Londoners are saving big on moving costs—time to start packing?
Londoners, take a deep breath. Moving house is still a headache, but at least it’s now a slightly cheaper one. According to the latest data from removal comparison site Compare My Move, the average cost of hiring a removal company in London has dropped by 8.7%, bringing the price down to a more wallet-friendly £889.
Yes, you read that right. While everything else seems to be getting more expensive, moving house in the capital is bucking the trend. Four out of six Greater London postcode regions saw a decrease in removal costs over the past year. But why the sudden dip in pricing? Turns out, Londoners are making some savvy moves—literally.
West London: Still the Priciest Place to Move
Let’s start with the bad news. If you’re moving house in West London, don’t get too excited just yet. This postcode district remains the most expensive place to hire a removal company, with an average cost of £990. While it has seen a small 3% drop since last year, it still tops the list.
Meanwhile, North West London has seen the sharpest price increase. Removal costs in this area shot up by 26%, making it the only London region where movers are paying significantly more than before.
But there’s good news too—North London is officially the cheapest place to move in 2025. Prices have plummeted by 33%, bringing the cost of hiring a removal company down to just £665.
London’s Moving Costs by Region
| Postcode District | Avg. Removal Costs 2024 | Avg. Removal Costs 2025 | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| West London | £1,021 | £990 | -3% |
| North West London | £751 | £943 | +26% |
| South West London | £996 | £875 | -12% |
| East London | £791 | £815 | +3% |
| South East London | £1,002 | £800 | -20% |
| North London | £990 | £665 | -33% |
| London (Overall) | £974 | £889 | -8.7% |
Why Are Moving Costs Dropping in London?
If you’re wondering why moving costs have suddenly taken a dip, the answer lies in two key trends:
- More people are moving from smaller properties.
- Londoners are moving shorter distances.
Let’s break it down.
Londoners Live in Smaller Properties
Living large in London? Not likely. More than 70% of moves last year involved one- or two-bedroom properties, compared to just 49% in the rest of the UK.
Fewer bedrooms mean fewer things to pack, and that translates to cheaper removal costs. The stats confirm it:
| Property Size | London (%) | Rest of UK (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom | 32% | 16% |
| 2-Bedroom | 38% | 33% |
| 3-Bedroom | 19% | 33% |
| 4-Bedroom | 8% | 14% |
| 5-Bedroom | 2% | 3% |
One-bedroom properties make up twice as many moves in London compared to the national average. With fewer belongings to haul across town, removal companies can charge less for the job.
Londoners Are Moving Shorter Distances
It’s not just about property size. Londoners also move less far than anyone else in the UK. The average move in London spans just 33 miles, compared to 49 miles in the South and 57 miles in Scotland.
| Region | Average Distance Moved (miles) |
|---|---|
| London | 33 |
| Midlands | 37 |
| North | 39 |
| Wales | 42 |
| South | 49 |
| Scotland | 57 |
Moving costs are heavily influenced by distance. The shorter the move, the lower the cost—which explains why London’s overall moving prices have dropped.
Is Moving in London Finally Affordable?
Let’s be real—moving house in London will never be cheap. But compared to last year, it’s at least less painful on the bank account.
If you’re planning a move in 2025, timing and location matter. Avoid North West London, unless you enjoy overpaying for the privilege. Consider North London, where moving costs are at their lowest in years.
And if you’re lucky enough to be moving just down the road, congratulations—you’re officially part of the reason removal prices are dropping.
Thinking of Moving? Now Might Be the Best Time
With costs down and fewer long-distance moves, now is a good time to plan your next move. Looking for more London lifestyle insights? Stay tuned for the latest updates on living, renting, and navigating the capital in 2025.
