UK Home Buying Guide
Costs of Buying a House in the UK
Costs of buying a house in the UK include more than the purchase price and mortgage. Use this checklist to budget for a home purchase.
Full Cost Checklist
The total cost of buying a house typically adds 3–5% of the purchase price on top of your deposit. On a £300,000 property, that could mean £9,000–£15,000 in additional costs. Planning for these upfront avoids surprises at completion.
| Cost | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | 5–25% of property price | The minimum deposit for most residential mortgages is 5–10%. A larger deposit gives access to better rates. |
| Stamp duty | 0–12% of property price | Depends on property price, buyer type and location. Use our stamp duty calculator for an estimate. |
| Solicitor / conveyancing | £1,000–£2,500 | Covers legal work including searches, contracts and registration. Costs vary by property value and complexity. |
| Survey | £300–£1,500 | A homebuyer survey or full structural survey. The lender's valuation is not a survey — it only confirms the property is worth the loan amount. |
| Mortgage arrangement fee | £0–£2,000 | Some mortgage products have an arrangement fee. This can sometimes be added to the loan, though this increases the total interest paid. |
| Mortgage broker fee | £0–£500 | Some brokers charge a fee; others are paid by commission from the lender. Always ask upfront. |
| Valuation fee | £150–£1,500 | The lender's valuation of the property. Some lenders offer free valuations as part of the mortgage deal. |
| Buildings insurance | £150–£400 per year | Most lenders require buildings insurance from exchange of contracts. Contents insurance is separate. |
| Moving costs | £300–£2,000 | Removal company costs depend on distance and volume. DIY moves cost less but require more time. |
| Repairs and furnishing | Varies | Budget for any immediate repairs, decorating or furnishing costs, especially for older properties. |
WizeBudget provides calculators and general information only. Costs shown are estimates and will vary. Always confirm costs with your solicitor and mortgage adviser.