Potential home buyers are being urged to move before the hike in VAT kicks in next January.
Experts at Connells estate agency in Hanwell Fields and Banbury say the tax rise is set to increase moving costs including legal fees, Energy Performance Certificates and some surveys.
Robert West, branch manager for Connell's at Hanwell Fields, near Banbury, said: "The upcoming two and a half per cent VAT rise will make moving more expensive.
"As well as initial costs like solicitors’ fees and surveys, buyers need to think about things like the cost of furnishing and decorating their new home.
"All these will go up in price as a result of higher VAT.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here