26/05/2026
So many home buyers are caught off guard when they realise the deposit is just the beginning. Here are the extra costs you need to budget for before you buy:
🏠 Land Transactional Tax (LLT / Stamp) — One of the biggest upfront costs, calculated based on the purchase price of your property.
📃 Solicitor/Conveyancing Fees — You’ll need a solicitor or conveyancer to handle all the legal work involved in your purchase.
🔍 Survey Costs — From a basic mortgage valuation to a full structural survey, getting the right survey could save you from a very costly surprise down the line.
🏦 Lender Fees — Some lenders charge product, arrangement, or valuation fees when setting up your mortgage. These can sometimes be added to the loan, but it’s important to understand the full cost.
🏡 Estate Agent Fees — Already own a property? Don’t forget to factor in your estate agent’s fees when selling. This is usually charged as a percentage of the sale price.
📋 Broker Fees — Depending on your broker, there may be a fee for their advice and service.
🛡️ Insurance — Two key policies to have in place from day one. Buildings & contents insurance protects your new home, while mortgage protection insurance ensures your payments are covered if life takes an unexpected turn.
🚚 Moving Costs — Easy to forget, but removalists, storage, and utility connection fees all add up.
💡 The good news? With the right planning (and the right broker in your corner 👋), none of this needs to be a surprise.
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