Moving house is an exciting milestone, but it’s also widely considered one of life’s most stressful experiences. Between coordinating removals, handling paperwork, and working to tight deadlines, there’s a lot to manage. At ONP Solicitors, we support thousands of clients through the moving process each year. With expert guidance and the right preparation, your move can be smooth and successful.
This guide outlines everything you need to know before moving house — from the legal steps and timelines, to understanding house moving costs and anticipating common moving house charges.
Understand the legal process
Buying or selling a home isn’t just a transaction; it involves the legal transfer of property ownership, known as conveyancing. This is where ONP Solicitors plays an essential role.
We handle every aspect of the process, including:
- Reviewing and preparing contracts
- Carrying out property searches
- Liaising with your mortgage lender
- Managing stamp duty submissions
- Coordinating exchange and completion
Our team provides regular updates and access to an online portal, giving you full visibility and peace of mind throughout your move.
Plan for house moving costs
When budgeting for a move, the cost of the property itself is only part of the equation. A full understanding of the house moving costs can help you avoid financial surprises later.
Typical costs to prepare for include:
Legal fees
These cover the solicitor’s work on your purchase or sale, including search fees, Land Registry costs, and other disbursements. At ONP, we offer transparent, fixed-fee pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
Stamp duty
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is payable on most property purchases over a certain threshold in England. Your solicitor will calculate and pay this on your behalf.
Mortgage fees
Depending on your lender, there may be valuation, arrangement, or booking fees to factor in. It’s worth checking these in advance to avoid duplication of services.
Surveyor costs
While not mandatory, a property survey is highly recommended. Costs vary depending on the level of detail involved, but they can be invaluable in identifying issues before you commit.
Removal costs
Hiring a removal firm is a common expense, and prices will vary based on distance, size of the property, and whether you require packing services.
Planning your house moving costs upfront can reduce stress and help you move forward with confidence.
Be aware of common moving house charges
Some charges during the move are easy to overlook. These moving house charges may arise depending on your situation:
- Bank transfer fees for sending completion funds
- Leasehold-specific fees, such as notice of assignment or deed of covenant costs
- Early mortgage repayment penalties if you’re settling a fixed-term loan early
- Utility connection or disconnection fees
- Storage costs if you need temporary accommodation
At ONP Solicitors, we’ll explain which of these may apply to your move so that you can budget with clarity.
Work with a specialist conveyancing solicitor
Using an experienced property solicitor makes a significant difference to the ease and efficiency of your move. ONP Solicitors specialises in conveyancing, and we combine legal expertise with modern digital tools to make your transaction as smooth as possible.
Why choose ONP?
- Specialist property law expertise
- 24/7 access to our online portal to track progress
- Fixed-fee pricing and no hidden costs
- Proactive communication and support
- Experience handling both straightforward and complex transactions
Our teams work across all property types and client profiles, from first-time buyers to seasoned investors.
Understand the timeline
Although each transaction is unique, here’s a general overview of the house moving timeline once your offer is accepted:
| Step | Estimated Timeframe |
| Instructing your solicitor | Immediately |
| Property searches and surveys | 2-3 weeks |
| Mortgage approval | 2-4 weeks |
| Contract exchange | 6-10 weeks after start |
| Completion | 1-2 weeks |
At ONP, our technology-enabled process often helps reduce unnecessary delays, while keeping all parties on the same page throughout.
Get ready for moving day
Once contracts are exchanged and a completion date is confirmed, you’ll need to start preparing for the move itself.
Here’s a useful checklist:
- Book a reliable removals company
- Notify utility providers, broadband suppliers, and your local council
- Update your address with banks, subscriptions, and relevant contacts
- Pack a separate box with essentials for your first night
- Confirm key collection details with your solicitor and estate agent
Our team will coordinate the financial completion and ensure the transfer of funds and keys is handled promptly and securely.
Buying and selling at the same time?
If you’re part of a chain — where your purchase depends on the sale of your current home — things can get more complex. Delays in any part of the chain can affect everyone involved.
ONP Solicitors are highly experienced in managing chain transactions. We keep all parties updated and work closely with other solicitors, estate agents, and lenders to reduce the risk of bottlenecks.
Why choose ONP Solicitors?
When it comes to property transactions, having the right legal partner makes all the difference. ONP Solicitors has been helping people move home for over 30 years, with a reputation for service, speed, and simplicity.
We offer:
- Experienced conveyancing specialists
- Digital tools that simplify communication
- Transparent fees and honest advice
- A focus on client experience, not just legal process
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or moving into your forever home, we’re here to make the journey smoother.
Start your move with confidence
If you’re planning a move—whether it’s your first step onto the property ladder or a long-anticipated upgrade—now is the perfect time to speak to the expert team at ONP Solicitors. With over 30 years of experience in residential conveyancing, we’ve helped thousands of clients buy and sell their homes with clarity, speed, and confidence.
We understand that moving house can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve built our service around removing stress and uncertainty from the process. From the moment you instruct us, our friendly and knowledgeable conveyancing team will guide you through each legal step, answering your questions, managing timelines, and keeping you fully informed. You’ll also gain access to our online client portal, where you can track progress 24/7, upload documents securely, and receive updates in real time.
At ONP, we believe that legal support should be both accessible and transparent. That’s why we offer fast, competitive quotes with no hidden fees—so you know exactly what you’re paying for and why. Whether you’re dealing with a straightforward transaction or navigating the complexities of a property chain, our proactive approach and industry-leading systems help us keep things moving.
Let us take care of the legal side so you can focus on the moments that matter—like picking up the keys to your new home, planning your move, and settling into a space that reflects your next chapter.
Ready to get started?
Request a free, no-obligation quote today and find out how ONP Solicitors can support your move with confidence, care, and legal expertise. Get in touch with us to find out more today.
