Moving costs UK 2026: stamp duty, removal fees and hidden expenses
The UK has a high cost of living, with London being the most expensive city for property purchases. With the stamp duty changes effective from 1st April 2025, there will be significant shifts in the housing market.
In this blog, we will help you understand how stamp duty will impact the UK housing market and provide a detailed guide on how to budget effectively.
Stamp duty (2025): what’s changed?
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a tax applied when purchasing property in the UK and Northern Ireland. The UK government has introduced new stamp duty rates, administered by HMRC, which vary for first-time buyers and those purchasing a second home.
New stamp duty rates effective from 1st April 2025:
Property Price | First-time buyer | Second-time buyer | Second property owner / investor |
Up to £125,000 | 0% | 0% | 3% |
£125,001 - £250,000 | 0% | 2% | 5% |
£250,001 - £300,000 | 0% | 5% | 8% |
£300,001 - £500,000 | 5% (on portion above £300,000) | 5% | 8% |
£500,001 - £925,000 | Standard SDLT rates apply | 5% | 8% |
£925,001 - £1.5M | 10% | 10% | 13% |
Above £1.5M | 12% | 12% | 15% |
Example: If you are a first-time buying a property for £295,000, the SDLT calculation would be
- 0% on the first £125,000 = £0
- 2% on the next £125,000 (£125,001 to £250,000) = £2,500
- 5% on the remaining £45,000 (£250,001 to £295,000) = £2,250
- Total SDLT = £4,750
You can use this SDLT calculator to determine the exact amount payable.
2025 Stamp duty and the moving costs in the UK (2026)
The UK is known for its high property prices. However, the prices vary significantly, with London averaging £685,847 over the past year, compared to £268,730 in Manchester and £250,106 in Birmingham, according to Rightmove.
With the new stamp duty rates taking effect from 1st April 2025, purchasing a home will become even more challenging, particularly with rising mortgage rates and additional costs like mortgage fees, deposits and property valuation charges.
In summary, the first-time property buyers benefit from SDLT relief, with no tax on properties up to £300,000 and a reduced rate up to £500,000. However, for any purchase above £500,000, first-time home buyers pay the same rates as second-time buyers.
Pickfords removal costs and pricing
Understanding Pickfords removal costs helps you budget accurately for your house move. As one of the UK's leading removal companies with over 400 years of experience, Pickfords offers transparent pricing based on property size, distance and services required.
Typical Pickfords removals prices:
- 1-2 bedroom flat: £400-£800 for local moves
- 3-4 bedroom house: £800-£1,500 depending on distance
- Additional services available: packing, storage, specialist item handling
- Free quote service with home survey to assess exact requirements
For an accurate Pickfords removal costs calculator estimate, request a free home survey. Our team assesses your belongings, access requirements and moving distance to provide a detailed, personalised quote with no hidden fees.
Total moving costs: removal fees & other expenses
Buying a home is not the only expense in the UK. Moving house also comes with additional costs, including hiring removal services, storage providers, mail redirection and utility setup fees.
The cost of removal services varies depending on the size of the property and moving distance. Below is an estimated breakdown of removal costs across the UK:
- 1-2 bedroom flat: £400-£800
- 3-4 bedroom flat: £800-£1,500
Other costs to consider when moving home:
- Legal fees: Conveyancing solicitors charge £800- £2,000.
- Survey costs: Homebuyers report (£500), full structural survey (£1,000 and above).
- Storage costs: Self storage unit starts at £18/week.
- Mail redirection: Royal Mail charges from £35 for three months.
- Utility setup fees: Broadband and energy providers may charge installation fees.
As one of the UK's leading removal companies, we have helped thousand of households move seamlessly into their new homes. Get your personalised quote today!
How to reduce your moving costs?
- Negotiate removal quotes and compare companies.
- Declutter before moving to reduce transport costs.
- Check for any hidden costs with your removal service provider, such as extra packing charges, additional fees for handling bulky items, stair access surcharges, and long carry fees. Always request a detailed quote upfront to avoid unexpected expenses.
At Pickfords, we provide efficient moving services with competitive pricing, delivering a straightforward and reliable moving experience without compromising on quality. Request your free, non-obligatory quote today.
Final checklist: Planning a cost effective move in the UK
- Budget for all costs: When buying a new property, consider stamp duty, renovation expenses, removal fees and other associated costs.
- Get multiple quotes: Compare removal service providers. Make sure to consider service providers who have industry experience.
- Set up utilities in advance: Avoid any last minute costs and service delays.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1. What are Pickfords removal costs?
Pickfords removal costs range from £400 to £800 for a 1-2 bedroom flat and £800 to £1,500 for a 3-4 bedroom house for local moves. Final pricing depends on property size, volume of belongings, moving distance, access conditions and additional services like packing or storage. Pickfords provides free home survey to assess your requirements and deliver accurate, personalised quotes. As a British Association of Removers member with over 400 years of experience, Pickfords offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees, comprehensive insurance and professional service throughout your move.
2. How much do moving costs typically run in the UK?
Moving costs in the UK typically include removal services (£400-£1,500 depending on property size), legal fees for conveyancing (£800-£2,000), property survey costs (£500-£1,000+), stamp duty land tax (varies by property price), storage if needed (from £18 per week), mail redirection (from £35 for three months) and utility setup fees. For a 2-3 bedroom house move, total costs excluding stamp duty average £2,000-£4,000. London moves cost more due to parking permits, ULEZ charges and higher labour rates. Always request detailed quotes and budget for unexpected expenses.
3. Is there a Pickfords removal costs calculator?
Pickfords offers a personalised quote service rather than an online calculator, as accurate removal costs depend on multiple factors including exact volume of belongings, property access conditions, moving distance and specific requirements. Request a free home survey where a Pickfords specialist visits your property, assesses your needs and provides a detailed written quote. This approach ensures transparent pricing tailored to your circumstances, avoiding unexpected charges on moving day. The quote includes removal services, insurance coverage and any additional services like packing or storage. Contact Pickfords for your free, no-obligation quote.
4. What is the cost of moving house in the UK in 2026?
The cost of moving house in the UK in 2026 includes stamp duty land tax (varies by property price with new rates from April 2025), removal services (£400-£1,500 for 1-4 bedroom properties), legal conveyancing fees (£800-£2,000), property surveys (£500-£1,000+), mortgage arrangement fees, estate agent fees if selling, storage if completion dates do not align, mail redirection and utility setup costs. First-time buyers benefit from SDLT relief on properties up to £300,000. Total moving costs for a typical 3-bedroom house purchase range from £5,000-£15,000 depending on property price and location.
5. What are typical moving fees beyond removal costs?
Moving fees beyond removal costs include conveyancing solicitor fees (£800-£2,000), homebuyer's survey or full structural survey (£500-£1,000+), mortgage arrangement fees (typically 1% of loan), mortgage valuation fees, Land Registry fees, local authority searches, electronic transfer fees, buildings insurance from exchange, storage costs if needed (from £18 per week at Pickfords), mail redirection from Royal Mail (from £35), utility connection fees for broadband and services, and potential parking permits in residential areas (£20-£50). Budget comprehensively to avoid unexpected expenses during your move.