Moving to a new house is super exciting and marks a new chapter in your life. Yet while it is undoubtedly fantastic, there are a lot of things involved you need to think about. For starters, there are substantial costs that you need to think about, and be prepared for money-wise to avoid any extra stress. From the costs of a survey and legal fees, to unexpected building work, I’ve put together some of the top unexpected costs when moving to a new home so you can get yourself prepared and have some extra savings to tide you over just in case.
Legal Fees For Moving
The first thing you need to be aware of when moving home are the legal fees. No matter if you’re buying, selling (or both), you will need a conveyancer or solicitor to handle the legal side of things, and this can be expensive! From surveys and contracts, you need to make sure everything is done properly, but this can come to over a thousand pounds. Budget for this, as well as for things like local authority searches and stamp duty if applicable. Always request a quote upfront so you aren’t slapped with a shock bill later down the line.
Renovation Costs
Even if your new home looks move-in ready, chances are you’ll want to make a few changes once you settle in. Renovation costs can creep up quickly, whether it’s repainting walls, updating light fixtures, or replacing flooring. You might also find small issues you didn’t notice during viewings, such as worn-out fittings, outdated electrics, or hidden damp. These repairs and aesthetic improvements can easily exceed your initial estimates, especially if you’re hiring professionals to get the job done for you. I recommend finding a professional who can get the job done to the best quality such as a professional roofing company, if you need a new roof, if not done right it can end up costing you a lot more! Setting aside a contingency budget (typically 10–15% of your overall moving costs) can help cover unexpected renovations and ensure you’re not caught off guard once the work begins.
Cleaning Fees
Cleaning is another fee many people forget about. From end of tenancy cleaning from your last place, to hiring a cleaning company to sort your new house before you move in, it can add up. While it may seem like an extra expense, investing in proper cleaning ensures a fresh start and can save hours of stress on moving day.
These are just a few unexpected costs that you might not have factored in when it comes to moving house. As with anything in life, it’s always better to be prepared so you know what to expect and can plan for it, as opposed to it being sprung on you. It’s always better to have a cushion of funds to fall back on so you can pay for these things as opposed to having to get a loan or borrow money from a friend or family member. What are some unexpected costs when moving to a new home that you’ve experienced? Let me know in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you.
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