The royal family's relocation expenses are a hot topic, and the recent move of Prince William and Princess Kate has sparked curiosity. But wait, there's a twist! The Wales family is about to move into a larger home, but their moving costs are surprisingly lower than most people's. How is that possible?
As the royal couple prepares to relocate with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, to the historic Forest Lodge, experts in the house removals industry are weighing in on the expected costs. With a decade of experience, Dave Sayce, owner and director of Compare My Move, reveals a unique advantage for the royal family.
Here's the catch: The Wales family won't be paying the typical fees associated with buying or selling properties. Both their current residence, Adelaide Cottage, and their new home, Forest Lodge, are part of the Crown Estate, meaning no property transactions are involved. This alone significantly reduces their moving costs.
But that's not all. The absence of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) and conveyancing costs further slashes their expenses. Sayce estimates the total moving bill for the royal couple to be around £4,900, a staggering £10,000 less than the average cost of moving house!
And the savings don't stop there. The proximity of Forest Lodge to Adelaide Cottage, a mere five miles, will result in lower removal costs. Sayce explains that the short distance will be reflected in a more affordable moving quote, saving the royal couple a substantial amount.
However, there's a potential additional cost to consider. The royal family may need to budget for a comprehensive survey, especially given the age and size of Forest Lodge. A level 3 survey, the most thorough option, is recommended for such a property. While these surveys typically cost around £600, the unique characteristics of Forest Lodge could drive the price up. Sayce suggests that a survey for a similar high-end, four-bedroom house in the South East recently quoted a maximum of £1,900, which is the estimated survey cost for the royal family's new home.
So, why are Prince William and Princess Kate making this move? HELLO!'s Online Royal Correspondent, Danielle Stacey, sheds light on the decision. She explains that the larger Forest Lodge provides the family with more space and is already considered their 'forever home.' Interestingly, the family plans to stay there long-term, even when Prince William ascends the throne, as he prefers it to Buckingham Palace. Forest Lodge seems to be the perfect fit for their future plans.
And this is the part that sparks curiosity: How does the royal family's moving experience compare to that of an average family? Are there any other hidden costs or benefits we haven't considered? Share your thoughts and let's discuss the fascinating world of royal relocations!
