INTRO
When buying a home in the UK, the mortgage itself is only part of the cost.
Many buyers focus on their deposit and monthly payments, but there are several additional fees involved that can add thousands to the total cost of buying a property.
In this guide, we break down all the key mortgage-related costs in simple terms, so you know exactly what to budget for in 2026.
QUICK ANSWER
The total cost of getting a mortgage in the UK is typically:
£3,000 to £10,000+ (excluding your deposit)
This includes:
- Mortgage fees
- Legal costs
- Surveys
- Moving expenses
- Stamp Duty (if applicable)
MORTGAGE FEES (LENDER COSTS)
These are the fees charged by your lender.
Arrangement Fee
- Usually: £0 to £2,000
- Can be paid upfront or added to the mortgage
Booking Fee
- Around: £100–£200
- Paid when you apply
Valuation Fee
- Typically: £0–£500
- Some lenders include this for free
LEGAL FEES (SOLICITOR / CONVEYANCING)
You’ll need a solicitor to handle the legal side of the purchase.
- Typical cost: £800 to £1,500+
This covers:
- Property searches
- Contracts
- Land Registry
SURVEY COSTS
A survey checks the condition of the property.
Types:
- Basic valuation: £0–£300
- Homebuyer report: £400–£800
- Full structural survey: £800–£1,500+
STAMP DUTY (IF APPLICABLE)
Stamp Duty can be one of the biggest costs.
- First-time buyers may pay less or nothing
- Standard buyers can pay thousands depending on price
This varies, so always check current thresholds.
MOVING COSTS
Often overlooked:
- Removal company: £300–£1,500
- Packing materials
- Storage if needed
OPTIONAL COSTS (BUT COMMON)
These aren’t required, but many buyers choose them.
- Mortgage broker fees: £0–£500+
- Life insurance
- Income protection
- Home insurance (usually required before completion)
TOTAL REALISTIC COST EXAMPLE
For a typical UK buyer:
- Mortgage fees: £1,000
- Legal fees: £1,200
- Survey: £600
- Moving: £600
Total: ~£3,400 (before Stamp Duty)
Your mortgage is just one part of your monthly expenses. You should also factor in utilities, council tax, and food costs when planning your budget. See our full guide to average UK living costs for a complete breakdown.
PLAN YOUR TOTAL COSTS
Before committing to a mortgage, it’s important to understand your full monthly budget.
Use our tools to estimate:
- Monthly living costs
- Student or household budgets
- Overall affordability
- Cost of Living Calculator UK:
- Monthly Expenses Breakdown (2026 Guide)
- Average Household Bills UK (2026):
This helps you avoid overstretching your finances.
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
- Only budgeting for the deposit
- Ignoring legal and survey costs
- Forgetting Stamp Duty
- Not planning for ongoing living expenses
FINAL THOUGHT
Getting a mortgage involves far more than just borrowing money.
Understanding all the costs involved will help you budget properly, avoid surprises, and make a more confident decision when buying your home.