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5 Ways to Save Money When Buying a Home
February, 2025

5 Ways to Save Money When Buying a Home

Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but the costs can add up quickly. From solicitor fees to moving expenses, it’s important to be mindful of your budget and find ways to save wherever possible. The good news is, with a little planning, you can cut unnecessary costs without compromising on your dream home.

At Shinerocks, we help buyers navigate the process with confidence. If you're looking for ways to save money when buying a home in Purley, Croydon, and Surrey, here are some practical tips to keep in mind.

1. Be Selective About Fixtures & Fittings

When purchasing a property, sellers provide a list of what’s included in the sale. Sometimes, they offer additional items such as fitted blinds, light fixtures, or kitchen appliances for an extra cost. Before agreeing to buy these extras, it’s worth checking how much similar items cost second-hand. You might find a better deal elsewhere, or you may decide that purchasing them directly from the seller is the most convenient option. Taking a moment to compare costs can help you make the best decision for your budget.

2. Make an Informed Offer

Finding the right property is an exciting step, and making an informed offer is part of the process. By understanding the local property market and the value of homes in Purley, Croydon, and Surrey, you can move forward with confidence.

If you're unsure about how to approach your offer, we’re happy to provide guidance so you can make the best decision for your situation. Browse our available properties here.

3. Compare Conveyancing Fees

Solicitors and conveyancers play an essential role in the buying process, but their fees can vary. Instead of choosing the first option you come across, take the time to compare a few quotes. Some services may be slightly more expensive but offer better communication and efficiency, which can make a big difference during the transaction.

At Shinerocks, we can recommend trusted professionals who provide fair pricing and high-quality service, helping to ensure a smooth and stress-free buying experience. Contact us for advice.

4. Switch Your Energy Tariff As Soon As You Move In

One of the easiest ways to save money when moving into a new home is to check your energy tariff straight away. Most providers automatically place new homeowners on their standard rate, which is often one of the most expensive options. Take a meter reading as soon as you move in and compare energy suppliers. Switching to a better deal early on can help keep your bills down from day one.

5. Compare Removal Costs

If you’re hiring a removal company, it’s worth getting quotes from businesses in both your current and new location. You may find that a company closer to your new home offers a better rate than one near where you live now. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, consider hiring a self-drive van and handling the move yourself. Packing your belongings in advance and using recycled boxes can also help cut costs.

Get Expert Advice on Home Buying

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll make, so getting the right advice is essential. At Shinerocks, we’re here to help you find the best property at the right price. Whether you're at the start of your search or ready to make an offer, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. 

Saving money when buying a home isn’t about cutting corners, it’s about making informed choices. By following our simple tips, you can reduce costs while still finding a home you love.

If you're looking for expert guidance and a selection of beautiful properties in Purley, Croydon, and Surrey, visit Shinerocks to start your search today.

Thinking about selling your current home? Generate a full report on your own property including an instant estimated valuation.

Call us on 020 8660 2010 or email enquiries@shinerocks.co.uk to chat about homes for sale in Purley, Croydon, and Surrey.

In the meantime, we've answered some of your common questions about ways to save money when moving home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What additional costs should I budget for when buying a home?

Aside from the purchase price, consider costs like stamp duty, legal fees, surveys, and moving expenses. These can add up quickly, so it’s important to factor them into your budget early on.

How can I reduce my moving costs?

Comparing removal company quotes, packing your own belongings, and using second-hand boxes can help cut costs. If you have the option, moving during a quieter time of the week or month may also be more affordable.

What’s the best way to save on home insurance?

Shopping around for quotes from different providers, increasing your voluntary excess, and bundling home insurance with other policies like car insurance can often lead to discounts.

 

Have any questions?

Use the form to send us your questions and we'll respond as quickly as possible.

You can also call us on 020 8660 2010, or email enquiries@shinerocks.co.uk.


 

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Dear Paul and the ShineRocks team, Thank you! We are delighted that we successfully completed on the sale of The Garth, 12 Welcomes Road on Friday, and we wanted to take this opportunity to thank you, Claire and the team for all your excellent work on our behalf. We really appreciated your proactivity, frankness, responsiveness and good...

Mr & Mrs F

Very professional, responsive and delivered on promises to the tee

Mr G

Worked hard to find possible buyers. Very professional and friendly staff. Drove the completion by liaising with all parties when things threatened to go pear-shaped. Very satisfied customer

Mrs H-W

Having tried a couple estate agents to sell our house, with no result, we tried ShineRocks. Paul Shinerock was realistic in his valuation, which others had not been and we had a number of viewings. A Christmas present was accepting a very good offer. Unfortunately, the buyer dragged his heels and then at the point of exchange decided to...

Mr P

A great service offered by both Paul and Claire. Sometimes the best thing an agent can do is to convince you to accept an offer and to encourage you to pay more to get the house of your dreams. Had Paul not convinced me to accept the offer on mine I would not have moved. Claire moved heaven and earth to enable me to purchase a property through...

