**First-Time Homeowners Face Nearly £30,000 in Unexpected Costs Within First Three Months of Moving In**
Buying a first home is often described as one of life’s proudest milestones. Yet, for many in the UK, the elation of receiving the keys quickly gives way to the financial realities of settling in. Recent research has revealed that first-time buyers are facing an average of nearly £30,000 in additional expenses during just the first three months after stepping over the threshold of their new property.
A comprehensive survey of 1,000 adults who had purchased their inaugural home within the last five years has highlighted the range and scale of costs that far exceed the price of the property itself. New owners typically spend approximately £3,487 on essential furnishings such as beds, sofas, and tables, as they strive to transform an empty shell into a comfortable living space.
The modern British kitchen, it seems, comes at a premium. The study details how buyers shelled out an average of £2,662 on appliances like air fryers, coffee machines and toasters—items increasingly seen as necessities rather than luxuries. Meanwhile, redecorating to suit personal tastes cost the average respondent £2,118, with many also investing heavily in décor, from wall art to houseplants, to tune their property to their lifestyles. This outlay was as high as £3,000 for some.
Moving expenses made their presence felt as well, with removal services setting back homeowners by approximately £1,747. But settling in does not mark the end of spending—far from it. Many buyers found themselves addressing urgent repairs, including electrical and roof works, at averages of £1,914 and £1,759, respectively.
These mounting costs have put a significant strain on new homeowners’ finances. Alarmingly, 43% of those surveyed disclosed that the expenses left them struggling to pay their very first mortgage payment. The findings, which coincide with the launch of Skipton Building Society’s ‘Delayed Start Mortgage’, shed light on the need for greater flexibility and support for those at the outset of the property ladder.
The mortgage product in question is designed to provide relief by allowing first-time buyers to defer their mortgage repayments for the initial three months. According to Jen Lloyd, Skipton’s Head of Mortgage Products, this concept emerged in direct response to the overwhelming pressures faced by new buyers: “The costs that come after purchase—the legal fees, the utility setups, and all the practicalities—can come as a real shock for many. Our survey shows how quickly what should be a joyful period can turn into a stressful one.”
The research further highlighted that 63% of new owners found their financial resources stretched to breaking point, with more than a third juggling the costs of overlapping tenancies or dual ownership whilst they transitioned between properties. For many, the unforeseen outlay forced them to draw down on their savings, take out additional credit, or request help from friends or family members.
The emotional impact of these pressures was also laid bare in the study. Two out of every three first-time owners reported that the sheer scale of financial responsibility dulled the thrill of moving in, and on average, it took them eight months to restore their finances to a comfortable level. In hindsight, 70% wished they had been better prepared for the realities that lay beyond the deposit and keys, with an even higher proportion calling for more tangible support aimed at those entering the housing market for the first time.
Lloyd believes these findings point to a need for change. “It’s meant to be a moment of freedom and fulfilment, yet so many are left feeling overwhelmed. Even those making attempts to budget feel caught off guard by how costs stack up. We hope products like ours will offer breathing space and ensure that first-time buyers aren’t penalised simply for getting their foot on the ladder.”
While the dream of homeownership remains strong across the UK, this research underscores the importance of planning ahead—not just for the property purchase, but for the myriad extras that accompany those first few months. Ultimately, these findings could prompt wider discussions around financial education and industry support for first-time buyers, as the nation strives to make homeownership a goal within reach, rather than a source of stress.