It is not just the deposit
A lot of first-time buyers focus heavily on saving the deposit, which makes sense. But the deposit is only one part of the cash you may need before and just after moving in.
That is why some buyers reach their deposit target but still do not feel ready. The missing piece is usually the rest of the move-in budget.
Common upfront costs to plan for
Solicitor or conveyancing fees
Legal work is a core part of the purchase and needs budgeting for early.
Survey or valuation costs
Depending on the property and lender, you may want or need to pay for checks before committing.
Mortgage-related fees
Some products include arrangement or product fees, so it helps to check the full cost, not just the rate.
Removals and moving costs
Vans, movers, boxes, fuel and last-minute extras can add more than people expect.
Furniture and essentials
Even if you buy slowly, there are usually basics you want in place straight away.
Emergency buffer
It helps to keep some cash back for small surprises after move-in rather than spending every penny on day one.
Why buyers underestimate this stage
These costs are often split across different points in the process, so they do not always feel real at the start.
But once you add them together, the total can be significant. That is why it helps to build a full move-in budget before you get too close to exchange or completion.
A better way to think about it
Deposit gets you to the purchase.
Move-in budget helps you land properly once the purchase happens.
What to do next
Once you know the types of costs involved, the next step is to put rough numbers next to each one.
Use the move-in cost planner to estimate your one-off budget, then use the checklist to make sure the rest of your buyer plan is still on track.
Move-in cost FAQs
Quick answers to the questions UK first-time buyers most often ask about the upfront costs of moving in.
How much does it cost to move into a new home in the UK?+
For most UK first-time buyers, expect £3,000–£6,000+ on top of the deposit and stamp duty for the actual moving-in side: solicitor (£1,200–£2,500), survey (£400–£900), removals (£500–£1,500), basic furniture and white goods (£1,000–£3,000), broadband setup, locksmith, first food shop, and a small repairs/decorating budget. Bigger moves and unfurnished properties push the upper end.
What upfront costs are there besides the deposit?+
Stamp duty (where applicable), solicitor and conveyancing fees plus disbursements, survey (RICS Level 2 or 3), mortgage arrangement and valuation fees, removals or van hire, basic furniture and appliances, broadband installation, locksmith and spare keys, the first food shop, and a buffer for unplanned costs. Most first-time buyers spend £4,000–£10,000+ across these on top of the deposit.
How much do removals cost in the UK?+
Realistic ranges: £300–£700 for a small one-bed move locally with a man-and-van, £700–£1,500 for a small house with a professional removals firm, £1,500–£3,000+ for longer distance or larger properties. Weekend and end-of-month dates cost more. Get at least three written quotes including transit insurance and confirmation of timing.
Do I need to budget for furniture and appliances?+
Yes — unless you're buying fully furnished (rare in the UK). Many first homes come unfurnished or only with white goods. Bed, sofa, dining basics, curtains, washing machine and fridge alone can run £1,500–£3,000 even buying mid-range. Budget for what you need on day one separately from "would be nice eventually." Charity shops, eBay and family hand-me-downs cover a lot of the first-month list affordably.
What's a completion-day cash buffer and how much should it be?+
A buffer of cash left over after completion to cover unexpected costs in the first month — boiler issues, locks not turning properly, survey-flagged repairs you decided to do, the gap to first payday. A common target is one month of total housing costs (mortgage + bills + everyday) left over after move-in. Most surprises in month one come from things the survey flagged or things you didn't notice at viewings.
When do solicitor and survey fees need to be paid?+
Survey fees are usually paid upfront when you book the surveyor — often 1–2 weeks after offer accepted. Solicitor fees are split: small initial fees (anti-money-laundering checks, search fees) paid as you instruct; the bulk of the fee is paid at completion alongside stamp duty. Disbursements (Land Registry, electronic transfers) are itemised in your completion statement.