(UK 2025 Guide) Budgeting After You Buy: Homeownership Costs Most First-Time Buyers Forget About
Think the hard part ends after the deposit? Discover the hidden costs of buying a house in the UK, plus expert moving house budget tips to help you avoid financial shocks in 2025.
Introduction: Buying the Home Is Just the Beginning
You’ve scrimped saved and finally exchanged contracts. You’ve budgeted for your deposit solicitor and Stamp Duty. You’re ready to move in… right?
Not so fast.
Many first-time buyers in the UK are caught off guard by the true cost of homeownership . From move-in expenses to maintenance and council tax hikes the costs can easily spiral—unless you plan ahead.
In this expert guide we break down the hidden costs of buying a house in the UK what to include in your post-completion budget and how to avoid common financial traps new homeowners face in 2025.
Quick Look: Common “Hidden” Costs First-Time Buyers Miss
Category | Typical Cost Range (2025) |
|---|---|
Removal services | £400 – £1 200 |
Furniture & appliances | £1 500 – £6 000 |
Council tax (monthly) | £100 – £300 |
Buildings insurance | £150 – £400 annually |
Broadband installation | £0 – £100 |
Garden equipment/tools | £200 – £800 |
DIY and decorating | £500 – £3 000 |
Boiler servicing/repairs | £90 – £300 per visit |
Unexpected repairs | £500 – £2 500+ |
1. Moving House Costs (Don’t Underestimate It)
Key Moving Expenses to Budget For:
Removals company (based on distance & volume)
Packing materials (boxes tape bubble wrap)
Temporary storage if there’s a delay in move-in
Deep cleaning (for old or new property)
Tip: Book removals early and compare quotes. Weekend moves usually cost more.
2. Essential Furniture & Appliances
Unless you’re buying fully furnished (rare) prepare for:
Beds and mattresses
White goods (fridge washing machine cooker)
Curtains/blinds
Wardrobes and storage
It’s easy to blow thousands in the first month—especially when it comes to ‘buy now stress later’ decisions.
Plan for staged purchases and explore outlet stores or second-hand platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree.
3. Council Tax—Often Overlooked
Council Tax is a monthly cost based on your property’s valuation band . This varies significantly by region and property size.
Use the UK Government Council Tax Finder to check your new home’s tax band.
| Band A – H | Monthly range (outside London): £100 – £300+ |
Some buyers forget to account for 10–12 months of council tax payments in their affordability plans.
4. Buildings & Contents Insurance
Your mortgage provider will require buildings insurance which covers structural issues (e.g. fire flood storm damage). You’ll also want contents cover for valuables and tech.
Typical Annual Premiums:
Buildings Insurance : £150–£400
Combined with Contents : £250–£600+
Compare policies using MoneySuperMarket or Compare the Market and be cautious of excess fees or limited cover for older properties.
5. Utilities & Broadband Setup
If you’re moving from a rental where bills were included it’s easy to underestimate:
Gas and electric
Water
Broadband & TV licence
Mobile signal boosters (for rural properties)
Use a service like LookAfterMyBills or Octopus Energy to find the best utility deals.
6. DIY, Decorating & Immediate Repairs
Even in a ‘move-in ready’ home you may face:
Repainting or wallpapering
Curtain rails blinds or light fixtures
Unplanned surprises like dripping taps faulty locks or broken radiators
A modest £1 000–£2 000 DIY fund is a wise move for the first 6–12 months.
7. Ongoing Maintenance Costs
Welcome to the world of boiler servicing roof inspections and gutter cleaning —none of which your landlord used to remind you about.
Expected annual upkeep costs:
Boiler service : £90 – £150
Plumbing/electrical call-outs : £60 – £300+
Garden maintenance : £200 – £1 000+ (if applicable)
8. Use Tools to Stay on Track: WiseNest to the Rescue
WiseNest helps you budget for all aspects of the homebuying journey—not just deposits and mortgage rates.
Use the WiseNest platform to:
Track expenses post-completion
Upload and summarise solicitor and survey reports
Stay on top of maintenance reminders
Access tools and calculators built for first-time buyers
Create your free WiseNest account here to take control of your homeownership costs.
Final Budget Checklist: Hidden Costs After Buying
Cost Type | Recommended Initial Budget |
|---|---|
Moving & setup | £1 500+ |
Furniture/appliances | £3 000+ |
Council tax & utilities | £1 000–£2 000 annually |
Insurance (buildings & contents) | £300–£600 annually |
Repairs/DIY | £1 000–£3 000 |
Emergency fund | £2 000+ |
Final Thoughts: Be a Buyer Who Budgets Smart
Owning your first home is thrilling—but the journey doesn’t end with your mortgage offer. By planning for the true cost of homeownership you’ll avoid nasty financial surprises and protect your investment long-term.
Ready to start tracking like a pro?
Create your free account on WiseNest today and manage your new home with clarity and confidence.
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WiseNest Editorial Team
Our expert editorial team consists of seasoned technology professionals, business strategists, and digital transformation specialists with over 15 years of combined experience in helping businesses navigate the digital landscape.
This content is optimized to answer these questions comprehensively.
What are the hidden costs of buying a house in the UK?
Hidden costs include moving expenses, furniture, solicitor disbursements, council tax, insurance, and ongoing maintenance. Many buyers forget to budget for these after completion.
How much should I budget after buying my first home?
Most first-time buyers should set aside £5,000 to £10,000 post-completion for furniture, fees, DIY, and contingency.
Do I have to pay council tax immediately after buying?
Yes. Council tax is due as soon as you're the legal owner—even if you're not moved in yet. Set up your direct debit with your local authority ASAP.
Are boiler services and insurance mandatory?
Boiler servicing is not legally required, but recommended annually. Buildings insurance is mandatory if you have a mortgage.
Is there a way to cut back on hidden costs?
Yes. Compare removals and insurance quotes, buy furniture second-hand, and negotiate utility providers. Plan ahead to avoid overspending under pressure.
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