THE COST OF MOVING IN 2025: A RECORD-HIGH EXPENSE & HOW PCS LEGAL CAN HELP YOU SAVE

Moving home is an exciting but costly endeavour, and in 2025, the financial burden is set to reach record levels. With rising inflation, stamp duty changes, and increasing service fees, homeowners and buyers alike need to be aware of the full cost of their transactions. At PCS Legal, we not only offer expert conveyancing services but also provide additional solutions via our Conveyancing Concierge service to help reduce your overall moving costs, every step of the way.

Why Are Moving Costs Rising?

In the last ten years, the cost of moving home has surged dramatically, with national averages now reflecting significant financial burdens. Data indicates that moving expenses for a property worth £375,000 currently approach £14,000. The price of relocation varies greatly by region with Londoners paying upward of double this, while those in some areas of the north paying closer to £5000, but is of course all based on property values. As inflation continues to impact service fees and upcoming changes to stamp duty take effect, moving costs are expected to increase even further.

Stamp Duty – A Major Consideration

·        From April 1, 2025, the tax-free allowance on stamp duty will decrease, significantly increasing moving expenses. Key changes include:

·        Standard buyers will now pay tax on property values over £125,000 (down from £250,000).

·        First-time buyers will see their threshold drop from £425,000 to £300,000, adding up to £6,250 to their costs.

Stamp duty rates from April 2025:

-         0% on properties up to £125,000

-         2% on the portion from £125,001 to £250,000

-         5% on the portion from £250,001 to £925,000

-         10% on the portion from £925,001 to £1.5 million

-         12% on the portion above £1.5 million

As an example, for a home priced at £292,000, the stamp duty fee is £2,100 until March 31, 2025, but from April 1, 2025, it will increase to £4,600 due to the revised tax thresholds.

Understanding the true Costs of Moving

The financial implications of moving extend beyond just the price of the property. Legal fees, surveys, removal expenses, and unexpected costs can quickly add up. At PCS Legal, we help our clients understand these hidden costs so they can budget effectively.

Legal fees and disbursements

Legal fees are a necessary expense in any property transaction. Conveyancing ensures that all legal aspects of the sale or purchase are handled smoothly. With PCS Legal, the estimated fees for a home valued at £292,000 total approximately £3,980 for a purchase and £1,212.40 for a sale. These fees cover essential services like searches, Land Registry fees, and anti-money laundering checks, ensuring the transaction is legally sound and compliant.

The importance of property surveys

One of the most overlooked aspects of moving is the need for a survey. While it may seem like an additional expense, failing to conduct a survey could lead to costly repairs in the future. There are three main types:

-         Basic condition report (Level 1): Suitable for newer homes (£300)

-         Homebuyer’s survey (Level 2): Provides more detail and highlights potential issues (£500-£600)

-         Full structural survey (Level 3): Ideal for older or problematic properties (£1,000+)

A survey can uncover hidden problems, potentially saving thousands in repair costs. On average, new homeowners spend around £5,750 fixing issues discovered after moving in.

The logistics of moving: Removals and additional costs

Packing up and transporting your belongings is another major expense. Depending on your needs, costs vary:

-         Hiring a van: A budget option at around £200.

-         Professional removals: More comprehensive services range from £550-£700.

Additional costs include:

-         Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): A legal requirement costing around £85.

-         Mail redirection: To ensure you don’t miss important post, costing around £84 per year.

-         Deep cleaning services: If required before moving in or out, costing £100+.

-         Estate agent fees: Varying between 1%-3% of the sale price, this can be a significant expense.

How PCS Legal could help you
At PCS Legal, we recognise that moving costs can be overwhelming. That’s why we provide not only top-tier conveyancing services but also access to additional savings through our trusted network of third-party service providers. By partnering with removal companies, mortgage advisors, insurance firms and other professionals, we help clients save money where it matters most. Ask about our Conveyancing Concierge service for more details.

The cost of moving in 2025 is undeniably high, but with the right planning and expert legal assistance, expenses can be managed effectively. Understanding all the potential costs, both expected and hidden, ensures that buyers and sellers can make informed financial decisions. PCS Legal is committed to transparency, affordability, and efficiency, providing our clients with comprehensive support throughout the moving process.