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The costs associated with moving home have reached record highs, placing additional pressure on homeowners already struggling with the cost of living.
The latest report from comparison site ReallyMoving shows that homeowners looking to buy or sell in 2025 face average upfront costs of £17,831 – up 27 per cent from the average of £14,045 in 2024.
Rob Haughton, founder and CEO of RealMoving, attributed the increase to a combination of factors.
He said: “Transport costs continue to rise, partly due to policy changes such as the reduction stamp duty threshold, and partly due to inflation,
“In 2025, transportation fees, survey costs and removal fees all increased year-on-year, increasing the financial strain for movers.”
Angela Kerr, director of the Homeowners Alliance, which provides guidance on property transactions, said the number of costs involved in moving can seem “overwhelming”.
“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 matter.”
As homeowners look for ways to reduce financial outlays, here are experts’ top tips.
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 Mr Haughton, who points out that RealMoving is online. Transfer Cost Calculator Movers can help avoid any unpleasant surprises.
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“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
Ms Kerr says home sellers should aim to pay around 1 per cent 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 Ms 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.
“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, Mr 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
Ms Kerr says some removals companies may charge extra for certain things, such as 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 of the day you move can affect the amount you spend. Ms Kerr explains: “Demand drives up costs. August is consistently the busiest month for moving, and Friday is the most popular day of the week. Removals firms say delays are more likely on these busy days, which can 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.
Mr Houghton says: “The cost of removal increases during busy periods such as school holidays. If you can move mid-week or during a quieter period such as the start of the New Year, you are more likely to get a good deal.”
7. Consider a carrier
Ms 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 luggage you carry, the less you’ll pay,” says Mr Houghton. “Refuse to sell, donate, or recycle anything you no longer need.”
And Ms Kerr adds: “The earlier you start cleaning, making trips to the tip, and packing away things you don’t use every day, the more control you’ll have. A light, well-planned move is almost always a cheaper move.”