Moving House Part 2 – Introduction

As a mortgage advisor, I’ve spent years guiding clients through the exciting (and often overwhelming) process of buying and selling homes. But nothing quite prepared me for the reality of going through my own move. Experiencing it first-hand gave me a whole new appreciation for the rollercoaster of emotions, decisions, and challenges that come with such a significant life event.

In this blog – Moving House Part 2 – I want to share my personal journey, along with practical tips and insights that I hope will make your own move a little smoother.

Moving House Part 2 – The First Hurdle

Let me start by saying this: moving house is rarely straightforward. In fact, it is usually a comedy of errors! However, apart from the exhausting mix of sheer excitement and inevitable nerves, what hit me the most was the endless amount of admin! The closer moving day gets, the more the list of “things to do” seems to multiply.

The first hurdle? Paperwork. Contracts, disclaimers, deadlines – it can all feel like a labyrinth, even for someone like me who works in mortgages every day.

Anyhow, even before we got to that stage, before we got carried away looking at dream homes (which, if you have read the first blog in this series, you will know we did eventually find), we started by really assessing our finances. I know the mortgage market well, but sitting down with my own numbers was a sobering reminder: buying a home is as much about financial reality as it is about aspiration. I analysed our income, expenses, and future plans to make sure we weren’t just chasing a dream, but securing a home that fit comfortably within our means. So, that’s what ‘Moving House Part 2’ is going to focus on first- practical finance tips.

Understanding Your Finances and Capabilities

Before you even start attending viewings, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your financial situation. Here’s what to consider — along with real-world examples and tips to help you prepare.

1. Current Affordability

Start by looking at your monthly budget in detail. Write down your income and all essential outgoings — not just the obvious bills, like the mortgage, utilities, and taxes, but also lifestyle costs like gym memberships, meals out, or family activities.

Example: If your monthly mortgage repayment will be £1,000 but your true outgoings (including car finance, subscriptions, and childcare) bring the total closer to £1,800, you need to be confident that figure is sustainable long term.

Tip: Try “test driving” your new budget for a couple of months before you move. Put aside the difference into a savings account to see how it feels living on the reduced disposable income.

2. Future Changes

Life is unpredictable. When planning for a new home, think about your future. Will you be changing jobs, expanding your family, or pursuing further education? Any of these changes can impact your finances and should be taken into account.

Example: If you’re thinking about starting a family in the next couple of years, childcare costs can be significant. Or if you’re self-employed, consider whether your income is steady enough to cover your mortgage during quieter months.

Tip: Ask yourself, “Would this mortgage still feel comfortable if my income dropped by 10–20%?” If the answer is no, you may want to look for a home at a slightly lower price point.

3. Potential Renovations and Repairs

When viewing properties, remember that some homes come with hidden costs. A property might look like a bargain, but if the roof needs replacing or the kitchen is outdated, you could be facing thousands in unexpected expenses.

Example: A couple may buy a home for £10,000 under budget, only to discover it needs £15,000 worth of renovations before it’s truly liveable. Suddenly, the “deal” isn’t such good value.

Tip: Always factor in a contingency fund of at least 5–10% of the purchase price to cover repairs, furniture, or surprise expenses that crop up after moving in.

4. Don’t Forget the Extras

It’s easy to focus on the mortgage and overlook other costs. Make sure you budget for:

• Stamp Duty (if applicable)
• Solicitor and conveyancing fees
• Estate agent fees (if selling)
• Survey costs
• Moving expenses (van hire, packing, cleaners)
• Initial decorating and furnishing

Tip: Create a “moving pot” savings account to keep these one-off costs separate from your main budget. It helps you avoid dipping into emergency funds.

5. Think Beyond the Mortgage

Finally, remember that owning a home isn’t just about affording the mortgage itself. Maintenance, insurance, and even rising utility bills all add up over time.

Example: An older property with character might have higher heating bills, while a new build could save you money on energy efficiency but carry annual service charges.

Tip: When viewing properties, ask direct questions about average running costs. Sellers are usually required to provide energy and utility information — use it to make informed choices.

If you would like to speak to me about your finances and capabilities, I’d love to help. As an independent mortgage advisor, I can offer an extremely wide range of mortgages to suit each individual’s needs personally. Fill out my contact form here and let’s talk.

Moving House Part 2 – The Role of Estate Agents

Once we knew what we could afford, and we’d calculated our contingency funds, the next step was choosing the right estate agent. This is such a crucial decision. A good estate agent isn’t just selling property – they should be your ally, supporting you through one of the most stressful and important transactions of your life (whether you are buying or selling).

Here’s what to look for:

Trust and Integrity
Choosing an estate agent you can trust is paramount. You want someone who genuinely has your best interests at heart and can offer transparent advice.

Marketing and Branding

Estate agents don’t all market properties in the same way. Look into their marketing strategies and how they present properties. Do they use high-quality images? Are they active on social media? A well-respected brand can boost your property’s visibility (if you are selling to move on).

Understanding Fees

Be clear on the fees associated with hiring an estate agent. While the cheapest option may seem appealing, consider the services you’re getting in return—sometimes, paying a little extra for top-tier service can make all the difference.

For our move, we worked with Botham & Williams. Carlie and Tabatha were brilliant – professional, supportive, and proactive. They combined traditional property marketing with a strong social media presence, keeping us updated all the way through to completion day.

Identifying the Right Conveyancer

Parallel to choosing an estate agent, we also needed a conveyancer. If the estate agent handles the “shop front,” your conveyancer is the one managing the legal nuts and bolts.

Things to prioritise:

Trust and Communication: Like your estate agent, your conveyancer should be trustworthy. They will be dealing with all the legal and financial details of your property transfer. You’ll be relying on them to explain the legal side in plain English and keep things moving forward.

Experience: Look for a conveyancer with a strong track record in your area. Local knowledge can often provide conveniences that larger firms may overlook.

Transparent Fees: Ensure there are no hidden costs and that the conveyancer’s fees are clearly outlined from the get-go.

We chose Taylor Rose to deal with our conveyancing needs, which consisted of a sale and purchase. Our contact, in particular, was Kelly Hancock. Whilst a national law firm, they have conveyancers all over the country. Kelly was superb throughout the process. Constant communication and explanation. Our purchase wasn’t straightforward, and Kelly made it easy for us. Taylor Rose also utilises a portal system, making it easy to provide the required documentation, and a little less stressful!

Moving House Part 2 – Conclusion

Our moving experience was sometimes chaotic, often exhausting, but ultimately rewarding. It gave me fresh insight into the challenges my clients face and the reassurance that with the right planning and the right people by your side, it can be a positive journey.

As an independent mortgage advisor, I can’t emphasise enough the importance of:

• Knowing your financial limits before you start house hunting.
• Choosing an estate agent who really listens and markets effectively.
• Working with a conveyancer who communicates well and has your back.

Moving house isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about building a secure foundation for your future. It can be an exhilarating journey filled with opportunities for growth and new experiences—the key is to approach it with informed confidence. I hope that by sharing my journey, I can assist you in navigating your own path to homeownership more smoothly.

Remember, it’s not just a transaction—it’s your home. Build a solid foundation for your future, and you’ll be well on your way towards making the right choices. So, here’s to the adventure of moving! I hope Moving House Part 2 has given you some practical tips to smooth the path.

Happy house hunting, and remember, every step takes you closer to the home that’s truly right for you.