Can You Get a Loan for Moving House? A Complete Guide to Your Options

Moving house is one of life's bigger moments and it's often one of its bigger expenses too. Between removal firms, deposit payments, storage, and all the little things that add up once you're through the door, the total cost can catch people off guard. Some UK guidance sources put the total cost of moving anywhere from £5,000 to over £12,000 depending on property size, distance, and individual circumstances and many households underestimate what they'll spend by several hundred pounds.

If you're in the middle of planning a move and wondering how to cover everything, you're not alone. A personal loan is one option some people consider, and it's worth understanding how it works before you make any decisions.

This guide walks through the costs involved in a typical house move, how a personal loan might help, and what to think about before applying. Oakbrook Loans is a UK-based, FCA-regulated lender offering unsecured personal loans. All information here is intended to help you understand your options it is not financial advice.

Key Facts: Moving House Costs

~£8,885 an illustrative estimate of the average cost of moving house in the UK, including conveyancing, removal, and immediate home costs.

Illustrative figure based on publicly available UK estimates, including guidance from MoneyHelper →. This is not a precise or independently audited figure your costs will vary. See production note above.

1. What Costs Come With Moving House in the UK?

When budgeting for a house move, it helps to think beyond the headline figures. The costs of moving in the UK extend well beyond solicitor fees and removal vans and understanding where money gets spent is the first step to planning effectively.

Some of the most common moving-related expenses include:

• Hiring a removal company or van (costs vary significantly by distance and volume)
• Temporary storage if there's a gap between leaving one home and settling into another
• Cleaning costs either at the property you're leaving or the one you're moving into
• Utility connection fees, broadband setup, and redirecting post
• Replacing or buying new furniture that doesn't fit your new space
• Immediate repairs or decorating a fresh coat of paint, fixing a leaky tap
• Carpets, curtains, or blinds if the previous occupants took theirs

For renters moving between properties, there's also the challenge of covering a new deposit while waiting for the old one to be returned. This gap can put real pressure on household finances, particularly for families who don't have much set aside.

Tip: Write down every cost you can think of before you move even the small ones. A written list often reveals expenses you hadn't mentally budgeted for, like packing materials, parking permits, or school uniforms if children are changing schools. MoneyHelper's free budget planner → is a useful tool for this.

2. Can You Use a Personal Loan to Cover Moving Costs?

Yes a personal loan can be used to cover the costs of moving house, including removal fees, storage, deposits, and home improvements. Unlike a mortgage or a secured loan, a personal loan is unsecured, which means you don't need to put your property up as security to get one. Approval is based on your individual financial circumstances and creditworthiness, not on property ownership.

You borrow a fixed amount and pay it back in regular monthly instalments over an agreed term typically between one and five years with Oakbrook Loans. Because the repayments are fixed, it can be simpler to budget for than a credit card, where the minimum payment shifts depending on how much you've spent. For some borrowers, the APR on a personal loan may be lower than the rate applied to credit card balances carried month to month though this depends on the rate you're offered and the credit card terms you hold. Always compare the total cost of borrowing, including the total amount repayable, before deciding.

Some people use a personal loan specifically to bridge a short-term gap for example, covering a deposit on a new rental before their existing deposit has been returned. Others use it to spread the cost of home improvements once they've moved in, rather than trying to fund everything upfront.

Worth knowing: A personal loan is still a financial commitment. Before borrowing, it's worth being confident that the monthly repayments fit comfortably within your household budget both now and over the full term of the loan.

Representative example: Borrowing £10,000 over 48 months at Representative 24.9% APR and interest rate 24.9% p.a. (fixed) with monthly repayments of £317.64 and a total amount payable of £15,246.76. Rates from 19.9% APR to 34.9% APR. Loan terms from 12 to 60 months.

3. A Closer Look at the Real Costs of Moving

Understanding the true scope of moving costs helps you plan a realistic loan amount. It helps to think about moving in two stages: the costs of the move itself, and the costs of setting up your new home. Both can be significant, and they don't always arrive at the same time.

The move itself

Removal companies in the UK vary widely in price, but a local move using a professional firm could cost anywhere from a few hundred pounds to over a thousand, depending on how much you're moving and how far. If you're moving long-distance, that figure can rise further.

If your completion date and your move-out date don't line up, you may need to pay for a storage unit in the gap. Short-term storage adds up quickly, particularly if you're waiting several weeks.

Setting up your new home

Even if you're moving into a property that's in good condition, there are usually things to sort out. New carpets or flooring can cost several hundred to several thousand pounds depending on the size of the property. Curtains and blinds, which are easy to overlook, are another significant cost if the previous occupants have taken theirs.

