Cash needed by price (England, 10% deposit)
| Price | Deposit | First-time buyer stamp duty | Cash, first-time buyer | Cash, moving home |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £200,000 | £20,000 | £0 | £24,199 | £25,699 |
| £250,000 | £25,000 | £0 | £29,199 | £31,699 |
| £300,000 | £30,000 | £0 | £34,199 | £39,199 |
| £350,000 | £35,000 | £2,500 | £41,699 | £46,699 |
| £400,000 | £40,000 | £5,000 | £49,199 | £54,199 |
| £500,000 | £50,000 | £10,000 | £64,199 | £69,199 |
Typical fees we’ve included
| Solicitor and searches | About £1,800 |
|---|---|
| Survey | About £600 |
| Mortgage fees | About £999 |
| Removals | About £800 |
Fees vary a lot by area and firm, so get quotes. Movers usually pay estate agent fees on the home they sell too, which aren’t included here.
Need a mortgage?
A fee-free broker can compare the whole market and tell you what you can borrow before you make an offer.
Talk to a mortgage brokerWays to need less cash
- A 5% deposit mortgage halves the deposit, but the interest rate is usually higher.
- Mortgage fees: choose a deal with no arrangement fee (often at a slightly higher rate), or add the fee to the loan, though you’ll pay interest on it.
- A Lifetime ISA adds 25% to first-time buyer savings, up to £1,000 a year, for homes up to £450,000.
Questions
How much cash do I need to buy a house?
As well as your deposit, budget for stamp duty and around £4,200 of fees for a solicitor, survey, mortgage and removals. On a £300,000 home with a 10% deposit, that’s about £34,200 for a first-time buyer, or £39,200 if you’re moving home.
What fees do you pay when buying a house?
Solicitor and searches, a survey, mortgage arrangement fees, removals and stamp duty. Some lenders and brokers also charge their own fees.
Rates for homes bought from 1 April 2025. A guide, not legal advice. Your solicitor will confirm the exact amount.
Last checked against GOV.UK: 9 October 2026