TL;DR
How much cash do you need to buy a property?
You need at least the deposit plus money for costs a mortgage will not normally cover: tax, solicitor, searches, survey, product fees, insurance and moving.
The amount depends on price, UK jurisdiction, buyer status, property type and mortgage. Keep a separate buffer for repairs and the first months after completion.
Calculators and tools
Mortgage calculator
Monthly repayment, LTV, interest and total mortgage cost.
How much can I borrow?
Income, commitments and lender affordability.
Stamp Duty calculator
SDLT for England and Northern Ireland.
Overpayment calculator
Possible effect on interest and mortgage term.
BTL rental calculator
Gross yield, costs and monthly cash flow.
Maximum BTL loan
Estimate from rent, ICR, stress rate and LTV.
Find a solicitor
Compare partner tools and understand conveyancing scope.
Buying costs checklist
- Deposit
- Mortgage product fee
- Valuation fee
- Solicitor / conveyancer fees
- Searches
- Survey
- Stamp Duty / LBTT / LTT
- Broker fee if applicable
- Buildings insurance
- Removals
- Leasehold costs if applicable
- Cash buffer after completion
Costs by buyer type
First-time buyer
Deposit, affordability, first-time buyer relief and the full cash needed to enter ownership.
Home mover
Sale timing, equity deposit, tax and the costs of two transactions.
Remortgage / capital raising
Product fee, valuation, legal work and possible early repayment costs.
Buy to Let investor
Larger deposit, higher-rate SDLT, rental stress, compliance and tax.
Shared Ownership buyer
Share purchase, mortgage, rent, service charge and specialist SDLT choices.
Additional property buyer
Higher rates, possible non-resident surcharge and a larger contingency.
Property purchase taxes across the UK
England & Northern Ireland
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).
Scotland
Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT).
Wales
Land Transaction Tax (LTT).
The SDLT calculator covers England and Northern Ireland only. Always check the rules for the nation where you are buying.
Example purchase budget: £300,000
This is not a quote or minimum required budget. Replace every figure other than price and deposit with real quotes and the correct tax calculation.
- Property price
- £300,000
- Illustrative 10% deposit
- £30,000
- Mortgage
- £270,000
- Solicitor, searches and Land Registry
- Check quote
- Survey / valuation
- Depends on report level
- SDLT / LBTT / LTT
- Calculate for nation and status
- Post-completion buffer
- Separate from costs
Frequently asked questions
How much cash do I need to buy a house in the UK?
You need the deposit plus separate money for tax, legal work, survey, mortgage fees, insurance and moving. The exact budget depends on price, location, buyer status and property, so price each item before offering.
Are solicitor fees paid upfront?
Firms often request money for searches and disbursements at the start, with the balance due before completion. The schedule and refund terms depend on the provider, so check the itemised quote.
Is Stamp Duty always payable?
No. The amount can be zero below the relevant threshold or where relief applies. England and Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales use different taxes, and buyer status changes the calculation.
Do I need money left after completion?
Keeping a separate emergency buffer is prudent. Repairs, utilities, Council Tax, service charge, insurance and essential furniture can arise soon after collecting the keys.
What costs are different for Buy to Let?
BTL often involves a larger deposit, higher-rate purchase tax, valuation and mortgage fees plus licensing, safety, management, void and repair costs. Tax treatment needs qualified advice.
What costs are different for leasehold flats?
Service charge, ground rent where applicable, management-pack costs and extra conveyancing fees may apply. The solicitor should check the lease, planned major works and current liabilities.