What are all the costs of buying a house in the UK?Buying a house involves significantly more cost than just the deposit and mortgage. On top of the deposit, buyers must budget for stamp duty, solicitor fees, survey costs, mortgage arrangement fees, and removal costs. The total additional costs on a typical purchase range from £5,000 to £25,000 or more depending on the property price and buyer circumstances. Rule of thumb: budget 3 to 5% of the purchase price for buying costs (excluding the deposit). On a £300,000 purchase, that is £9,000 to £15,000 in additional fees. Full cost breakdown: £300,000 house purchase (standard buyer)
Stamp Duty for first-time buyers in 2026First-time buyers pay no stamp duty on purchases up to £300,000. On purchases between £300,001 and £500,000, first-time buyers pay 5% on the portion above £300,000. On purchases over £500,000, standard rates apply with no first-time buyer relief.
Survey costs: which level do you need?
Costs that vary by situation
Verdict Budget £8,000 to £12,000 beyond your deposit for a typical £300k purchase Stamp duty is the biggest variable — first-time buyers save up to £5,000 versus standard buyers. Survey and solicitor fees are non-negotiable essentials. Get quotes for all three (mortgage broker, solicitor, surveyor) before you make an offer so you know your total outlay. Frequently asked questionsHow much does it cost to buy a house in the UK in total? On a £300,000 purchase with a 10% deposit, total outlay including deposit is approximately £38,000 to £44,000 — comprising the £30,000 deposit plus £8,000 to £14,000 in stamp duty, solicitor fees, survey, and other costs. Can buying costs be added to my mortgage? No — most lenders do not allow stamp duty or solicitor fees to be added to a residential mortgage. Some allow arrangement fees to be added, which increases your loan but avoids the upfront cash requirement. Are there any grants to help with buying costs? The Lifetime ISA government bonus (up to £1,000/year) can be used toward the deposit. Some local authority first-time buyer schemes offer grants or shared equity products. First-time buyer stamp duty relief saves up to £5,000. Do I have to pay for a survey? A survey is not legally required but is strongly recommended. A mortgage valuation is done for the lender — it does not protect you. A HomeBuyer Report or Building Survey identifies issues that could cost significantly more to fix than the survey costs. |
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⏱ 4 min read min read
📅 Updated Apr 2026
Costs of Buying a House UK 2026: Full Breakdown
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