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July 21, 2025
Understanding the Overall Cost of Moving House in the UK
When planning a move, it’s essential to understand how removal companies like IMG Removals calculate costs. Unlike postage or freight services, we don’t charge based on item weight. Instead, we assess the scope of your move—how much needs transporting, whether packing services are included, and the locations of both properties. Smaller relocations, such as one- or two-bedroom flats, are often priced by the hour, typically ranging from £50–£80 per hour for a van and two team members. A two-hour minimum charge is standard. For larger properties, we offer fixed-price quotes that reflect access conditions, travel time, and any additional services requested—such as insurance upgrades or late key protection.
For long-distance moves, including our popular Birmingham to London service, pricing is usually provided as a fixed quote. This takes into account logistical requirements such as route planning, possible overnight stops, and crew size. Our approach ensures transparency and helps you budget confidently. We strongly recommend a pre-move survey—IMG Removals will visit your home, assess the volume and complexity of the job, and deliver a written quotation that covers everything you need for a smooth, stress-free move.
Our costs are ballpark averages
Moving house can be an exciting, yet often overwhelming, experience. One of the biggest concerns for many homeowners is understanding the financial implications. At IMG Removals, based right here in Birmingham, we believe in transparency when it comes to the cost of moving. This guide will help you navigate the various expenses involved in relocating across the UK, with a focus on what you can expect.
The average cost of moving house in the UK can vary significantly, but recent data suggests it can range from around £10,000 to over £15,000, excluding your deposit. This encompasses a range of services and fees, not just the removal company. Key costs include:
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT): This is often the largest expense, calculated as a percentage of your new property's value. Rates vary based on property price, whether you're a first-time buyer, and your location (England, Wales, or Scotland have different rules).
Legal Fees (Conveyancing): You'll need a solicitor or conveyancer to handle the legal aspects of the property transfer. These fees can range from £800 to £2,000, plus disbursements (e.g., property searches, Land Registry fees).
Mortgage Fees: If you're getting a new mortgage, you might encounter arrangement fees, valuation fees, and potentially a mortgage broker's fee.
Surveyor Fees: While not legally required, a property survey is highly recommended to identify any structural issues. Costs typically range from £250 to £1,500 depending on the type of survey.
Estate Agent Fees: If you're selling a property, you'll pay your estate agent a percentage of the sale price, usually between 1% and 3% plus VAT.
Removal Company Costs: This is where IMG Removals comes in! The cost of hiring a professional removal company depends on several factors, which we'll detail below.
Other Costs: Don't forget to budget for things like mail redirection, cleaning services, new furniture, and utility setup fees.
Here at IMG Removals in Birmingham, we understand that every home is different, and so are its moving needs. A larger home typically means more belongings, requiring bigger removal vans and more movers, which naturally impacts the removal price.
Key Factors Influencing These Costs (Beyond House Size):
Distance: Long-distance moves (e.g., Birmingham to Scotland) will significantly increase costs due to fuel, driver hours, and potential overnight stays.
Volume of Belongings: Even within the same house size, someone with minimal furniture will pay less than someone with a large collection of items.
Packing Services: Opting for professional packing services from IMG Removals will add to the cost, but saves you time and effort.
Access: Difficult access (e.g., no lift in a high-rise flat, narrow lanes, long walks from the property to the van) can increase labour time and, therefore, the cost.
Special Items: Moving pianos, large artwork, or other specialist items may incur additional fees.
Time of Year: Peak moving seasons (summer, end of month) can sometimes see higher prices due to demand
Final Thoughts: Understanding Moving Costs in 2025
The cost of moving house 2025 depends on your choice. The typical cost of moving house with a removal company is £1,200–£1,900, while IMG Removals offer an approximate cost of moving house starting as low as £40 per hour. Our vans deliver value. Ready to move? Contact us directly for a quote and drive your savings home!
Check out these additional resources for support with your move:
Securing Loads on HGVs and Goods vehicles (GOV)
Loading & Unloading (Health & Safety Executive)
Large Vehicles You Can Drive Using A Car Or Lorry Licence
