30 Dec How to save money when moving house
Moving house can be an expensive business. From legal fees to removals charges, there are many different costs to consider, some of which you may not have thought of before. Here are some simple ways to save money when moving home.
Get a property survey
Engaging a chartered surveyor to carry out a building survey on your potential new home before you complete could help you save thousands of pounds in the long run. A building survey is usually carried out in homes which are under 100 years old and in relatively good condition. It will determine whether the building has any structural issues and whether you are paying an unreasonable price for it. While you do have to pay for the survey, it could save you thousands on repairs once the move is complete.
Check conveyancing fees
Before instructing a conveyancing solicitor, be sure to find out the exact cost of their services. Make sure there are no hidden charges that could emerge at a later date. Some conveyancers do offer no sale no fee conveyancing, which means legal fees are only paid once a sale is complete. Licensed conveyancers, such as Sam Conveyancing, can decide whether they want to offer this. It can be extremely attractive for people who fear their property purchase is going to fall through. However, it is important to note you are likely to have to pay for any external searches that have been carried out on the property for you and other disbursements.
Understand the fees
New figures show the cost of moving house has topped £10,400. Moving costs include stamp duty, estate agent fees, an Energy Performance Certificate and surveys, as well as removal fees. Do your research to understand everything involved so you are not stung by any hidden or unexpected costs along the way.
Look at your utility packages
When moving house, you do not simply have to use the same utility companies as your predecessors. Check whether any of the current utility deals can be renegotiated or moved to cheaper suppliers.
Book your removals carefully
Be mindful of both the time of year and the day of the week on which you move. If you can, opt for a midweek move as this is usually a cheaper option. Try to avoid bank holidays or Christmas time as they are invariably more expensive.
Declutter your home
Before moving, declutter any items you do not want to come with you to your new home. This will help to reduce the number of boxes needed and the cost of hiring a removal company. Give unwanted items to charity, friends and family or you could sell them online to earn some extra cash to help fund the move.
DIY your removal
See how much of your removals you can DIY in a bid to save money. Explore whether it is cheaper to hire a van yourself to do the moving or get help from friends and family. The fewer items removals firms have to move, the cheaper the rate will be. And while using a packing service may be attractive for convenience, it is not cost-effective. Attempt to do this, and any necessary cleaning, yourself rather than hire a professional company to do it for you.
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