Regardless of whether you are moving up the property ladder, borrowing more as you go or moving down and cashing in some equity, there will be some hefty moving-related costs to meet. So, before you trade one pad for another, budget for the following:

Stamp duty

This is the real financial stinger when moving home - and, because of recent rising house prices, the vast majority of home-movers find themselves in the next stamp duty bracket up - even if they are not upsizing. Even the fledglings on the property ladder, who are trying to grasp the first rung, are likely to be caught in the stamp duty trap, as most of the UK's housing stock is priced above the current £130,000 threshold.

The stamp duty thresholds for 2008/2009 are as follows:

£130,000 or under = nil
£130,002 to £250,000 = 1%
£250,001 to £500,000 = 3%
£5001 and above = 4%

Mortgage costs

If you are switching mortgage for the move, you may have arrangement, legal and valuation fees to pay.

• Solicitor’s fees: These will vary but can run into hundreds of pounds.

• Estate agent's fees: Expect to pay around 1.5% of the property price.

• Removal company costs: These will vary according to the level of service required, type of property, amount of packing and the distance you are moving.

• A Home Information Pack: Prices vary but a basic HIP costs in the region of £300 to £350 plus VAT.

Don't forget, if you are jumping up a rung on the property ladder, there is more than just the larger mortgage repayments to consider. The following cost hikes are frequently overlooked: 

• A higher rate of council tax
• More costly buildings insurance
• Increased heating bills
• The cost of furniture for any extra rooms

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