First-time buyer costs calculator

    Work out the cash you'll need to buy your first home in England, on top of your deposit. Estimates only, based on typical costs. Get real quotes before you commit.

    That's 10% of the price.

    Is it a new build?
    Is it leasehold?

    Flats are usually leasehold

    Your estimate

    Deposit
    £25,000
    Stamp duty
    £0

    First-time buyer relief saves you £2,500

    Legal fees and searches
    £1,200 to £1,900

    Land Registry fee: usually included in your conveyancer's quote as a disbursement: £150 on your price. Check it's listed.

    Lender valuation
    £0 to £300
    Survey
    £400 to £1,000
    Mortgage fees
    £0 to £1,500
    Removals
    £450 to £1,400

    Cash you'll need on top of your deposit: £2,050 to £6,100

    Total including deposit: £27,050 to £31,100

    Mortgage needed: £225,000 (90% loan to value)

      Get these in writing before you pay anything

      1. A fixed-fee quote from your conveyancer that lists every disbursement (searches, Land Registry, ID checks, bank transfer fees) and VAT.
      2. What the quote doesn't cover, such as leasehold, new-build or gifted-deposit supplements.
      3. Whether your mortgage fee is paid upfront or added to the loan, and the total cost over the fixed period.
      4. Which survey level you're getting and what it won't inspect.
      5. A written removals quote, and what their insurance covers.

      MyMoveMate walks you through every one of these, stage by stage, from your Decision in Principle to getting your keys. Try it free for 14 days, then a one-off £49.

      Start your free trial

      England only. Estimates based on typical costs, not financial or legal advice. Stamp duty rates checked 28/10/2026: check GOV.UK for the latest.

      Frequently asked questions

      How much does it cost to buy your first home?

      On top of your deposit, most first-time buyers in England need roughly £2,050 to £6,100 on a £250,000 home. That covers legal fees and searches, a lender valuation, a survey, any mortgage fee and removals. Stamp duty is extra on homes over £300,000. Use the calculator above for your own price.

      Do first-time buyers pay stamp duty?

      Not on homes up to £300,000 in England. Between £300,001 and £500,000 you pay 5% on the part above £300,000, so a £400,000 home costs £5,000. Above £500,000 the relief does not apply and standard rates are charged on the whole price.

      What is the Land Registry fee?

      It is the fee HM Land Registry charges to register you as the new owner. On a £250,000 home it is £150, or £330 for a new lease such as a new-build flat. Your conveyancer usually pays it for you and lists it in their quote as a disbursement, so check it is included.

      How much cash do I need on top of my deposit?

      Plan for at least £2,050 to £6,100 on a £250,000 home, plus any stamp duty. Legal fees and searches are usually £1,200 to £1,900, with searches about £250 to £450 of that. A Level 2 survey costs £400 to £1,000. Get written quotes before you commit.