How much cash do you need to buy a £300,000 home?

Updated 15 October 2026

Here's a worked example for a £300,000 home in England with a 10% deposit. The fee figures are illustrative assumptions, so get real quotes.

Item	First-time buyer	Home mover
Deposit (10%)	£30,000	£30,000
Stamp Duty (SDLT)	£0	£5,000
Conveyancing, searches, survey, mortgage and Land Registry fees (example)	£3,749	£3,749
Removals, insurance, contingency (example)	£2,300	£2,300
Total cash	£36,049	£41,049

SDLT: a first-time buyer pays nothing up to £300,000. A mover pays 0% to £125,000, then 2% on the next £125,000 (£2,500) and 5% on the final £50,000 (£2,500) (gov.uk).

Don't forget

Moving costs often land in the same week as completion.
Check the monthly payment at a rate 2 points higher before you commit.

Estimate only, not financial, mortgage or legal advice. Uses England and Northern Ireland SDLT rates (gov.uk). Not for Scotland or Wales. Your conveyancer confirms the actual SDLT.

Try the free Stamp Duty calculator or get the £7 Home Buying & Moving Planner.

Rates checked on 15 October 2026 against official sources: gov.uk SDLT residential rates · HMRC SDLT calculator.

General information only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Our liability is capped at the price paid, as far as the law allows. Your statutory rights are not affected. See the terms of sale. · All Kept Sheets