For families with children, a house move often triggers other expenses school uniforms, new bedroom furniture that fits different-sized rooms, perhaps a garden that needs work before it's safe for young children to use.

UK context: According to guidance published by MoneyHelper →, many households underestimate total moving costs by hundreds of pounds. Building a buffer into your budget even a modest one can make a real difference to how the move feels financially.

4. Is a Personal Loan the Right Tool for Moving House?

A personal loan works well for some situations and less well for others. Before applying for a loan for moving costs, it's worth thinking through which category your move falls into considering both the loan term and the total amount repayable, not just the monthly payment.

A personal loan may suit you if:

• You have a clear total in mind and want to borrow a specific lump sum
• You'd prefer fixed monthly repayments so you can plan your budget with confidence
• You want to avoid using a credit card at high interest for larger purchases
• You're planning home improvements as part of your move and want to fund them in one go

A personal loan may be less suitable if:

• You're not sure exactly how much you'll need and expect costs to change
• You expect to pay it back very quickly, in which case other options may work out differently
• You're already carrying significant existing debt adding more could make your finances harder to manage

If you're unsure what the right approach is, MoneyHelper → offers free, impartial guidance on borrowing and budgeting tailored to your situation.

A sensible step-by-step approach

1. List your total expected costs
Write down every moving expense you can anticipate from the removal van to the first set of lightbulbs before deciding how much to borrow.

2. Check your existing finances
Review your monthly budget to understand how much you could comfortably repay each month, and over what period.

3. Use a soft search eligibility check
A soft search lets you see what you might be offered without it affecting your credit score so you can explore your options without risk.

4. Compare the full cost of borrowing
Look at the total amount repayable over the loan term, not just the monthly payment. This gives you a clearer picture of what borrowing will cost overall.

5. Apply once you're confident
Only submit a formal application once you're comfortable with the terms and confident the repayments work within your budget.

For a full explanation of soft searches, read our guide to what is a soft search and how does it protect your credit score? →.

5. Personal Loan vs Credit Card for Moving Costs: Which Is Better?

When weighing up a personal loan against a credit card for moving costs, the key differences come down to rate, structure, and predictability. Both can play a role but they suit different types of spending.

Some people reach for a credit card to handle moving costs, especially for smaller, unpredictable expenses. That can work well if you're confident you'll pay off the balance in full before interest kicks in. Many credit cards offer a 0% introductory period on purchases, which if used carefully can effectively mean interest-free borrowing for a set time.

Where a credit card can become more costly is when the balance rolls over month to month. Many standard credit cards charge a higher APR than a personal loan for the same amount though this depends on the rate you're offered and the credit card terms you hold. With a variable minimum payment, it can also be harder to see how long it will take to pay off, or what the total cost of borrowing will be.

A personal loan gives you a fixed APR, a fixed end date, and a fixed monthly payment from the start which some people find easier to plan around, particularly when household finances are already stretched during a move. For larger, known expenses, comparing the total amount repayable not just the monthly payment is the most reliable way to assess which option costs less overall.

Always compare the total amount repayable, not just the monthly payment or headline rate.

For a full comparison, read our guide to personal loan or credit card? How to choose the right borrowing for you →.

6. Could a Personal Loan Also Cover Home Improvements After the Move?

Absolutely and this is one of the more common reasons people consider a personal loan alongside a house move. Many properties need work before they feel like home, and that work doesn't always fit neatly into the moving budget.

Some of the improvements people fund with a personal loan after moving include:

• Redecoration painting, wallpaper, tiling
• Kitchen or bathroom upgrades
• Replacing flooring throughout the property
• Garden landscaping or fencing
• Fitting storage or built-in furniture
• Essential repairs damp treatment, roofing, rewiring

Spreading the cost of these improvements over a fixed repayment term can make them more manageable than trying to fund everything from savings, particularly if the move itself has already put pressure on your household finances.

Tip: If you're planning both moving costs and home improvements, combining them into one loan may seem simpler but it could mean borrowing more or over a longer term, which may increase the total amount you repay. If the combined total still fits comfortably within your budget, one fixed monthly repayment can be easier to manage than two. Always compare the total cost of borrowing, not just the monthly payment.

For more, read our guide to home improvement loans in 2026: what you need to know before you apply →.

7. What to Watch Out For When Taking a Loan for a House Move

Borrowing at any time deserves careful thought, and moving house is no exception. There are a few things worth keeping in mind before you apply for a moving loan.

