The £30,500 Question: Move House, or Improve It?
Stamp duty, legal fees and removal costs now average £30,500 for a London move. Planning data shows a record surge in homeowners choosing to improve instead -- led by garden rooms.
Explore the guide
The True Cost of Moving in London
Every pound you spend moving is a pound that adds zero value to your next property.
£18,750
Stamp duty (avg £750k home)
£5,200
Legal & conveyancing
£3,800
Agent fees (selling)
£1,800
Removals & storage
£950
Survey & searches
£30,500
Total average cost
These figures are based on the average London property transaction at £750,000 in 2025/26. Stamp duty alone accounts for £18,750 -- and unlike a garden room, it adds absolutely nothing to your new property's value. The total £30,500 is money spent, not money invested.
Garden Room Planning Applications
Loading...Applications mentioning garden rooms, studios, and offices across London boroughs (2021-2025).
| Borough | Total apps (2021-25) | Volume | YoY trend | Approval rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond | 694 | ↑2% | 92% | |
| Bromley | 653 | ↑2% | 89% | |
| Barnet | 610 | ↑3% | 87% | |
| Wandsworth | 562 | ↑2% | 91% | |
| Kingston | 536 | ↑4% | 90% | |
| Ealing | 479 | ↑3% | 85% | |
| Merton | 439 | ↑5% | 88% | |
| Sutton | 413 | ↑5% | 86% | |
| Haringey | 359 | ↑6% | 82% | |
| Croydon | 333 | ↑6% | 84% | |
| Lewisham | 308 | ↑7% | 81% | |
| Enfield | 292 | ↑7% | 83% |
Source: Planning London Datahub analysis. Garden room, garden studio, and garden office applications.
Garden Room ROI Calculator
Adjust the sliders to see how a garden room compares to the cost of moving.
Property value added
£60,000
Garden room investment
£35,000
Net gain vs. moving
+£55,500
Return on investment
71%
Improving beats moving by £55,500. Your garden room adds £60,000 in property value -- and costs £4,500 more than the average London move.
Ready to Improve, Not Move?
Get matched with up to 3 vetted garden room installers in your area. Free quotes, no obligation.
Get Free QuotesGet free quotes
Tell us about your project and we’ll look for relevant installers. Compare each written proposal before you choose.
Get free quotes
Describe your room, location and access to the garden.
Free to enquire. We use your details to respond and, where relevant, connect you with installers. See our Privacy Policy.