The Costs of Buying and Moving Home

Your Deposit

Your deposit is usually the biggest upfront cost.

Most mortgage lenders will require at least 5% of the property’s value, although putting down a larger deposit could give you access to more competitive mortgage deals.

If you’re a first time buyer in Bristol, your deposit might come from savings, a Lifetime ISA, or a gifted deposit from family.

Whatever the source, it’s important to have this in place before you begin your property search.

Estate Agency Fees

If you’re selling a property in Bristol as part of your move, estate agency fees will likely be part of your total cost.

These fees are typically charged as a percentage of your sale price and cover the service of marketing and negotiating the sale of your current home.

While these don’t apply to buyers directly, they’re something to budget for if you’re moving up the ladder rather than buying for the first time.

Survey Costs

A property survey is an important part of the home buying process.

The lender will conduct a basic valuation, but many buyers opt to pay for a more detailed survey for added peace of mind, especially with older properties.

The cost depends on the type of survey you choose and the value of the home.

A more in-depth survey can help highlight any issues before you commit to the purchase, giving you the option to renegotiate or request repairs.

Mortgage Arrangement Fees

Some mortgage deals come with arrangement fees charged by the lender.

These can vary and might either be paid upfront or added to your mortgage balance.

As your mortgage broker in Bristol, we’ll always explain whether a deal includes a fee and help you weigh up whether the overall cost still represents good value.

Sometimes, a product with a fee can end up being cheaper over time if it comes with a lower interest rate.

Solicitor Fees

You’ll need a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to manage the legal side of the purchase.

This includes things like property searches, checking contracts, and handling the exchange and completion process.

Solicitor fees can vary depending on the value of the property and how complex the transaction is.

It’s worth choosing a firm with good communication and local knowledge to help keep everything moving smoothly.

Removal Costs

When it comes to the practical side of moving, don’t forget to factor in removal costs.

Whether you’re hiring a professional removals company or renting a van to do it yourself, there will likely be some cost involved.

For buyers in Bristol, removal costs often depend on how far you’re moving, how much you need to transport, and whether you need packing or storage included.

Planning ahead can help you find the right option and avoid last-minute stress.

Mortgage Broker Fees

Mortgage brokers often charge a fee for their services, but this varies between companies.

At our company, we only charge a fee once we have successfully secured a formal mortgage offer for you.

This means you can be confident you are getting advice focused on helping you move forward, not just paying a fee for trying.

Broker fees are usually payable once you receive your mortgage offer.

Getting the Right Support Along the Way

With so many moving parts, buying and moving home in Bristol can feel like a lot to manage.

That’s where having the right support makes a real difference.

As a mortgage broker in Bristol, we’re here to guide you through the process, explain all the steps clearly, and help you plan for every stage, from your mortgage deal to the day you get the keys.

Date Last Edited: September 22, 2025