How Much Does It Really Cost to Move House in the UK?

Buying your first home? Wondering whether your deposit is enough? Let me break it down for you clearly, quickly, and with zero jargon.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Minimum deposit requirements in 2025

• Real-life UK house price examples

• First-time buyer schemes to boost your deposit

• Hidden costs (because yep, there are a few!)

Let’s go.

How Much Deposit Do You Need in the UK in 2025?

The short answer? Most UK lenders ask for a minimum 5 percent deposit of the property price if you’re a first-time buyer.

That means if you’re buying a house for:

• £200,000 → You’ll need at least £10,000

• £250,000 → You’ll need at least £12,500

• £300,000 → You’ll need at least £15,000

To calculate how much you will need, use this calculator

But if you can put down 10 percent or more, you’ll usually get access to better mortgage rates and save a lot of money long-term.

Are There Schemes to Help First-Time Buyers in 2025?

Yes! Here are your best bets:

1. Lifetime ISA (LISA)
Save up to £4,000 a year and the government gives you a 25 percent bonus, up to £1,000 per year.

2. Mortgage Guarantee Scheme
The government backs 5 percent deposit mortgages until June 2025, making lenders more willing to say yes.

3. Shared Ownership
Buy a share of a property (usually 25 to 75 percent) and pay rent on the rest. Your deposit is based on the share you buy.

Hidden Costs to Know Before Buying

Even if you’ve saved the deposit, you’ll need extra funds for things like:

• Stamp Duty (unless you qualify for a first-time buyer exemption)

• Solicitor fees, usually £1,000 to £2,000

• Valuation and survey fees, typically £300 to £800

• Mortgage arrangement fees (varies)

• Moving costs, often £500 or more

Top tip: Use a home-moving calculator to get a personalised estimate of your total costs.

What If My Deposit Isn’t Big Enough?

You’re not alone. Here’s what people do:

• Delay buying and save with a LISA to get that 25 percent bonus

• Ask family for help via a gifted deposit

• Consider cheaper areas or shared ownership

• Improve your credit score to get better lending terms

Final Thoughts

In 2025, the average first-time buyer is putting down around 10 percent, but 5 percent is still very possible thanks to government support.

Your next step? Use a free budgeting calculator to map out your move and see exactly how much cash you’ll need—no spreadsheets or stress required.

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