How True Bricks calculates the cost of a home
Every cost on True Bricks is built from named UK data sources and a published, consistent model — not guesswork. Prices come from HM Land Registry, council tax from the local authority, energy from Ofgem unit rates, and stamp duty from the current HMRC bands. The same methodology runs for every property, so a £290,000 home's £2,218-a-month all-in cost can be compared like-for-like against any other. Where we estimate, we say so.
Last reviewed · figures use 2025/26 UK rates.
Where each figure comes from
| Data point | Source |
|---|---|
| Average house prices | HM Land Registry — UK House Price Index |
| Council tax bands & charges | Local authority schedules (GOV.UK); Valuation Office Agency for band |
| Stamp duty (SDLT) | HMRC / GOV.UK — current SDLT rates and reliefs |
| Energy use & unit rates | Ofgem — typical domestic consumption values and price-cap unit rates |
| EPC rating & energy demand | EPC Open Data (DLUHC) |
| Water charges | Regional water company average charges |
| Flood risk | Environment Agency |
| Crime | Police.uk |
| Schools | Ofsted / Get Information About Schools (GIAS) |
| Solar potential | Google Solar API |
| Buildings insurance | Rebuild-cost model (BCIS/ABI-style per-sqft rates) |
| Maintenance | Industry rule-of-thumb (share of value per year, by age) |
How the cost model works
Mortgage
Standard repayment amortisation. Worked examples assume a 10% deposit over 25 years at 4.5%.
Council tax
English average Band D (about £2,171/yr) scaled by the statutory band ratios — Band A is 6/9 of Band D, Band H is double.
Energy
Ofgem typical consumption for the property's EPC band × current price-cap unit rates (gas ~7.4p/kWh, electricity ~24.5p/kWh) plus standing charges, scaled by occupancy.
Water
Regional average charge scaled by the number of occupants.
Buildings insurance
0.15% of the estimated rebuild cost per year — rebuild = internal floor area × a per-sqft rate that varies by construction type, not the purchase price.
Maintenance
A sinking-fund allowance of 0.8%–2.5% of the property's value per year, depending on age (older homes higher, new builds lower).
Stamp duty
2025/26 SDLT bands, applying first-time-buyer relief and the additional-property surcharge where relevant.
Upfront costs
Deposit + SDLT + conveyancing (~£1,500) + a survey (£300–£1,000 by type) + the Land Registry fee.
Who maintains this
True Bricks is independently built and maintained. The model is reviewed against the prevailing UK rates each tax year, and the figures are estimates to help you compare and budget — not financial, tax or legal advice. Read more on the About page.
Frequently asked
Where does True Bricks get its data?
From named, mostly public UK sources — HM Land Registry for prices, GOV.UK and the Valuation Office Agency for council tax and stamp duty, Ofgem for energy, the Environment Agency for flood risk, Police.uk for crime, Ofsted for schools, and EPC Open Data — plus a few paid property-intelligence providers for data that isn't freely available.
How accurate are the figures?
The running and upfront costs are modelled estimates, computed with the same methodology for every property so they're directly comparable. Where a figure is estimated rather than measured, we say so. For a binding number, always confirm with your lender, conveyancer and the local authority.
How often is the data updated?
The cost model is reviewed against the prevailing rates each tax year. The current figures use 2025/26 UK rates and were last reviewed in June 2026; the review date on each page updates when the underlying rates change.
Is this financial advice?
No. True Bricks gives you transparent estimates to compare properties and budget with — it is not financial, tax, mortgage or legal advice.
Want the figures for a specific property? Analyse any UK address →