Moving home is exciting, but it can also come with unexpected costs. Whether you’re heading to Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Rusthall or beyond, understanding what to expect financially can make the whole journey a lot smoother.
Rather than overwhelm you with numbers, this guide walks through the typical costs involved in moving house in Kent, along with useful tips to help you budget, plan and avoid surprises.
-
Removal Companies & Moving Day Costs
Most homeowners choose to hire a removals company, especially if they’re moving from a larger property or long distance. The cost depends largely on how much you’re moving, how far you’re going, and whether you’re looking for extra help, like packing, dismantling furniture or storage.
Tips to save:
- Book your removal company early, especially before weekends or school holidays.
- Declutter before moving, less to move means less to pay.
- Get two or three quotes for comparison, but don’t just go for the cheapest. Reliability matters on moving day.
Typically, removals can be anywhere between the £900 – £1,300 mark.
-
Legal Fees & Conveyancing
Conveyancing covers all the legal work involved in buying or selling a property. This coverts contracts, searches, Land Registry updates, and making everything official. Most people hire a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to assist with this.
Fees can vary depending on the value of the property, whether it’s freehold or leasehold, and if you’re buying and selling at the same time.
Top tip: Some firms offer fixed-fee packages, which can help you plan more confidently.
Legal fees differ and can range between £1,800–£2,500.
-
Stamp Duty & Government Fees
If you’re buying a property over a certain price, you’ll need to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). The amount depends on the value of the property and whether you’re a first-time buyer, moving home or buying an additional property.
This can be one of the biggest moving expenses, so it’s worth checking this early on with your estate agent so there are no surprises later down the line.
-
Mortgage Fees You Might Not Expect
If you’re taking out a mortgage or transferring your current one to your new home, there may be costs such as valuation fees, lender admin charges or new arrangement fees.
Again, the amount varies depending on your lender and mortgage type, so it’s always worth asking your broker or bank for a breakdown in advance. At a glance, the costs can be around the £500–£1,500 mark.
-
All the Little Extras (That Add Up Quickly!)
There are smaller details that often get forgotten but can make a difference to your moving budget, like:
- Packing materials (boxes, tape, bubble wrap)
- Professional cleaning – especially if you’re ending a tenancy or preparing a house for new owners
- Redirecting mail, transferring utilities, broadband set-up
- Insurance for valuables during the move
They’re not massive costs, but planning for them early helps avoid last-minute stress.
-
How to Keep Moving Costs Down
There are lots of simple ways to move smarter:
✔ Start early – booking in advance often means better prices and availability.
✔ Declutter – sell, donate or recycle anything you no longer need.
✔ Do your own packing – if you’ve got the time and the patience.
✔ Ask questions – whether it’s your solicitor, removals company or estate agent, no question is too small.
-
Is Moving Worth It?
Absolutely. Yes, it comes with planning and paperwork, but moving into the right home is priceless. With the right preparation, support and professionals by your side, it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
At Presence & Co., we help people navigate these stages every day. From helping you find your next home to guiding you through the process with honest advice, our goal is to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Thinking of moving soon? We’re always happy to help, even if it’s just to answer a question or point you in the right direction.
Click here to see what we currently have on the market.
