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True Cost Calculator

Calculate total upfront and ongoing costs of buying a home

The real cost of buying a house goes well beyond the purchase price. Our true cost calculator adds up everything — deposit, stamp duty, solicitor fees, survey costs, mortgage fees, and moving expenses — so you see the complete financial picture before you commit.

Did you know? First-time buyers typically spend £8,000 to £15,000 beyond their deposit on the costs of buying. Don't let hidden fees catch you off guard.

Property Details

Purchase Price

Property Type

First-Time Buyer?

Deposit Percentage

Survey Type

Annual Gross Income (Optional)

For affordability warning

Enter property details to calculate costs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the true cost of buying a house in the UK?

Beyond the purchase price and deposit, the true cost typically includes stamp duty (£0-£12,500 for FTBs), solicitor fees (£1,000-£1,800), survey (£300-£1,500), mortgage fees (£0-£2,000), searches (£250-£450), and moving costs (£800-£1,500). Total additional costs: £8,000-£15,000 for most first-time buyers.

What costs do first-time buyers face?

First-time buyers typically face: deposit (5-10% of property price), solicitor/conveyancer fees, survey costs, mortgage arrangement fees, buildings insurance, moving costs, and potentially stamp duty if buying over £300,000.

Are there any costs I can avoid when buying a house?

You can save money by: negotiating mortgage arrangement fees (some lenders offer fee-free deals), shopping around for solicitor quotes, choosing a HomeBuyer Report over a full building survey for newer properties, and doing some of the move yourself rather than hiring full-service removals.

Do I need to pay stamp duty as a first-time buyer?

First-time buyers in England pay no stamp duty on properties up to £300,000 (since April 2025). On properties between £300,001 and £500,000, you pay 5% only on the portion above £300,000. Properties over £500,000 don't qualify for first-time buyer relief.

When do I need to pay all these costs?

Costs are spread across the buying process: mortgage fees at application, survey when instructed, solicitor fees at completion, stamp duty within 14 days of completion, and moving costs on moving day. Your solicitor handles most payments from the funds you transfer before completion.

True Cost Calculator

Property Details

Frequently Asked Questions

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