The expenses for relocating in England have slightly decreased. Recent analyses by reallymoving, based on 204,000 quotes, show a reduction in average moving costs to £17,413. This represents a decrease of 2.3% compared to the peak of 2025.
Despite this slight decline, the total cost of moving house remains significantly above the level of the last decade. Inflation-adjusted, current expenses are 74% higher than ten years ago. This development represents an increasing burden for households and affects mobility as well as overall activity in the property market.
Structure of relocation costs
Reallymoving's analysis covers a range of items incurred when moving home. These typically consist of various fees and services that cumulatively contribute to the total sum.
- —Estate agent fees
- —Conveyancing costs for buying and selling property
- —Surveyor's fees
- —Removal company expenses
Each of these individual items contributes to the overall burden. In particular, the increased fees for estate agents and legal services reflect the general cost trend. These factors make it especially difficult for first-time buyers and families with limited budgets to make the high initial investments.
Impact on the property market
High relocation costs act as a barrier to market dynamics. When the costs of moving home are prohibitively high, households hesitate to decide whether to sell their property or acquire a new one. This can lead to a reduction in the supply of existing properties and impair market liquidity. The current situation suggests that the British government or local authorities may need to take measures to improve the affordability of moving home.
