Extending vs Moving: Honest Cost Comparison 2026
Every homeowner who needs more space faces the same question: extend or move? The answer depends on your finances, location, and emotional attachment to your home. This guide compares the real costs of both options.
Cost breakdown
Cost of moving (Dorset, 2026)
For a family moving from a £350,000 3-bed to a £450,000 4-bed: stamp duty on new property (£12,500), estate agent fees on sale (£5,250–£7,000), conveyancing (£2,000–£3,000), surveys (£500–£1,500), removal costs (£1,500–£3,000), renovation/decoration of new home (£5,000–£15,000). Total: £27,000–£42,000 in transaction costs alone.
Cost of extending
A 24m² single-storey extension (the most common project) costs £65,000–£95,000 all-in. A loft conversion costs £48,000–£72,000. Either adds the space of a 4th bedroom, en-suite, or kitchen-diner without moving.
The hidden cost of moving
Moving is not just financial — there is the stress of selling, buying, school changes, commute changes, and the risk of chains collapsing. Many Dorset families extend because they love their neighbourhood, their children's school, and their neighbours.
| Cost | Extending | Moving (£350k → £450k) |
|---|---|---|
| Direct cost | £65,000–£95,000 | £100,000 (price uplift) |
| Transaction costs | £0 | £27,000–£42,000 |
| Total cash outlay | £65,000–£95,000 | £127,000–£142,000 |
| Disruption | 10–16 weeks | 3–6 months |
| School change | No | Possibly |
| Value added to home | 5–10% | N/A (new property) |
Prices based on Dorset rates, 2026
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