# The costs of buying a home that nobody mentions

> On a £250,000 home in England, expect around £3,410 in fees on top of your deposit, plus any mortgage fees. Leasehold homes cost a little more to buy, and there are running costs from day one.

Costs · Published 2026-10-04 · Updated 2026-10-04 · https://firstkey.uk/articles/hidden-costs-of-buying

## The one-off costs

- Legal fees (conveyancing): about £1,730 freehold, or £2,080 leasehold, because there's more paperwork to check.
- Searches: about £350, for things like flood risk and planned roads.
- A survey: from about £730. A basic one for newer homes, a fuller one for older homes or anything that looks tired.
- Stamp duty: £0 for a first-time buyer in England at this price. [Check yours](https://firstkey.uk/stamp-duty-calculator).
- Mortgage fees: some deals charge £1,000 or more to arrange. A fee-free deal with a slightly higher rate can work out cheaper on a small loan.
- Moving: about £600 for a small move with a van and help.

## The running costs from day one

- Council tax, based on the home's band. In Northern Ireland, domestic rates.
- Energy, which depends a lot on the home's EPC rating.
- Buildings insurance, which most lenders need from exchange.
- Service charge and ground rent, if it's leasehold.
- Water, broadband and a TV licence if you need one.

**Keep a repairs pot.** When you own, the boiler and the roof are yours. A common rule of thumb is to put aside 1% of the home's value a year for repairs, though a newer home usually needs less.

[See every cost for any price](https://firstkey.uk/costs): The costs calculator shows the deposit, tax, fees and monthly costs together.

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