What buying a home actually costs

• Deposit: usually 5% to 15% of the price. The more you put down, the better the rate.
• Broker fee: many brokers are free to you and paid by the lender; some charge £0 to £500. Ours is free.
• Agreement in principle: free.

• Reservation fee (new builds only): £500 to £2,000, taken off the price at completion.
• Mortgage arrangement fee: £0 to £1,500. Can often be added to the loan, but you pay interest on it.
• Valuation fee: £0 to £400. Many lenders include it.
• Survey: Level 2 (homebuyer) £400 to £900; Level 3 (full structural) £700 to £1,500. Worth it on older homes.
• Conveyancing: £900 to £1,800 including VAT, plus searches of £250 to £450.
• Stamp duty (England and Northern Ireland): first-time buyers pay nothing up to £300,000 and 5% on the part between £300,000 and £500,000. Above £500,000 the relief disappears. Scotland and Wales have their own taxes; your conveyancer will confirm.

• Removals: £300 for a van and a mate, £800 to £1,500 for a firm.
• Buildings insurance: from exchange day, typically £15 to £30 a month.
• Furniture and first-week bits: see the furniture checklist.
• Emergency fund: aim to have at least one month of mortgage payments left over after moving.

If your partner owns a home, your stamp duty is worked out differently and the bill can be five figures higher. Check what you would actually pay.