The average cost of moving home in England is now reported at £17,413, while house prices fell 0.2% in September and annual growth has weakened. Higher mortgage rates are also affecting activity, with reports of falling approvals and a year-on-year decline in property sales. These conditions make a complete assessment of upfront costs and affordability increasingly important.
Housing policy remains a key variable. Proposals discussed at the Conservative Party Conference include simplifying planning, increasing supply, changes to Stamp Duty and reducing new-build costs. Advisers can use AI-assisted budgeting and workflow tools to create clearer client checklists covering deposit, legal fees, surveys, moving costs and product fees, but should distinguish confirmed policy from proposals and avoid presenting forecasts as certainty.