Property Cost Calculators
Complete cost planning for UK property purchases and ownership
Comprehensive Property Cost Planning
Understanding all costs involved in buying and owning property is crucial for successful financial planning. Our professional calculators help you budget accurately for every stage of property ownership, from initial purchase through to ongoing maintenance.
Professional Cost Calculators
Mortgage Fees Calculator
Calculate all fees associated with getting a mortgage, including arrangement fees, valuation costs, and legal expenses.
- Arrangement & booking fees
- Valuation & survey costs
- Legal & conveyancing fees
- Broker & admin charges
Moving Costs Calculator
Calculate the total cost of moving to your new home, including removal services, packing, and setup costs.
- Removal & transport costs
- Packing materials & services
- Storage & insurance
- Utility connections
Ongoing Costs Calculator
Calculate monthly and annual property ownership costs including insurance, maintenance, and service charges.
- Insurance & protection
- Maintenance & repairs
- Service charges & ground rent
- Utilities & council tax
Why Choose Our Cost Calculators
Comprehensive Coverage
All fees and expenses included in calculations, from obvious costs to hidden charges often overlooked by buyers
Regional Accuracy
Location-specific cost estimates reflecting regional variations in legal fees, survey costs, and local charges
Budget Planning
Advanced tools for budgeting and saving, helping you plan financially for every stage of property ownership
Detailed Reports
Export comprehensive cost breakdowns for mortgage applications, financial planning, and record keeping
Understanding Property Costs
Property costs extend far beyond the purchase price. Understanding all expenses involved helps you budget accurately and avoid financial surprises. Our calculators cover every stage of property ownership.
Purchase Costs
Initial expenses when buying property including stamp duty, legal fees, surveys, and mortgage arrangement costs. These typically add 3-5% to the purchase price.
- Stamp Duty Land Tax
- Legal and conveyancing fees
- Survey and valuation costs
- Mortgage arrangement fees
Moving Costs
Expenses related to physically moving to your new property, from removal services to setting up utilities and making immediate improvements.
- Removal and packing services
- Utility connections and deposits
- Immediate repairs and improvements
- New furniture and appliances
Ongoing Costs
Regular expenses of property ownership including insurance, maintenance, utilities, and for leasehold properties, service charges and ground rent.
- Buildings and contents insurance
- Regular maintenance and repairs
- Service charges and ground rent
- Utilities and council tax
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about property-related costs
What fees do I need to pay when getting a mortgage?
Common mortgage fees include arrangement fees (typically £999-£1,999), booking fees (£99-£250), valuation fees (£150-£1,500 depending on property value), and potentially early repayment charges. Some fees can be added to the mortgage, but this increases the total amount you'll pay in interest. Legal fees and local searches typically cost £800-£1,500.
How much should I budget for moving costs?
Moving costs vary by property size and distance but typically include removal services (£400-£1,500), packing materials (£100-£300), cleaning services (£200-£400), and potential storage costs (£100-£300 per month). You may also need to budget for new furniture, appliances, and immediate home improvements.
What ongoing costs should I expect as a homeowner?
Regular costs include buildings insurance (£200-£400/year), contents insurance (£150-£250/year), utility bills, council tax, and maintenance (budget 1% of property value annually). For leasehold properties, add service charges (£1,000-£3,000/year) and ground rent. Consider setting aside money for unexpected repairs and periodic improvements.
Are there any hidden costs when buying a property?
Often overlooked costs include mortgage indemnity fees for high LTV mortgages, land registry fees (£20-£910), telegraphic transfer fees (£25-£50), and potential mortgage broker fees. For new builds, factor in snagging surveys (£300-£600) and potential service charges. Always check for restrictive covenants that might incur future costs.
How much should I save for emergencies as a homeowner?
Financial advisers typically recommend keeping 3-6 months of housing costs as an emergency fund. This should cover mortgage payments, bills, and unexpected repairs. For older properties or those with known issues, consider a larger emergency fund. Insurance excess payments should also be factored into your savings plan.
What's the difference between freehold and leasehold costs?
Freehold properties have lower ongoing costs as you own the land and building outright. Leasehold properties incur additional costs including ground rent (£100-£500/year), service charges (£1,000-£5,000/year), and potential lease extension costs. Always factor these into your budget when comparing properties.
How do I budget for property maintenance costs?
A general rule is to budget 1-3% of your property's value annually for maintenance. Newer properties may need less (1%), while older properties require more (2-3%). Create separate funds for routine maintenance (painting, servicing) and major repairs (roof, boiler replacement). Keep detailed records for tax purposes if it's a rental property.
Can I negotiate mortgage fees with lenders?
Many mortgage fees are negotiable, especially arrangement fees and valuation costs. Lenders may waive or reduce fees for customers with large deposits, excellent credit scores, or those taking multiple products. Mortgage brokers often have access to exclusive deals with reduced fees. Always ask about fee-free alternatives or cashback offers.