Money Saving Tips for Home Movers

Practical ways to reduce the cost of buying or selling property

Save on Legal Fees

• Get multiple quotes (prices vary widely)
• Look for fixed-fee conveyancing
• Check what’s included in the quote
• Avoid ‘no sale, no fee’ if possible (often more expensive)
• Consider online conveyancers
• Use same solicitor for sale and purchase

Estate Agent Savings

• Negotiate the commission rate
• Consider online/hybrid agents
• Get multiple valuations
• Check contract terms carefully
• Avoid long tie-in periods
• Do your own viewings

Survey Costs

• Choose appropriate survey level
• Book direct with surveyor (not through lender)
• Ask if seller has recent survey
• Combine with valuation if possible
• Get quotes from multiple surveyors

Mortgage Savings

• Compare whole market
• Consider broker vs direct
• Look at total cost, not just rate
• Avoid unnecessary products
• Larger deposit = better rates
• Check early repayment charges

Stamp Duty Savings

• Use first-time buyer relief
• Consider price thresholds
• Exclude chattels from price
• Time purchase carefully
• Check if you qualify for exemptions

Moving Day Savings

• Compare removal quotes
• Pack yourself
• Declutter before moving
• Move mid-week (cheaper)
• Share van with someone else
• Use friends’ help

Hidden Cost Savings

• Read meters yourself on moving day
• Cancel unwanted insurances
• Negotiate utility contracts
• Time completion for month end (less interest)
• Check council tax banding