Home Mover's Energy Guide 2026

Compare Energy Prices After Moving Home (UK 2026 Guide)

Last updated: January 2026
Regulator: Ofgem
Audience: Home movers, renters, buyers & landlords

Switch from expensive deemed tariffs, save money immediately after moving, and find the best energy deals for your new property. Don't overpay on energy bills after your move.

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Why You Should Compare Energy Prices After Moving Home

Avoid expensive default tariffs when moving property

Moving Home Is One of the Most Expensive Times to Stay on a Bad Energy Deal

Automatic Deemed Tariff

When you move into a new property, you are automatically placed on a deemed tariff with the existing supplier.

Expensive Default Rates

These tariffs are rarely competitive and often cost hundreds of pounds more per year than the best available deals.

Immediate Savings Opportunity

Comparing energy prices immediately after moving home is one of the fastest ways to cut your bills in your new property.

Every Day Counts

Every day you remain on a deemed tariff after moving home costs you money. Deemed tariffs typically cost 20-40% more than competitive fixed deals. A delay of just one month can cost £50-£150 in unnecessary energy charges.

What Is a Deemed Energy Tariff?

Understanding your default energy rates after moving

A deemed tariff is the default energy rate applied when:

You Move Into a New Property

Automatically applied when you become the new bill payer at an address.

No Supplier Chosen

When you haven't yet selected an energy supplier for your new home.

No Agreement Signed

When you haven't agreed to a specific tariff with the existing supplier.

Key Facts About Deemed Tariffs:

Type

Usually variable rate tariffs

Price Level

Often close to the Ofgem price cap

Competitiveness

Rarely the cheapest option available

Flexibility

No exit fees (so you can switch immediately)

Important: You are not locked in — switching is allowed straight away. Under Ofgem regulations, you can switch energy suppliers immediately upon moving into a new property, even if you're on a deemed tariff. There are no penalties or waiting periods.

When Should You Compare Energy Prices After Moving?

Timing your comparison for maximum savings

Best Time: Immediately After Moving In

1

Move In Day

Take meter readings and start comparison immediately. Don't wait even one day.

2

First Week

Complete comparison and initiate switch. Most switches complete in 2-5 days.

3

Don't Wait For

Your first bill, meter validation, or cooling-off periods. These aren't required.

4

Every Day Matters

Each day delayed on deemed tariffs costs money. Start saving immediately.

Cost of Delay

Every week you delay means you may be overpaying. Based on average deemed tariff rates versus competitive fixed deals, delaying your switch by just one week can cost £15-£40 in unnecessary charges. A month's delay typically costs £60-£160. The savings from switching begin from the moment you initiate the switch process.

What Information Do You Need to Compare?

Simple requirements for home mover energy comparison

Information You Need

  • Your postcode – For regional pricing and available suppliers
  • Fuel type – Whether property has gas, electricity, or both
  • Meter type – Standard, Economy 7, prepayment, or smart
  • Estimated usage – Optional but improves accuracy

Information You DON'T Need

  • Old supplier details – Not relevant for new property
  • Previous occupier information – Your usage starts fresh
  • Email or phone number – Just to compare prices
  • Bank details – Only needed when switching

UtilityKing's Privacy-First Approach

UtilityKing lets you view prices without forced sign-up. Compare anonymously, see all available deals for your new property, and only share contact details when you're ready to proceed with a switch. No pressure, no spam, just transparent comparison.

Fixed vs Variable Tariffs After Moving Home

Choosing the right tariff type for your new property

Fixed Tariffs (Usually Best)

  • Price certainty – Rates locked for contract duration
  • Protection from price rises – Immune to market volatility
  • Budget predictability – Easier financial planning
  • Often cheaper than deemed tariffs – Immediate savings
  • Recommended for home movers – Stability during transition

Variable Tariffs

  • Prices can change – Rates adjust with market conditions
  • Less predictable – Budgeting uncertainty
  • Rarely cheapest long-term – Usually more expensive
  • No price protection – Subject to market increases
  • Minimal advantage – Little benefit for home movers

Most households save more by switching to a fixed deal shortly after moving. Fixed tariffs provide price certainty during an already stressful and expensive time. They typically undercut deemed variable tariffs by 15-30%, providing immediate savings while protecting against future price increases.

