Stamp duty:

Stamp duty is a government tax that is tied to the value of the property. First-time buyers pay reduced rates and no stamp duty below £150,000. On a property costing between £150,000 and £200,000, the duty is 3 per cent; between £200,000 and £250,000 duty is 3.75 per cent; while duty of 4.5 per cent is payable on properties costing £250,000 £300,000. Owner-occupiers who purchase a home less than 125 square metres in size (1,345 square feet) are exempt from stamp duty, provided they live there for at least five years.

Valuation: This is a fee for an inspection of the property by the lender to ascertain its value and to find out if it is a suitable property to lend on. The cost is usually in the region of £100 (€127). Some mortgage brokers can reduce or even eliminate this fee.

Surveyor's fees: Typically around £200, a structural survey is a full inspection of the property to ensure that it is structurally sound. This survey is optional but it provides the best protection for the buyer.

Conveyancing: Fees do vary, but are typically 1 per cent of the cost of the property plus VAT. Some charge £100 on top of this but may offer to take it off as a discount. With negotiation or shopping around it's possible to reduce the figure to around 0.75 per cent of the value of the property, or lower. Ensure you are given a breakdown in your quote of the percentage charge, additional fees and VAT.

Land registry fee: This fee covers a check on the title of the property to see whether the seller has the right to sell the property and to uncover any other legal matters connected to the property, such as right-ofway. Cost depends on value of the property and level of detail required.

Legal searches:

These are to determine whether the local authority has any plans that could have a negative effect on the value of the property, and usually cost £50 £120.

Indemnity bond: An indemnity bond is a type of insurance that some mortgage providers request to protect themselves from negative equity. In the event that the house is sold to repay the mortgage, an indemnity bond covers the institution for any possible shortfall between the value of the house and the remainder of the mortgage.

On a £150,000 mortgage, an indemnity bond can cost up to £1,000. You either pay this up front or add it to the loan - or you could negotiate. Of the lenders that do charge customers for an indemnity bond, most do so for mortgages of 80 per cent or more, but some start at 75 per cent.

Annual service charge: In a block of apartments this covers buildings insurance, lift maintenance, decoration inside and outside and upkeep of the grounds. It can be anything between £500 and £1,800.

Moving fees:

Can be anything from £200 upwards.