Move Home

It’s important to consider selling and buying costs. These include:

• Estate Agent fees for selling your property

• Mortgage adviser fees 

• Stamp Duty/Land Transaction Tax (tax on properties above a certain price)

• Conveyancing legal fees for selling and buying 

• Survey costs to check the property’s condition

• Moving costs, such as packing materials or hiring a removal van/ movers 

• Buildings and Contents Insurance

How much you can borrow for a mortgage depends on your income, outgoings, credit history, lender criteria, as well as the equity in your current property and any existing mortgage. Speak to a mortgage adviser about your financial position and find out your mortgage affordability and options.

In the UK, moving home typically takes 8–12 weeks from an offer being accepted to completion. However, the timeline can vary depending on factors like:

• Property chains – longer chains often cause delays

• Mortgage approval and surveys – obtaining a mortgage and arranging surveys can add time

• Conveyancing – solicitors’ workload and property searches can affect speed

• Negotiations or issues – complications with buyers, sellers, or the property itself

Some straightforward transactions without a chain can be completed in as little as 4–6 weeks, while longer chains or complex situations may take several months.

Yes, but changes such as income, employment, or family circumstances will be reviewed by lenders and may affect how much you can borrow.

While it’s not legally required, having life insurance is highly recommended if you have a mortgage. It can cover your mortgage if something happens to you, so your family or dependents aren’t left worrying about the home. You might also want to think about income protection, which helps if you can’t work due to illness or injury, and critical illness cover for extra support if you’re diagnosed with a serious condition. It’s all about giving you peace of mind.