How Much Can You Save After Moving?

Typical savings from switching from expensive deemed tariffs

Household Type Typical Annual Saving Key Factors
1–2 bed flat £200 – £350 Lower usage makes standing charges critical. Flat-specific deals matter.
2–3 bed house £300 – £500 Higher usage amplifies savings. Both unit rates and standing charges important.
High-usage home £500+ Large families or electric heating. Unit rate differences create big savings.
Economy 7 property £250 – £450 Correct tariff selection critical. Wrong tariff can increase costs.
Prepayment meter £150 – £300 Default rates often highest. Comparison essential for fair pricing.

Savings depend on several key factors:

Usage Patterns

Higher consumption = larger absolute savings from better unit rates.

Geographic Region

Regional price variations affect both standing charges and unit rates.

Tariff Choice

Fixed vs variable, contract length, and supplier competition.

Special Cases After Moving Home

Important considerations for different property types

Electric-Only Homes

Very common in flats and new builds. Standing charges matter more than unit rates for low usage.

Economy 7 Properties

You must compare Economy 7 tariffs only. Standard tariffs can be 30-50% more expensive.

Prepayment Meters

Still switchable after moving. Comparison is essential as default rates are often 5-10% higher.

Smart Meter Homes

Smart tariffs may be available — but they're not always cheaper than standard fixed deals.

Renter Considerations

  • You have the legal right to choose your supplier
  • No landlord permission needed (unless bills included)
  • Look for no exit fee tariffs in case you move again
  • UtilityKing highlights renter-friendly deals automatically

Buyer/Homeowner Advice

  • You're free to choose any supplier without restriction
  • May benefit from longer fixed deals (24-36 months)
  • Standing charges and unit rates vary by region
  • Comparing early locks in predictable costs

Why UtilityKing Is Best for Home Movers

Deemed Tariff Detection

Automatically flags if you're likely on an expensive deemed tariff after moving.

Postcode-Accurate Pricing

Uses precise regional data for accurate comparisons at your new address.

All Meter Types

Full support for standard, Economy 7, prepayment, and smart meters.

True Annual Cost

Ranks deals by real annual cost, not misleading headline rates.

Designed for real-world moving scenarios, not assumptions. UtilityKing understands the unique challenges and opportunities of moving home. Our comparison engine is optimised to help home movers escape expensive deemed tariffs and find the best energy deals for their new property from day one.

Common Mistakes After Moving Home

Avoid these costly errors when managing energy after moving

❌ Staying on Deemed Tariff

Remaining on expensive default rates for weeks or months, costing hundreds unnecessarily.

❌ Assuming Current Supplier Cheapest

Believing the existing supplier offers competitive rates. They rarely do for new customers.

❌ Wrong Meter Type Selection

Choosing standard tariff for Economy 7 property, increasing costs by 30-50%.

❌ Ignoring Standing Charges

Focusing only on unit rates, missing that standing charges dominate low-usage bills.

❌ Waiting for First Bill

Delaying switch until first bill arrives, wasting money on expensive rates meanwhile.

❌ Not Comparing at All

Simply accepting whatever tariff you're placed on without checking alternatives.

Costly Consequences

These mistakes can easily cost £300–£500+ per year. The combination of staying on a deemed tariff, choosing the wrong tariff type, and delaying action compounds quickly. Many home movers unknowingly waste £500-£800 in their first year by not addressing energy costs promptly after moving.

Moving Home Is the Best Time to Switch Energy

Moving home puts you on an expensive default tariff — but it also gives you a perfect opportunity to reset your energy costs. Comparing energy prices right away prevents overpaying, locks in better rates, and reduces financial stress during an already expensive transition period.

Prevent Overpaying

Escape expensive deemed tariffs that cost 20-40% more than competitive deals.

Lock in Better Rates

Secure fixed-price deals that provide budget certainty for 12-24 months.

Reduce Stress

One less financial worry during the already stressful process of moving home.