious costs that mount up quickly:

Removals & Storage

Whether you hire a van or a full removals team, costs can run into hundreds (sometimes thousands). And if there’s a delay in your chain, storage fees quickly add up.

Utility Bills & Connections

Broadband installation, energy supplier deposits, and overlapping bills if you’re paying for two properties at once.

Insurance

Buildings insurance is usually a mortgage requirement, and premiums can jump depending on your new postcode.

Repairs & Replacements

The little things add up: locks, curtains, blinds, light fittings, paint, and furniture.

The Financial Risks Nobody Warns You About

Here’s the reality: moving house isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about cashflow.

• What happens if your sale completes a week later than expected?

• How do you bridge the gap if your deposit is tied up in equity?

• If you’re self-employed or a company director, are you sure your mortgage has been structured correctly to maximise borrowing?

And then there’s Capital Gains Tax (CGT). While not relevant to most people moving into a new main residence, it can apply if you’re selling an investment property or a second home. I won’t go into detail here, because CGT deserves a blog of its own — which I’ll cover separately soon.

👉 That’s why planning isn’t just about the property. It’s about getting your finances lined up well in advance.

How to Budget for Your Move (Practical Checklist)

Having just gone through the process myself, here’s a checklist to help you plan properly:

1. Budget for extras

   Put aside £2,000–£3,000 above what you think you’ll need.

2. Get your mortgage sorted early

   Don’t wait until you’ve found a property. [Learn more about mortgages here] (internal link).

3. Prepare your paperwork

   Lenders want bank statements, payslips, company accounts, ID, proof of address, and tax calculations.

4. Plan for timing gaps

   If you’re in a chain, ask: how will I cover costs if there’s a gap?

5. Think about protection

Moving doesn’t cancel life’s risks. Insurance and protection planning ensure you’re covered

Want to see if you’re financially ready to move house? Take my free Financial Readiness Scorecard today and find out where you stand.

My Experience (And Why It Matters to You)

When I moved house this week, I thought I had everything under control. But even with my experience, I still got caught by the little things—overlapping bills, last-minute van hire, unexpected furniture replacements.

It reinforced a lesson I already knew: moving house is a financial juggling act, and the people who cope best are those who prepare early.

The good news? When you plan properly, the stress disappears. Instead of panicking about hidden costs or paperwork delays, you’re free to enjoy the excitement of your new home.

Final Thoughts

Moving house is more than just a transaction—it’s one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions you’ll ever make.

Get it wrong, and it’s stressful, expensive, and frustrating.

Get it right, and it’s exciting, empowering, and a stepping stone to your future goals.

That’s where I come in. My role is to help you prepare for the financial side of moving from getting the right mortgage, to structuring your borrowing correctly, to making sure you’re not blindsided by hidden costs.

👉 Take my Financial Readiness Scorecard today to see where you stand and what steps you need to take before making your next move.

[Insert Scorecard Link]

Or, if you’d prefer a personal chat, book a Discovery Call with me directly. Sometimes the biggest clarity comes from a simple conversation.