Moving To a New House Made Easy

Congratulations — you’re moving to a new house. This is a huge milestone: It’s a fresh start — a space that’s completely yours. Yes, there’s planning, budgeting, and even some sneaky “hidden fees” to handle, but you’re not going to let that overshadow the excitement. Instead, you’re going to take control and make it happen. 

So, grab a coffee — or maybe even a cheeky glass of bubbly — and let’s put together a moving house checklist so good, your friends will want to copy it. Feel confident about the cost of your move: from mortgage fees to moving day. You’re in charge, and with the right plan, nothing will stand in your way.

So, how much does it cost to move house?

Spoiler: more than most people expect. While the deposit and mortgage are usually the biggest costs, moving to a new house also comes with a bunch of, “oh, I didn’t think of that” expenses. From stamp duty and council tax, to the humble (but essential) cardboard box, it all adds up.

Before you move in

With your offer accepted (YES!), it’s time to plan for the costs that come before you step foot in your new home. Add these to your checklist:

1. Mortgage costs

While you’re hunting for the lowest mortgage rates, don’t forget about the extra costs. Lenders often charge an “arrangement fee” to set up your mortgage, ranging from a fixed fee to a percentage of your loan amount. And, if you use a mortgage broker, they’ll generally charge a fee for the service. Channel your inner bargain hunter and shop around — because every pound saved is a pound closer to your dream sofa.

2. House survey

Nobody wants to discover hidden issues like a leaky roof or dodgy wiring after moving in. That’s why a home survey is a must.

Mortgage providers often require a basic survey, but for peace of mind, consider investing in a more thorough one. Basic surveys start at around £400, but if you want the full story, detailed reports can climb above £1,500.

3. Stamp duty

When buying property in England or Northern Ireland, you’ll likely pay Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). Wales and Scotland have their own equivalent taxes. 

The cost varies based on your property price and whether you’re a first-time buyer. If you are, you might be eligible for a discount (yay!). Currently, Stamp Duty is only charged on your main home if it costs over £250,000.*

4. Solicitor fees

Conveyancing — the legal process of transferring property ownership — is a key part of your home-buying journey. Your solicitor handles things like searches, contracts, and the finer details of the sale. 

Solicitor fees for buying a house typically range from £1,000 to £2,000. 

5. Estate agent fees

If you’re selling a home to buy your new one, estate agent fees are part of the deal. The seller usually pays these fees, which vary depending on factors like the property type, location and level of service.

6. Building insurance

Building insurance isn’t just a smart idea—it’s usually a requirement from your mortgage lender. The cost varies based on factors like the size, age, and location of the property, but you can expect to pay £300–£500 annually for a standard policy.

Moving house

You’ve signed the contracts, the keys are almost yours, and it’s time to move in. Is it chaotic? Probably. But you? You’re going to crush it with your checklist in hand

Packing

Packing can feel like a mission. Borrow boxes and tape to save cash, or splurge on professional movers to handle it — it’s your call

Removals

The cost of removals depends on how much stuff you own, how far you live from your new home, and how you want to handle the process. 

Here are some options: 

• Hiring a van: Cheap and cheerful, costing around £100. 
• Friends with cars: Keep them happy with pizza and snacks, and they’ll come through. 

Professional movers: Pricy but easy. They’ll do the heavy lifting while you sip coffee and supervise.

After moving house: Making it your home

Now the moving boxes are in, it’s time to transform your new house into a home. Here are some costs to plan for: 

1. Get your bills sorted: Think broadband, utility bills and council tax. The boring stuff, but you’ve got to do it. 
2. Change your address:  Update your bank accounts and bill providers to ensure you don’t miss payments. Find out how this could affect your credit here. 
3. Consider redirecting your post: You can pay Royal Mail to ensure your important letters and parcels reach you, starting at around £40 for three months. 
4. Plan for the essentials: Don’t let small fixes become big headaches — get your boiler serviced and handle the little repairs early. 

Make it cosy: Forget Pinterest-perfect. Focus on small, personal touches like hanging pictures or adding new cushions to make it feel like home.

How Loqbox makes all of this easier

We get it — moving house can feel like a lot. Whether you’re saving for the cost of moving or planning those finishing touches, Loqbox is here to help you turn dreams into reality — one smart money move at a time. Build your credit and save, so that you can tackle your house move with ease. 

Improvements to your credit score are not guaranteed.

Moving house should feel like a win

Every box you pack, every cost you plan for, and every step you take brings you closer to something incredible — a place that’s yours. 

This is your moment. Let’s make it happen.