The cost of moving home in England has seen a 2.3% decline from its 2025 peak, with the average upfront expenses now standing at £17,413. This reduction follows moderating property prices, which have led to decreases in percentage-based costs such as Stamp Duty and estate agency fees, according to analysis by property comparison website reallymoving.
The median purchase price decreased from £395,000 to £390,000, resulting in a £250 reduction in the typical Stamp Duty bill. Additionally, the median sale price dropped from £325,000 to £315,000, cutting average estate agent fees by £142. Removals costs also saw a nearly 12% fall for moves under 30 miles, from £709 to £624, likely due to increased competition among firms.
Despite these recent decreases, moving costs have increased by 74% over the past decade when adjusted for inflation. In 2016, a home move cost £10,016 in today's money. Rob Houghton, founder of reallymoving, stated that the upfront cost of over £17,000 acts as a barrier to household mobility, potentially causing many to remain in homes that no longer suit their needs, especially during an extended cost-of-living crisis.
The elevated moving costs and reduced transaction volumes affect various parts of the economy, impacting conveyancers, surveyors, estate agents, removals firms, tradespeople, and retailers. This trend suggests that while short-term cost pressures have eased slightly, the long-term increase in moving expenses continues to constrain market activity and household mobility across England.