What does it Cost to Move House in the UK?
Moving home is an exciting new chapter — but it’s also a task that can quickly become expensive and time-consuming. Between the legal fees, estate agents, and removal costs, many homeowners underestimate just how much moving house in the UK can cost.
Across the country, the average cost to move house ranges between £8,000 and £15,000, covering everything from conveyancing and stamp duty to estate agency fees, packing, removals, and storage. Prices rise for larger homes, longer distances, or premium services.
At East London Removals, we make your move simpler. From professional packing and secure storage solutions to the careful transport of valuable or fragile possessions, our experienced team ensures everything arrives safely — whether you’re relocating within London, across the UK, or internationally.
Let’s break down the main costs of moving and explore how a trusted removals company like East London Removals can help you save time, stress, and money.
Key Costs When Buying or Selling a Property
Before you even start packing, there are several professional and legal fees to consider.
Conveyancing and Legal Fees
Conveyancing covers the legal process of transferring property ownership. It’s normally carried out by a solicitor or licensed conveyancer.
- Typical costs: Around £1,000–£1,500 for buying and £1,000 plus VAT for selling.
- Payment: Usually due at completion, with a small upfront deposit.
Your solicitor will handle contracts, perform local authority searches, and ensure your ownership is properly registered with the Land Registry.
💡 Money-saving tip: Use the same firm for both buying and selling, opt for a fixed-fee service, and submit your documents early to avoid delays or unexpected costs.
Do You Have to Use a Solicitor?
Technically, no — but it’s strongly recommended. A conveyancer ensures the sale is legally sound, protecting you from costly complications later.
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)
Stamp duty is one of the biggest financial commitments when buying a home. It’s calculated as a percentage of your property’s purchase price.
As of April 2025, the current SDLT bands are:
| Property Price Range | SDLT Rate |
| Up to £125,000 | 0% |
| £125,001 – £250,000 | 2% |
| £250,001 – £925,000 | 5% |
| £925,001 – £1.5m | 10% |
| Over £1.5m | 12% |
First-time buyers purchasing properties up to £300,000 may qualify for First-Time Buyer Relief, reducing or eliminating SDLT costs.
Estate Agent and Selling Fees
If you’re selling your home, estate agent fees are another key expense.
Most agents charge 1%–3% of the final sale price (plus VAT). For example, selling a £1 million home could cost between £10,000 and £30,000.
Premium agencies often achieve better sale prices, but they do charge more.
You should also budget for:
- Mortgage exit or early repayment fees
- Minor home improvements or staging costs
- Energy performance certificates
Removal and Moving Day Costs
Hiring a Professional Removal Company
A professional removals company can make a world of difference to your moving experience.
For a local London move (2–3-bedroom home), prices typically range from £800–£1,500. For larger or long-distance moves, expect £2,000–£5,000+ depending on the volume, distance, and level of service.
Basic removal packages include transport and loading/unloading, but fragile or valuable items often require specialist handling.
At East London Removals, we offer flexible home removals services that can include packing, dismantling furniture, and even unpacking at your destination.
DIY Move vs Professional Movers
A DIY move might appear cheaper but can lead to extra costs if items are damaged or delays occur. Hiring East London Removals ensures expert handling, insurance cover, and a smoother overall experience.
Packing and Specialist Services
Even small properties can require dozens of boxes — and packing everything securely takes time and expertise.
Opting for professional packing services reduces breakage risks and saves time. Using top-quality materials, reinforced boxes, and bespoke crates for artwork or antiques ensures your valuables are protected.
- Typical packing service cost: £400–£1,200, depending on property size and item complexity.
At East London Removals, our team uses specialist materials and techniques to safeguard everything from fine art to delicate furniture — so your items arrive in perfect condition.
Secure Storage Options
Delays between moving out and moving in are common, especially in London. That’s why we provide short- and long-term storage for added flexibility.
Our modern, purpose built storage facilities keep your possessions safe until you’re ready to move them into your new property.
Always budget for potential storage costs as part of your overall moving expenses.
Why Choose East London Removals?
Every move is different — from small flats to large family homes, and from local relocations to international moves.
At East London Removals, our full-service moving packages include:
- Expert packing and unpacking
- Secure, insured transport
- Custom crating for delicate items
- Vehicle or piano relocation
- Flexible short- and long-term storage
- Dedicated move coordination
Our goal is simple: to make your move as easy and efficient as possible, with every detail handled by experienced professionals.
Ready to move?
👉 Contact East London Removals today for a free, no-obligation moving quote tailored to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving House in the UK
1. How much does it cost to move house in the UK?
The average cost of moving house in the UK typically falls between £8,000 and £15,000, including legal fees, estate agents, stamp duty, removals, and packing. Costs depend on the size of your home, distance, and level of service you choose. At East London Removals, we offer transparent pricing and personalised quotes to suit every budget.
2. How much do professional removals cost in East London?
For a typical 2–3-bedroom home, removal services in East London usually cost between £800 and £1,500 for a local move. Larger homes or long-distance relocations can range from £2,000 to £5,000+. Prices vary based on distance, access, and the volume of items being moved.
3. Is it cheaper to move house yourself or hire a removals company?
While moving yourself can seem cheaper upfront, it often involves hidden costs like van hire, packing materials, and the risk of damage. Hiring professionals like East London Removals can save time, protect your belongings, and reduce stress — especially for larger or more complex moves.
4. How can I reduce my moving costs?
To lower your moving expenses:
- Declutter before your move to reduce volume.
- Compare conveyancing and estate agent quotes.
- Book your removals company early.
- Choose off-peak moving dates when possible.
- Use a full-service mover like East London Removals to consolidate packing, transport, and storage.
5. Do East London Removals offer packing and storage services?
Yes. Our packing services use professional materials and techniques to keep your belongings secure. We also provide short- and long-term storage in secure, monitored facilities — ideal if you’re between homes or renovating.
