Ending a long-term relationship could trigger significant financial change

New Compare the Market research has highlighted that the typical costs people may face when separating and setting up a home on their own, with total expenses ranging from £9,175 to £24,641, depending on housing and marital status.

With 28.6 million households in the UK, married couples remain the most common family type, accounting for 65.1% (12.8 million of all families. Yet, with more than 100,000 divorces recorded each year in England and Wales, the financial implications of separation are a reality for many households annually.

The analysis considers four common scenarios, including married and unmarried couples, homeowners and renters, to understand the typical legal, relocation and furnishing costs involved in a breakup.

The findings show that married homeowners face the highest estimated costs, with an average total breakup bill of £24,641. This reflects the main expenses you’re likely to pay yourself, including legal fees, moving costs, and furnishing a new home, but doesn’t account for money or property you might share with your former partner.

Even outside of marriage, separation can be costly. Unmarried homeowners are estimated to face costs of £20,969, while renters see lower yet still substantial costs – roughly £11,692  for married renters and £9,175 for unmarried.

For homeowners, relocation is the largest expense, driven by estate agent fees, legal conveyancing, and Stamp Duty Land Tax when purchasing a new property. These costs can be particularly significant for homeowners, with around one in four UK adults having a mortgage, and the typical debt ranging between £100,000 and £150,0003.

For renters, relocation costs are generally lower but can still be significant. The total estimated cost of moving comes to around £2,519, which includes rent in advance (£1,368 on average) and removals (£466 for a typical one-bedroom flat). Additional expenses, such as administration fees and end-of-tenancy cleaning (averaging £245), can also add up, making a move an important financial consideration even without property ownership.

The research comes at a time when many households already face financial strain. According to the Financial Conduct Authority, 13.1 million adults in the UK have low financial resilience, including 7.6 million with low savings and 7.3 million who are already heavily burdened by bills or credit commitments.

With 17% of adults holding mortgage debt worth at least four times their household income, separating shared assets can be complex and may affect longer-term financial stability. At the same time, 84% of adults hold at least one credit or loan product , meaning many couples must also untangle joint borrowing when they separate.

Furnishing a new home remains a financial hurdle after separation, with the cost to cover essential furniture, appliances and household items for a one-bedroom home averaging £3,886.

For homeowners, moving costs can be a major expense, with legal fees, estate agent charges and Stamp Duty totalling around £13,018. Renters also face relocation costs, including rent in advance, removals and end-of-tenancy cleaning, averaging £2,519.

Additional legal or administrative costs, such as court fees, expert reports, or separation agreements, can also add to the total, depending on the complexity of the breakup.

When added together, these costs show why it is important to plan financially during a separation, even before thinking about shared money or property.

Charlie Evans, Personal Finance Expert at Compare the Market, said “Ending a relationship is never easy, and financial uncertainty can add extra pressure at an already emotional time. While every situation is different, taking early steps to sort out joint finances and protect your credit can help you avoid unexpected problems later.

“Small practical steps, such as reviewing your joint accounts or updating financial agreements, can make a meaningful difference in helping you move forward with confidence.”