First-timers go big and go home

The average cost of moving home is around £13,000 - so it’s no wonder savvy first-time buyers are moving into family-sized homes to avoid paying estate agents, solicitors, mortgage fees and more every time they climb the property ladder.

- Edited by DEBORAH STONE

According to the HomeOwners Alliance (hoa.org.uk), the average cost of selling a property in 2025 is £4,910, including estate agent fees, conveyancing and paying for an Energy Performance Certificate, while the cost of buying is an average £7,519 to pay for stamp duty, surveys, more conveyancing fees and the price of simply arranging a mortgage.

There are also general moving costs, averaging £589.50, to transport furniture and pay for mail redirection.