The cost of setting up a first home has barely changed in the past year offering rare relief for first-time buyers at a time when overall inflation continues to squeeze household finances.
New figures from Coventry Building Society reveal that the average cost of equipping a first home rose just 0.6% between July 2024 and July 2025 – far below the 3.8% increase in the Consumer Price Index over the same period.
The findings are based on a basket of more than 40 typical first-home essentials, ranging from legal fees to white goods and furniture.
In total, the estimated cost of setting up a home now stands at £12,035 – up just £67 from the £11,968 recorded in July last year.
MOMENT OF RELIEF
Jonathan Stinton, head of mortgage relations at Coventry Building Society, says the data offered “a rare moment of relief” for first-time buyers: “There’s no escaping how expensive it is to get on the housing ladder – but these figures offer a rare moment of relief for first-time buyers.
“While general inflation is still running hot, the cost of turning a house into a home has barely moved.
“Even so, it’s important for buyers to have an idea of how much they may need to spend after they’ve got their keys. Knowing the real costs can help new buyers better plan for the future and understand the full financial picture of homeownership.”
PRICE CHANGES
While the overall rise was modest, some items showed more dramatic price changes. The cost of wallpaper soared by 48.4% over the year, with the price of a roll increasing from £18 to £26 – making it the steepest climber in the basket.
At the other end of the scale, fridge freezers saw the largest drop in price, falling by 8.6% or £46. Dishwashers and washing machines also became cheaper over the year, suggesting a broader trend of falling prices in white goods.
In soft furnishings, prices moved in opposite directions. While curtains have dropped in price, roller blinds have grown more expensive, reflecting divergent demand or manufacturing costs within the same product category.
DEPOSIT AND STAMP DUTY
Despite the relatively flat growth in set-up costs, the financial demands on new homeowners remain considerable, particularly when factoring in the deposit and stamp duty.
The report does not include those upfront purchase costs, which remain the most significant financial hurdle for first-time buyers.
Nevertheless, the data may offer some reassurance to those entering the property market that the cost of furnishing and fitting out their new homes has not spiralled at the same pace as broader inflation. With mortgage rates still high and rents rising, any such reprieve could prove meaningful for buyers carefully balancing their budgets.
