3 March 2026

Naziana Mehdy features in Eastern Eye on the true cost of homeownership

Real Estate Partner Naziana Mehdy features in Eastern Eye discussing the hidden and rising costs facing UK homebuyers, and why realistic budgeting is more important than ever.

Naziana explains that beyond the deposit, buyers must account for a wide range of secondary costs that can significantly increase upfront spending. As she explains these can “easily total between £10,000 and £20,000 on top of the deposit”, with Stamp Duty liabilities, mortgage product fees and rising legal costs all contributing to higher entry costs.

Even where property prices have stabilised, Naziana notes that affordability pressures remain acute. Higher mortgage rates, tighter lending criteria and rising professional fees mean the overall cost of homeownership remains elevated. Increased labour and material costs are also driving up insurance premiums and service charges, particularly for leasehold flats.

Naziana emphasises the importance of structured financial planning:

“Realistic budgeting is absolutely essential. Buyers should plan not just for the deposit but for transaction costs, emergency reserves and immediate repair buffers.”

Naziana’s comments highlight a key theme: the real cost of buying a home extends well beyond the headline purchase price, and careful preparation is critical in today’s market.

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