How much does it cost to relocate in 2025? | We Buy Any House Guide

Relocation
26th August 2025
6 mins
We Buy Any House

Whether you’re moving for work, family, retirement, or a lifestyle change, many people wonder: how much does it actually cost to relocate in 2025?

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The truth is, moving house involves far more than just packing boxes. There are hidden costs such as Stamp Duty, legal fees, valuations, and removals that can quickly add up.

At We Buy Any House, we’ve created this updated guide to break down the typical expenses you’ll face when buying, selling, and moving in 2025, plus smart tips on how to keep your costs under control.

The True Cost of Buying a Home in 2025

Buying a property is one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll make, and alongside your deposit, there are several unavoidable fees.

Stamp Duty

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) remains one of the largest upfront costs. As of 2025:

  • No Stamp Duty on properties up to £250,000

  • First-time buyers pay no Stamp Duty on properties worth up to £425,000

  • Properties above £925,000 face higher thresholds

Examples:

  • Buying at £300,000 = £2,500 Stamp Duty (unless you’re a first-time buyer)

  • Buying at £500,000 = £12,500 Stamp Duty

This is unavoidable for most buyers and must be budgeted in advance.

Property Survey Costs

Surveys remain crucial in 2025 for spotting hidden issues like damp, subsidence, or structural faults. Average costs:

  • Homebuyer Report: £400–£800

  • Full Structural Survey: £700–£1,500

While surveys may feel like an extra expense, they can save thousands by uncovering problems before you commit to buying.

Conveyancing Fees

Legal work for a property purchase in 2025 typically costs £900–£1,800, covering Land Registry checks, searches, and contracts.

Top Tip: If you’re buying and selling at the same time, some solicitors offer combined packages at a reduced cost. And if you sell directly through We Buy Any House, all legal fees are covered—saving you hundreds.

Valuation Fees

Mortgage lenders require a valuation before approving your loan. Typical costs in 2025:

  • Basic Valuation: £250–£500

  • Private Valuation: £400–£800

Some lenders now include free valuations in mortgage packages, so it’s worth comparing deals.

The True Cost of Selling a Home in 2025

Selling a home also comes with several unavoidable costs. Here’s what you can expect.

Estate Agent Fees

Traditional estate agents charge 1.5%–3.5% of the sale price (plus VAT). On a £300,000 home, that’s between £4,500 and £10,500.

Online agents often charge flat fees of £800–£1,500, but they usually require upfront payment and provide limited marketing.

With We Buy Any House, there are no estate agent costs, no delays, and a guaranteed cash offer.

Conveyancing for Sellers

Solicitor fees for sellers range from £800 to £1,500, with additional charges for leasehold properties. Searches, disbursements, and admin can add further expenses.

EPC (Energy Performance Certificates)

Every sale requires a valid EPC. In 2025, the average cost is £70–£120. With the government pushing towards Net Zero 2050, EPC ratings have become more important than ever. A poor rating could reduce the value and saleability of your home.

The True Cost of Moving in 2025

Once you’ve bought and sold, the practical side of moving adds its own costs.

Removal Services

2025 removal costs vary by distance and property size:

  • 1–2 bedroom home: £500–£1,000

  • 3–4 bedroom home: £1,500–£3,000

  • Long-distance/overseas: £5,000+

Storage Costs in 2025

If there’s a gap between moving out and moving in, storage is often essential. In 2025, costs range from £25 to £50 per week for a standard container, depending on size and location.

  • Small 25 sq. ft unit: £25–£40 per week

  • Large 100–150 sq. ft unit: £70–£150 per week

  • Storage in London and the South East is typically 30–40% more expensive than in the North.

Why storage matters: It’s vital if your sale completes before your purchase, you’re relocating overseas, or you’re downsizing.

How to save: Declutter, compare providers, and consider portable storage pods.

Regional Relocation Costs in 2025

Relocation costs vary sharply across the UK:

  • North-West: around £9,500

  • South-East: £23,500+

This gap has widened due to higher property values and demand in the South.

Relocating from London to Manchester could save tens of thousands, while moving the other way will cost significantly more.

Careful planning and selling through We Buy Any House to avoid agent fees can make a huge difference to your relocation budget.

Relocating Abroad in 2025

International relocation is exciting but expensive. In 2025, expect to pay for:

  • Visa and immigration fees: £1,500–£5,000 per person

  • Healthcare cover: £1,500–£12,000 annually, depending on country

  • Shipping and customs duties: £5,000–£15,000+ for full household shipping

Example: UK to Spain (2025)

  • Visa and immigration: £2,500 (family of two)

  • Health insurance: £2,000 annually

  • Shipping (3-bed home by sea): £7,500

  • Customs and fees: £1,500

  • Temporary accommodation: £2,000–£3,000
    Total: £15,000–£20,000

Selling to We Buy Any House before relocating abroad ensures you access your funds quickly without the stress of estate agent delays.

How to Save Money When Relocating in 2025

Relocating doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are the top ways to save:

  1. Employer relocation packages – Negotiate support for removals, visas, or legal fees.

  2. Declutter before moving – Reduce storage and transport costs.

  3. Compare conveyancers and surveyors – Avoid overpaying.

  4. Sell to a cash buyer like We Buy Any House – Eliminate estate agent fees, legal fees, and long waits.

  5. Time your move carefully – Avoid peak-season premiums.

  6. DIY where possible – Consider van hire and self-packing for local moves.

  7. Check government schemes – Look for regional relocation grants and first-time buyer relief.

 

How We Buy Any House Can Help You Relocate Quickly

At We Buy Any House, we know relocating isn’t always straightforward. It often involves tight deadlines, unexpected stress, and financial strain. That’s why we provide a fast, reliable alternative to the open market.

  • Guaranteed cash offers within 24 hours

  • Completion in as little as 14 days (or a timeline to suit you)

  • No estate agent fees – save thousands instantly

  • No legal fees – we cover conveyancing costs

  • No hidden charges or delays

Whether you’re moving for work, retirement, or overseas, selling through We Buy Any House ensures certainty, speed, and peace of mind.

Conclusion

Relocating in 2025 is an exciting opportunity, but it comes with a wide range of costs that homeowners can easily underestimate: from Stamp Duty and surveys to estate agent fees, removals, storage, and even overseas expenses. Regional differences and international moves make the picture even more complex.

The good news is that with careful planning and the right choices, you can cut costs significantly. And when it comes to selling your home, choosing We Buy Any House is one of the smartest ways to save money and reduce stress.

By selling directly to We Buy Any House, you avoid estate agent fees, skip lengthy delays, and save on legal costs, giving you more money and certainty for the next chapter of your life.