Don't overborrow. It can be tempting to borrow a little extra "just in case," but interest is charged on everything you borrow. A clear budget before you apply helps you keep the loan size and the overall cost manageable.

Think about timing. If you're also dealing with mortgage applications or changes to your credit file, it's worth being aware that multiple credit applications in a short space of time could have an effect. A soft search eligibility check helps you explore your options without leaving a footprint on your credit record.

Factor in the full term. A lower monthly payment spread over a longer term can feel appealing, but it usually means paying more in total interest over the life of the loan. It's worth looking at both the monthly payment and the total repayable amount side by side.

Know your rights on early repayment. If your finances improve and you want to pay off your loan sooner, check the lender's approach to early settlement. At Oakbrook Loans, you can overpay at any time, though early settlement in full may include up to two months' interest so it's worth understanding the terms before you apply.

This table is illustrative only and does not represent an actual quote. Your rate and repayments will depend on your individual circumstances.

Representative example: Borrowing £10,000 over 48 months at Representative 24.9% APR and interest rate 24.9% p.a. (fixed) with monthly repayments of £317.64 and a total amount payable of £15,246.76. Rates from 19.9% APR to 34.9% APR. Loan terms from 12 to 60 months.

For more on choosing a term, read our guide to how to choose the right loan term →.

8. What If You're Already Managing Existing Debt When Moving House?

Moving house has a way of arriving alongside other financial pressures credit card balances, existing loans, or general household debt that's been building over time. If you're in this position, it's important to carefully consider whether taking on new borrowing is the right step before exploring consolidation options.

Debt consolidation using one loan to pay off several existing debts is something many people consider when they're already taking stock of their finances. A house move can be a natural prompt to do exactly that. Rather than managing multiple payments to different lenders at different rates, consolidating into one fixed monthly repayment could make the picture simpler.

This doesn't automatically mean you'll pay less overall that depends on the rate you're offered and the term you choose.

Consolidating debts into a personal loan could increase the total amount you repay if the new loan term is longer than the remaining terms of your existing debts, even if the monthly payment is lower. Compare the total cost of all your current debts against the total cost of the consolidation loan before proceeding.

For some people, the clarity and predictability of a single payment is worth exploring. Our guide to should I consolidate my debt? 5 myths vs realities → walks through the detail if this is something you're considering.

If your debts are significant and you're finding them hard to manage, free support is available. StepChange → (0800 138 1111) and Citizens Advice → both offer confidential guidance and are a good starting point before considering any new borrowing. Free debt advice is also available from MoneyHelper → (0800 138 7777), operated by the Money and Pensions Service.

Exploring Your Options With Oakbrook Loans

Moving house is a significant step, and the financial side of it deserves the same care and thought you'd give to anything else that matters to your household. Whether you need to cover the cost of the move itself, furnish a new home, or fund improvements once you're settled, a personal loan could give you a structured, predictable way to spread those costs over time.

Oakbrook Loans is an FCA-regulated UK lender offering unsecured personal loans with fixed monthly repayments and the ability to overpay whenever it suits you early settlement in full may include up to two months' interest, as set out in your loan agreement. You can check your eligibility → using a soft search, which means there's no impact on your credit score just for exploring your options.

Representative example: Borrowing £10,000 over 48 months at Representative 24.9% APR and interest rate 24.9% p.a. (fixed) with monthly repayments of £317.64 and a total amount payable of £15,246.76. Rates from 19.9% APR to 34.9% APR. Loan terms from 12 to 60 months.

Final Thoughts on Getting a Loan for Moving House

A house move brings a lot of excitement and a lot of costs you don't always see coming. Planning ahead, knowing what you'll need, and understanding your borrowing options can make the whole process feel a lot more manageable. The key is to approach any borrowing with a clear view of the total cost, not just the monthly payment and to make sure any repayments fit comfortably within your budget across the full loan term.

A personal loan won't be the right answer for everyone, but for those who want fixed, predictable repayments and a clear end point, it can be a sensible way to handle the financial side of moving. Take your time, do your sums, and make sure any borrowing fits comfortably within your budget not just today, but across the full repayment term.

If you're unsure whether borrowing is right for your situation, free and impartial guidance is available from MoneyHelper →, StepChange →, and Citizens Advice →.

Need free money guidance or debt advice?
If you're unsure whether taking on credit is right for your situation:

• MoneyHelper: 0800 138 7777
• StepChange: 0800 138 1111
• National Debtline: 0808 808 4000
• Citizens Advice:

This article is for information purposes only and should not be taken as financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances or seek independent guidance if you are unsure.

Oakbrook Loans is a trading name of Oakbrook Finance Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 723558).

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