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The cost of moving home has reached record highs, putting additional pressure on homeowners already struggling with the cost of living.
latest report carrying costs From Home Move Comparison Site really dynamic Found that homeowners buying and selling a property in 2025 had to pay £17,831 in upfront expenses – a 27% increase on last year, when the average mover paid £14,045.
Rob Houghton, Founder and ceo RealMoving says: “Relocation costs continue to rise, partly due to policy changes such as reducing the stamp duty threshold, and partly due to inflation. In 2025, conveyancing fees, survey costs and removal fees have all increased year-on-year, increasing the financial strain for movers.”
and Angela Kerr, a director Homeowners Coalitionwho provides advice on buying, selling and owning property, says: “When you’re buying and selling a home, the sheer number of costs can seem overwhelming. Surveys, estate agent fees, mortgage fees and legal bills quickly pile up and it’s easy to get lost in the cost noise of the move. But it’s no small thing.”
So how do you keep costs to a minimum? This is the advice of experts…
1. Don’t just compare quotes
Experts recommend getting three quotes for each service you use, including legal, estate agent, survey and removal fees. But although it is important to compare quotes, perhaps using a comparison site, remember that using the cheapest may not always be the best idea.
“Check customer reviews as well as prices,” advises Haughton, who points out that ReallyMoving online Transfer Cost Calculator Movers can help avoid any unpleasant surprises.
“Cheap fees may prove more expensive in the long run if service levels are poor – especially if the transaction is part of a series where small delays can have a significant impact,” he says.
2. Negotiate estate agent fees
Kerr says home sellers should aim to pay around 1% including tub To an estate agent. She recommends contacting three agents, and advises: “Ask them to tour the home so you can understand their valuation and get a feel for whether you can work with them. But remember to then negotiate the price.”
3. Shop for the best deals
Many estate agents will suggest you use a particular solicitor or mortgage broker, but Kerr warns: “Don’t just accept your estate agent’s recommendation for a conveyancing solicitor or mortgage broker – they may earn commission on this introduction and their suggestion may not be the best deal or suit your needs.
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“By all means get a quote, but always shop around.”
4. Arrange a personal removal survey
Really impressive research has shown that the average cost of UK removals for a typical three-bed house moving 25 miles in 2025 is more than £900.
Although a virtual removals survey can save time and money if it is for a small property or you are only moving a few items, Houghton advises that in most cases, especially if you have a shed, garage or loft, a physical visit is advisable to assess the volume of your belongings and ensure you have the required lorry space on the day.
He explains: “Some removals companies may offer discounts for OAPs, students, key workers or members of the armed forces, so it’s always worth asking.”
5. Check for possible additional removal charges
Kerr says that some removal companies may charge extra for certain things, like multiple flights of stairs, difficult parking or delays on moving day waiting for keys. She advises movers to ask what might cause additional charges, and explains: “Knowing this in advance helps you avoid surprise costs on the day.”
6. Avoid traveling at peak hours
The time of year and day you move can affect how much you pay, and Kerr explains: “Demand drives costs. August is consistently the busiest month for relocation, and Friday is the most popular day of the week. Removals firms say delays are more likely on these busy days, which could mean paying more for the team’s time.”
She says that if movers can choose a quiet date in the middle of the week they are more likely to get a lower quote and an easier move, and she recommends this. guide On determining the best day to move.
Houghton says: “Removal costs increase during busy periods such as school holidays. If you can move mid-week or during quieter periods such as the start of the New Year, you are more likely to get a good deal.”
7. Consider a carrier
Kerr points out that lawyers can charge more than conveyancers because they provide the full range of legal services. “Licensed conveyancers are experts in property transactions and this is their main focus,” she explains. “So unless you are, say, selling as part of a divorce, a conveyancer may be a less expensive route to handle your legal transaction.”
8. Declutter to save money
The less possessions you want to take with you, the cheaper it will be, with both experts stressing that movers recommend starting the move early so that the amount removal companies quote you for is actually the amount you’ll be moving.
“The less stuff you carry, the less you’ll pay,” says Haughton. “Refuse to sell, donate, or recycle anything you no longer need.”
And Kerr says: “The earlier you start clearing out, making trips to the tip, and packing up things you don’t use every day, the more control you’ll have. A light, well-planned move is almost always a cheaper move.”