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
£180 to £520 at £300,000 using low-to-high assumptions
Average planning amount
£320
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
- lender or lease paperwork requirements where applicable
Estimate-led items
- insurance premiums
- optional protection products
- policy pricing across providers
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 Mortgage fees and costs in the UK, Hidden costs of buying a house in the UK, Moving costs in the UK and Ongoing Costs of Owning a Home in the UK.
What insurance include
Insurance is a separate optional planning allowance. The quote depends on the property, cover and risk information; it is not part of moving costs.
The table below shows insurance by calculator assumption level for a £300,000 England example, with columns for Assumption level, Amount, and Classification.
| Assumption level | Amount | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Low | £180 | Optional allowance |
| Average | £320 | Optional allowance |
| High | £520 | Optional allowance |
On smaller screens, scroll sideways to view every column clearly.
What can change the quotation
Rebuild cost, location, construction, claims history, excess and selected cover affect the premium.
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 insurance only if you want a truer all-in figure
Toggle insurance on in the calculator when you want a broader planning number rather than the bare legal minimum.
Go to the calculatorReference points
Official UK guidance
This guide is informed by publicly available UK guidance from official and consumer-support sources where relevant.
Content 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 insurance?
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
Mortgage fees and costs in the UK
A practical guide to mortgage fees and costs in the UK, including broker fees, advice charges, booking fees, arrangement fees, valuation costs, ERCs and exit fees.
Hidden costs of buying a house in the UK
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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.
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.
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.