UK Moving Cost Report 2026
Our annual analysis of what moving costs across the UK — by property size, region and season — and the trends shaping prices in 2026.
In 2026, the average UK local house move costs around £1,180, up modestly on 2025. Three-bed moves average £900–£1,500. London runs roughly 22% above the national average, and summer and month-end remain the most expensive times to move. Distance, property size and added services are the biggest cost drivers.
2026 headline figures
- Avg local move
- £1,180
- all property sizes
- London premium
- +22%
- vs UK average
- Priciest month
- Aug
- peak demand
- Typical 3-bed
- £900–£1,500
- local move
Headline findings
This report compiles benchmark removal prices across the UK for 2026, combining completed-job data with published industry surveys. It is intended as a clear, citable reference for what moving actually costs — not a quote.
The average UK local house move costs around £1,180 in 2026, with three-bedroom moves typically £900–£1,500 before packing and extras.
London moves run approximately 22% above the national average once the £18 congestion charge, ULEZ and parking are included.
Average cost by property size
Benchmark 2026 local-move prices (within ~50 miles), including team and van, excluding packing.
Midpoints of benchmark ranges; year-on-year change reflects labour and fuel cost movement. Refreshed quarterly.
Average cost by region
Regional variation against the UK average, illustrated for a local 3-bed move.
Indicative regional multipliers applied to the national 3-bed benchmark.
Seasonal trends
When you move affects what you pay as much as where. Demand peaks in summer and at month-ends, when prices rise; winter and mid-week, mid-month slots are consistently cheaper.
Summer (June–August) and the last few days of each month are the busiest and priciest windows; mid-week winter moves can be 10–20% cheaper.
The cheapest time to move
Mid-week, mid-month, in autumn or winter, away from bank holidays. Flexibility on date is one of the most effective ways to cut a moving bill.
What's driving costs in 2026
The forces shaping this year's prices:
Fuel and labour
Vehicle running and wage costs are the main reason prices edged up year-on-year. Fuel remains volatile; labour costs have risen with the National Living Wage increases that took effect in April 2026.
City charges
Congestion charge (£18/day), ULEZ, and restricted-zone parking continue to push city moves above the national average. London is the most affected, but Bristol, Birmingham, and Edinburgh all carry access surcharges.
Demand peaks
Summer and month-end concentration keeps peak-slot prices high. June, July, and August account for a disproportionate share of annual bookings, which tightens vehicle availability and supports higher rates.
Service mix
More customers are adding packing services and short-term storage to their move. These extras raise the average ticket even when the base removal price stays flat.
Methodology
These figures combine two sources: real prices from completed GiantVan moves across the UK, weighted most heavily, triangulated against published industry surveys (Compare My Move, reallymoving) and official charges (Transport for London).
Prices are benchmarks for planning, refreshed quarterly, and rounded to sensible precision. They are estimates to guide budgeting, not personalised quotes. Year-on-year comparisons use like-for-like property and distance definitions.
Using this data
You're welcome to cite these figures with attribution to GiantVan's 2026 UK Moving Cost Report. They're refreshed quarterly — check the 'last updated' date for the current revision.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the average UK house move cost in 2026?
Around £1,180 for a local move across all property sizes, with three-bed moves typically £900–£1,500 before packing. Prices rose roughly 3–5% year-on-year, driven mainly by fuel and labour costs.
Which region is most expensive to move in?
London, at about 22% above the UK average, due to the congestion charge, ULEZ, parking costs and higher labour rates. The North of England is cheapest, around 8% below average.
When is the cheapest time to move in 2026?
Mid-week, mid-month, in autumn or winter, away from bank holidays. Summer and month-end are the busiest and priciest. Flexible dates can save 10–20%.
Why did moving costs rise in 2026?
Mainly higher fuel and labour costs, plus continued city charges and a service mix that increasingly includes packing and storage. The rise was modest, around 3–5% depending on property size.
Are these figures quotes?
No — they are benchmarks compiled from completed jobs and industry surveys, refreshed quarterly, to help you plan. Your actual quote depends on your postcodes, items, date and services, and is fixed before you book.
Sources
- GiantVan job data
Completed-move prices across UK property sizes and regions, 2024–2026.
- Compare My Move
UK removal cost surveys, 2025–2026.
- reallymoving
Removal and moving-trend data, 2026.
- Transport for London
Congestion charge and ULEZ schedules, 2026.
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