What to Consider When You Want to Move House?
Getting the best from your house move often means considering every aspect of it before you get the ball rolling. In doing so, you can limit the stress that you’ll suffer along the way – and you might even save a considerable amount of money.
Understand the current housing market & timing
Timing your purchase properly can often help you to get the best value for your money. Sales of house prices have now surged to their highest level since 2021, according to data from Zoopla. However, we should be aware of an incoming slump.
The change in stamp duty thresholds forced many buyers to push forward their purchases, which means that May and June might well represent quiet periods. Traditionally, certain times of year – like spring – are better for buyers. But the picture is more complex, and whether it’s worth waiting will depend on your needs.
The question of whether you’re buying a new build home or an existing one might also matter, since the former are likely to benefit from government incentives when it comes to carbon emissions.
Budgeting: costs of buying, selling & moving
We’ve already mentioned the additional cost of stamp duty, which now kicks in at £125,000. But there are a number of other factors that might contribute to the overall cost of your purchase, and it’s important that your budget accounts for all of them.
You’ll need to pay a range of professionals along the way, including surveyors, conveyancers, removal companies, and all of the tradespeople who will ultimately get your home in good shape. In 2025, the average cost of a move is around £13,000.
Legal steps & conveyancing essentials
Your purchase will need to be legally binding. As such, it’s worth involving solicitors who specialise in property transactions. Appoint them as early as possible in order to make the process as smooth as possible.
If you’re considering a leasehold property, then it’s worth considering the implications of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024. This piece of legislation, while now law, has not yet been properly implemented. When it is, it will mean that leases are cheaper to extend, and that new leasehold houses are (for the most part) banned.
Weighing the implications of these changes, naturally, might involve the expertise of a good solicitor. So, make sure that you appoint one.
Decluttering, packing & moving-day logistics
As well as the transaction, it’s worth thinking about how the move itself will unfold. Try to avoid moving on a busy day, like a weekend or a school holiday. While you’re packing, make sure that you declutter – after all, you don’t want to be transporting items that you ultimately want to be rid of.
Finally, you’ll need to notify all of the relevant bodies of your change of address and set up redirects for your post. In some cases, this is a legal requirement; the DVLA, for example, will need to know where you live.
