At a glance
Key facts buyers should know first
Transactions
Sale + purchase
Buyer legal range example
£1,050–£1,800
Mortgage-fee range example
£300–£1,450
Moving range example
£550–£1,800
One move, two cost schedules
The table below shows main cost groups for a simultaneous sale and purchase, with columns for Part of the move and Possible costs.
| Part of the move | Possible costs |
|---|---|
| Selling | Estate agent fee, selling conveyancing, EPC where required, mortgage exit or early-repayment charge where applicable |
| Buying | Buying conveyancing, searches, survey, tax, registration and mortgage product or arrangement charges |
| Physical move | Removals, packing, storage, cleaning and access or parking costs |
| Timing risk | Extra storage, temporary accommodation, duplicated bills or short-term funding if dates do not align |
| After completion | Repairs, insurance, first mortgage payment and ongoing ownership costs |
On smaller screens, scroll sideways to view every column clearly.
Selling costs
- Estate agent fee: check the percentage or fixed fee, VAT, tie-in, sole-agency terms and when payment is due.
- Selling conveyancing: title review, contract pack, enquiries, mortgage redemption and completion work.
- EPC: normally needed for marketing unless a valid certificate or exemption applies.
- Mortgage redemption: ask the lender for an illustration of the balance, early-repayment charge and exit fee.
- Leasehold or managed estate packs: third-party information fees and lead times can be material.
- Preparation: optional cleaning, minor repairs, photography or staging.
Buying costs
At £300,000, the calculator's standard purchase legal range is £1,050–£1,800. Searches, survey, registration, tax and transfer fees remain separate.
A home mover normally does not receive first-time buyer tax treatment. If an old main residence has not been disposed of by the relevant completion date, additional-property tax treatment may arise, subject to the rules and possible refund provisions. Confirm the position before exchange.
Chain timing and completion risk
A same-day chain depends on money and documents moving through several transactions in order. Delays can affect key release, removals waiting time and access to sale proceeds.
Agree a contingency plan for late keys, failed completion or a gap between sale and purchase. Storage, accommodation and duplicated utilities are planning risks, not inevitable costs.
Practical note
Mortgage costs on both sides
The table below shows questions for the existing and new mortgage, with columns for Existing mortgage and New mortgage.
| Existing mortgage | New mortgage |
|---|---|
| What is the redemption balance on the target date? | Is there a product, booking, valuation, arrangement or broker fee? |
| Does an early-repayment charge or exit fee apply? | Can a fee be added to the loan, and what interest would that create? |
| Is the product portable and what does porting actually require? | When will funds be released and what conditions remain? |
On smaller screens, scroll sideways to view every column clearly.
Home mover versus first-time buyer
The table below shows why the budget profile changes, with columns for First-time buyer and Home mover.
| First-time buyer | Home mover |
|---|---|
| No property sale costs | Estate agent, sale conveyancing and redemption costs |
| May qualify for buyer-specific tax relief subject to rules | Usually assessed under home-mover treatment; timing of disposal can matter |
| May need more furniture and setup | May own more belongings, increasing removal or storage needs |
| No chain below | Sale and purchase timelines are linked |
On smaller screens, scroll sideways to view every column clearly.
Questions to settle before exchange
- What is the net sale equity after mortgage redemption and selling costs?
- How much of the purchase deposit will come from sale proceeds?
- Are exchange deposits being passed up the chain, reduced or topped up?
- Which fees are due even if one transaction fails?
- What is the removals plan if keys are delayed?
- Would temporary accommodation or storage be affordable without short-term borrowing?
- Does the completion date stay within every mortgage-offer and search-validity period?
Model the purchase, then add the sale
Use the calculator for the next home, then add itemised estate agent, selling legal and mortgage-redemption figures to produce the complete home-mover budget.
Go to the calculatorEditorial record
- Page reviewed
- 25 July 2026
- Calculator data
- 2026.07.1
Official charges use linked public rules; quote-led figures remain planning assumptions until you replace them. Read the source and calculation method or report an error.
FAQ
Questions buyers usually ask
What does it cost to buy and sell a house at the same time?
Add selling costs—estate agent, sale conveyancing, EPC and mortgage redemption charges—to the full purchase budget of deposit, tax, buying conveyancing, searches, survey, mortgage fees, registration and moving.
Can sale proceeds fund the purchase deposit?
Often they can, but the contractual exchange deposit and timing need to be coordinated through the chain. Give the conveyancer a full source-of-funds picture early and do not assume proceeds will be accessible outside the legal process.
Should I use bridging finance if dates do not align?
That is a high-impact financial decision, not a routine moving-cost line. Short-term funding can be expensive and secured; obtain regulated financial and independent legal advice based on the actual transaction.
Related guides
Read next
Moving costs in the UK
Budget for moving costs in the UK, including removal company prices, packing services, storage, mail redirection, locksmith work, cleaning, broadband and utility connection fees.
Conveyancing Costs UK 2026: Solicitor Fees and Disbursements
How much does conveyancing cost in the UK? Compare solicitor fees, searches, disbursements and common extras with a clear 2026 cost breakdown.
When home-buying costs are paid before completion
A definitive UK home-buying payment timeline covering costs before exchange, at exchange, between exchange and completion, on completion and immediately after.
Ongoing Costs of Owning a Home in the UK
See the monthly cost of owning a home in the UK, including council tax, energy, water, insurance, maintenance and leasehold charges, with a worked 2026 budget.
Stamp duty explained: UK property tax in plain English
Stamp duty explained UK in plain English, including SDLT, LBTT, LTT, first-time buyer treatment, second-home costs and the main 2026 differences by nation.
Sources and checks
These are the main public sources used for official-rate items and checks on this page. Estimate-led costs remain planning ranges rather than government charges.