What this page is based on
Trust and data notes
- ReviewedFigures and official sources were substantively reviewed on 19 July 2026. Numerical examples use calculator data version 2026.07.1.
- How to read the figuresOfficial charges and estimate-led costs are shown separately so buyers can see which parts of the total are fixed rules and which parts are planning ranges.
- When to double-checkFigures are guidance only. Buyers should check important numbers with their solicitor, lender or the relevant official authority before making financial decisions.
- Source styleThis page is mainly built from UK planning estimates rather than direct government fee tables.
At a glance
Key facts buyers should know first
Central example range
£1,000 to £5,500 at £300,000 using low-to-high assumptions
Average planning amount
£2,800
Classification
Optional allowance
User override
Replace the planning amount with a current quotation
Trust note
Official-rate items vs estimate-led items
TrueHomeCosts separates published rates from market-based assumptions so buyers can see which figures are official and which ones are planning estimates.
Official or published-reference items
- none in the same way as tax or registry fees
Estimate-led items
- furniture, appliances, soft furnishings and move-in household purchases
How labels are used across the site
Official charge: based on published tax bands or fee scales.
Lender charge: fees tied to mortgage products, valuations or broker work.
Solicitor/conveyancing estimate: legal work and disbursement planning ranges.
Market estimate: surveys, moving, furnishing or other provider-led costs.
Optional cost: useful for planning, but not required on every purchase.
Situation-dependent cost: applies only to some properties or buyer types.
Plan the full picture
Use this guide with the right follow-up pages
Start with the homepage calculator to test your own numbers, then compare this topic with First Year Cost of Buying a House in the UK, Moving costs in the UK, First-time buyer costs in the UK and How much money do I need to buy a house in the UK?.
What furnishing and setup include
Furnishing and setup is an optional allowance for furniture, appliances and initial household setup. It is kept separate from moving and insurance.
The table below shows furnishing and setup by calculator assumption level for a £300,000 England example, with columns for Assumption level, Amount, and Classification.
| Assumption level | Amount | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Low | £1,000 | Optional allowance |
| Average | £2,800 | Optional allowance |
| High | £5,500 | Optional allowance |
On smaller screens, scroll sideways to view every column clearly.
What can change the quotation
Household size, existing possessions, chosen quality, delivery and whether appliances are included affect the allowance.
How to use a real quote
Enter the quotation in the calculator as a user-entered amount. Keep other categories separate so one quote does not overwrite unrelated costs.
Try this in the calculator
Run your own version of this scenario
Use the homepage calculator to change the property price, nation, buyer type and assumption level so you can compare the simple version of the budget with a more realistic one.
Open the calculatorHow this category fits total upfront cash
Deposit, property tax, core transaction costs, selected moving costs, insurance, furnishing and contingency.
Switch optional costs off when they do not apply, but do not silently fold them into another label.
Add furnishing only if it reflects your real move
Use the furnishing toggle on the calculator if you want a more realistic move-in number instead of a legal-only total.
Go to the calculatorContent notes
Reviewed and maintained by the TrueHomeCosts research team.
Our guides are built from official UK tax sources, public cost information and typical market price ranges. We separate fixed official charges from variable market estimates so buyers can see which figures are certain and which may change.
Last reviewed: 19 July 2026
Calculator data version: 2026.07.1
This content is for general guidance only and is not financial advice. For more detail, read how our estimates work or learn more about TrueHomeCosts.
FAQ
Questions buyers usually ask
Is every buyer required to pay furnishing and setup?
No. It is optional and should be included only when relevant.
Is the planning range an official tariff?
No. It is a market estimate and should be replaced with a current quotation.
Can I enter my own amount?
Yes. The calculator supports a user-entered override for this category.
Related guides
Read next
First Year Cost of Buying a House in the UK
See the first year cost of buying a house in the UK, including upfront fees, completion-day costs, moving costs, furnishing, insurance and ongoing ownership costs.
Moving costs in the UK
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First-time buyer costs in the UK
A step-by-step guide to first-time buyer costs in the UK, covering deposits, forgotten fees, Lifetime ISA rules, common mistakes and the real cost of buying a first home.
How much money do I need to buy a house in the UK?
Work out how much money you need to buy a house in the UK, including the deposit, upfront fees, property tax, legal costs, surveys, mortgage charges, moving costs and a practical buffer.
Ongoing Costs of Owning a Home in the UK
See the ongoing costs of owning a home in the UK, including mortgage payments, council tax, utilities, insurance, maintenance and leasehold charges.