Are you wondering how much you will need to add to your budget in order to buy a property or move home? It's easy to overlook some of the costs involved. A free and impartial guide from the
Money Advice Service will help you plan for all of these when you work out your finances.
Major upfront costs. These include your deposit, solicitor, surveyor, estate agent, property valuation, stamp duty and removal costs. Use this
Stamp Duty calculator to work out how much you’ll pay when buying your property in England or Northern Ireland.
Mortgage fees. These might include a booking and arrangement fee and a mortgage valuation fee. It's best to pay these upfront rather than adding them to your mortgage, otherwise you'll be paying interest on them for the life of the mortgage.
Ongoing costs. These include repairs and maintenance (highlighted by your survey), insurance, council tax, running costs.
Freehold, leasehold, or share of freehold.
Removal costs. Includes removal insurance, storage, cleaning, mail redirection. This
Rightmove calculator will estimate your moving costs. The figures given are for general guidance but are unlikely to be an under-estimate. Your own costs may be lower.
- The British Association of Removers can provide estimates from BAR-approved firms.
- The Money Advice Service Budget planner will help you to take control of all of your money and keep track of spending.
- Christian Harper owner of Chiswick's independent estate agent, Harper Finn, can provide a free and no-obligation valuation of your property.
