What will I need to pay?
When buying your new home there will be lots of things that you may need to pay, such as stamp duty and solicitor’s fees and a reservation fee to secure your home.
A reservation fee
To secure your home you will be asked to pay a reservation fee. The amount will depend on the cost of your new home.
Stamp Duty Land Tax
Stamp duty is a tax which is paid by the buyer to the government and is one of the biggest costs of moving home. The amount you pay depends on the value of the home you buy and whether you are a first-time buyer or not. First-time buyers can expect to pay no stamp duty on homes up to £495,000.
Solicitors
You should always get a quote before asking a solicitor to do any work for you as they can charge a fixed fee, usually a percentage of the selling price, or they may charge by the hour. Costs like Land Registry and Local Authority Search Fees will also be added to your Solicitor fees.
Costs can vary depending on whether you’re buying and selling or just buying, but budget if you between £500-£1,500, you should cover your legal fees. Don’t forget to add on 20% for VAT.
Valuation fee
All mortgage lenders will want to value your new home for themselves before they lend you the money, even on our homes which offer fantastic value for money. Each lender is different, and some offer a free valuation service, others will charge. On average you should expect to pay from £150 - £200.
Surveyor’s fee
It is important you get the home checked by a surveyor, particularly if you’re not buying a brand-new home. An independent surveyor can highlight any problems with the home that may need to be fixed or things that could add additional costs once you’ve moved in.
There are different levels of survey to choose from. Cheaper options cost from £200 and cover the basic condition of your new home, while full structural surveys can be over £600. It could be tempting to pay less upfront, but having a thorough survey carried out before you move can save you money on repairs in the long term.
Deposit
You may need to pay a percentage of the total cost of the home to secure the property. Most mortgage lenders ask for at least a 10% deposit, but it could be less if you ask.
Home insurance
Having enough insurance cover is one of the conditions your mortgage provider will tell you before lending you the money, but this doesn’t mean you have to buy insurance from them, always shop around.
Moving day costs
A professional removal service makes moving in day run smoother but can cost anything from £300 to £2,000, so it’s worth shopping around and comparing what you get for your money. Hiring a van and doing it yourself is the cheaper option if you don’t mind a bit of hard work.