Mr & Mrs W

Very helpful, pleasure to work with, and they offer a great service

Mr L

My house purchase was very complicated, ShineRocks handled it very professionally

Mr H

Claire was our estate agent and she was incredibly professional, always available and kept us completely up to date. A pleasure to buy and sell with

Mrs P

Exceptionally professional and helpful and very knowledgeable. Would highly recommend ShineRocks

Mr P

Excellent service over a period of several months. Always at hand to offer advice and their expertise. Highly Recommend Shinerocks and thank you for all your help

Mr A

I was very pleased with the service - professional yet caring

Mrs L

Very professional and excellent service in a complicated situation which resulted in a positive result. We have purchased 2 homes from Paul in the last 14 years. Claire is remarkable and kept us fully up to speed

Mr P

Very friendly. After a slow start we got on very well and achieved our objective. Particular thanks to Claire

Dr L

Hi Caire, Can you say a massive 'thank you' to Paul for coming to see me. He really gave me some things to think about that had just not crossed my mind. Swapping the bathroom and middle bedroom and adding a bathroom to the main bed room made so much sense, I've got Alan coming over on Saturday to cost it up! I'll definitely...

D

We have recently purchased a property through shinerocks and can honestly say the service we received from Claire was exceptional. She kept us updated regularly and liaised tirelessly between solicitors, vendors and the other agents in what became a difficult and frustrating chain. She was both professional and personable, and we always felt...

M & C

Claire, You're an absolute star! Thank you so much.

Mr and Mrs W

I would just like to take this opportunity to thank you for your assistance and facilitation of the purchase of our property, and I would relish the opportunity to work with you again in future endeavours.

CT

Just want to say a big thank you for all your help and support.  I know you were not our estate agent but we really felt supported and coached through the whole process and I can't thank you enough. 

M, J &A

Paul, Claire and all the team at ShineRocks have always acted with the utmost professionalism and in my experience have been the best estate agency I have ever encountered.  

Mr D

Dear Claire, Thank you so much for making our dream home come true.  Invitation to the house warming is guaranteed! Much Love

R & N

Hi the ShineRocks Team Would like to say thank you for a great service in completing on our house.  We are totally blessed, we feel so lucky.  Your team with friendly voices were very proactive in updating us.  Paul you have a good team around and to say the least, you have some charm. You are a very nice bunch of people to...

L M

We would like to also comment upon the superb level of professionalism shown by the staff at ShineRocks. Having been to other block bookings we must say that this one was handled to so well. Additionally the advice given regarding parking was most helpful. We will certainly keep an eye out for other properties marketed by you. Kindest...

Mr and Mrs H

Dear Paul How very happy I am to be the lucky chap that has been given the privilege to buy and live in the elegant property. Thank you again for the excellent service provided by ShineRocks. Yours sincerely 

Mr R

Thanks for all your attention - I am impressed with your service and will recommend you to friends. Kind regards 

Mrs A

Dear Paul This is amazing! Thank you and your team very much. Whatever happens now, I know that you all did a fantastic job in achieving this - its unbelievable. Many thanks Kindest regards 

Mrs D

Terrific news. Thank you Paul. With all thanks for your support and help during this process. All best wishes 

Mr H

Thank you so much for all your help with our house move. We appreciate the hard work you put in to finally get us to an exchange date. Your calm approach and sense of humour throughout really helped. Thanks again, 

Mr and Mrs G

Thank you so much for all your work on selling our home. It is much appreciated. Best wishes 

Mr and Mrs R

Thanks again for everything that you have done to get our new home. God bless you. 

Mr and Mrs P

Dear Claire and the 'team' at ShineRocks for all of your help and patience with our purchase.  Best wishes

K and L

Dear Mr Shinerock, thank you so very much for valued advice last Saturday; your remarks and suggestions have certainly got us thinking of the best way to turn! Best wishes

V and K

Dear Paul We are at last beginning to see some order in our new home and have time to catch breath. The move was challenging to say the least as we were downsizing dramatically and had too much to fit in prior to having an extension to create two more rooms and allow us to convert an existing one into a utility room. We would like to take...

G and S S

Good morning Claire, I have been meaning to e mail you since Monday just to say thank you! Mum and I are extremely grateful for all the time you have given us and we really do value your advice and guidance.  We have been in contact with a lot of agents, in fact probably all of the main estate agents around the area and ShineRocks...

S and M

Dear Paul, Well, we got there in the end! Although it was long, complicated and at times, a very stressful journey, we appreciate the help of you and all your team in finally getting us over the finishing line. Best regards

B

Thank you for everything you've done. I couldn't have got through this without you. Putting up with every difficult situation in such a kind way. Thank you so much. 

Mrs P

Paul, Claire and all the team at ShineRocks have always acted with the utmost professionalism and in my experience have been the best estate agency I have ever encountered.

Mr H