What Is The Average Cost To Move House In The UK?

In the UK, the average price to move house, when considering all the different costs involved, was £13,978 (according to Reallymoving). However, this will depend on a range of factors such as the value of both the property being sold and the one being bought, the distance of the move and what moving service is required. 

If you want to keep moving costs to a minimum, The Box Co. offers professional moving services for affordable prices. From just £199 per move, we’ll professional pack, collect and deliver your items to wherever you need in the UK. Get in touch today to get a quote!

 

What is the Total Cost of Moving Home in the UK?

 

As mentioned, the average cost of moving home in the UK - including selling a property and buying a new one - was £13,978 according to Reallymoving. But what does this actually include? 

There are various costs involved when moving house. These will vary depending on a range of factors but usually include: 

 

Conveyancing 

The legal process of transferring ownership of the property, done through a solicitor.

 

Survey

Potential buyers may contract a surveyor to assess the property’s structure, including its condition and boundaries.

 

Removals

Clearing your belongings out of the existing property and into your new home. This could involve hiring a man with a van or a team of professional movers who can pack your belongings, transport to the new property and unpack everything.

 

Stamp duty 

Invariably the highest cost when purchasing a house, stamp duty is a percentage of the value of the property being bought. Although there are some exemptions (like for first-buyers), this is usually the priciest additional cost when buying a house. In addition, the stamp duty thresholds dropped in April 2025, adding on average an extra £2,000 to people’s tax when moving house (according to Moneyweek).

 

Estate agent fees

Estate agent fees are paid by the seller and can range from 1% to 3.5% of the total final sale price, plus VAT.

 

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

The EPC is a document stating the property’s energy efficiency with a rating scale of A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It is needed when selling a property as potential buyers need to understand the energy consumption and how much their bills will cost.

 

Mortgage, deposit and additional fees

If you are taking out a mortgage you will need to consider the monthly mortgage payments as well as any additional fees such as arrangement fees, valuation fees and, in certain cases, early repayment charges. Initially, you will need to pay a deposit which can be between 5% and 20% of the property’s overall value.

 

Removal costs 

Depending on the chosen method, removal costs can vary significantly. You could hire a man with a van and do some of the heavy lifting yourself to save money. Paying professional movers to do everything can be easier and give peace of mind.

 

Storage costs

If you need to temporarily store items while moving between places, you’ll need to factor this in as well. Traditional storage units can be a solution but they are typically expensive with more inflexible contracts. Storage by-the-box could be a cheaper solution as you only pay for what you store, for only as long as you need.

 

Cleaning costs

If you are moving out of a home, you could get a professional cleaning service to make sure the house is ready for the new tenants. Similarly, if you are moving into a new home and it’s not up to your standards, hiring a cleaning company can make sure it is totally clean before you start unloading your belongings there.

 

Regular bills

When you move into a new house, you need to assume all the regular costs that come with owning a home including ongoing water, gas and electricity bills. Other necessary bills include home insurance and paying council tax or any service charges for flats.

 

 

How Much Do Removals Cost for Different-Sized Properties in the UK?

 

The bigger your house, the more belongings you will have to move - resulting in a higher price. Removal costs vary depending on the number of bedrooms in the house you are moving out of.

Data from CompareMyMove*

 

How Can You Save Money When Moving House in the UK?

 

Compare removal services

Before getting started, shop around to see the best value removal services. Be sure to compare prices and look at inclusions such as packaging materials, packing costs, temporary storage facilities and prices for different distances.

Book the cheapest day to move house

Many removal service companies charge different prices for different days. For example, moving in the summer holidays or on a weekend may result in a higher price for moving. Choosing an off-peak moving day may be cheaper.

Declutter your house before moving

Make sure you’re only moving what you absolutely have to. It’s always worth having a big clear out before moving so that you can donate or sell any stuff before transporting it to your new home.

Use professional packing services

Paying for professional packing services means that your items are packed with high-quality materials and are well protected during the move. This minimises the risk of damage or breakages, saving you money in the long-run.

 

Are Removals More Expensive if You’re Moving Across a Long Distance?

 

Yes, most removal companies will charge a higher price if your new home is further away - but this will depend on the company. For example, some companies may charge by the hour whereas some have a fixed price per mile.

 

Move House with The Box Co.

 

The Box Co. makes moving as simple and affordable as possible. We offer professional removal services all over the UK at affordable prices with no hidden fees.

Our team of professional movers will professionally pack, collect and move your items - to get them safely and securely to your new home. And, our prices are some of the lowest around, starting at just £199 per move including packaging, packing, collection and delivery. 

Chat to one of our team today and start planning a hassle-free moving day.