Cheapest fixed energy deal for house movers in the UK
Moving home and want the cheapest fixed deal you can actually get? Use this guide to avoid expensive default tariffs, check exit fees, and compare whole-of-market fixed prices for your new address—based on your meter and payment type.
- Know what you can (and can’t) switch during a move
- Compare fixed deals by postcode, meter and payment method
- Spot common pitfalls: exit fees, debt flags, smart/prepay restrictions
Estimates only. Availability, rates and exit fees vary by postcode, meter type and credit checks. Always confirm supplier T&Cs before you agree.
Fast answer: cheapest fixed energy deal for house movers UK
The cheapest fixed energy deal for house movers UK is the lowest total annual cost fixed tariff available for your new postcode, meter type and payment method—because fixed prices vary by region and eligibility. For most movers, the fastest way to get it is to take meter readings on move-in day, then compare fixed deals for the new address and switch as soon as the account is set up.
Key takeaway 1
You usually can’t choose the outgoing supplier—your new home starts on a default “deemed” tariff. The cheapest fixed deal comes from comparing and switching after move-in.
Key takeaway 2
Check whether you’re on a prepayment meter or have an Economy 7/multi-rate setup—these can reduce your fixed-deal options and change which “cheapest” deal applies.
Key takeaway 3
Avoid paying exit fees twice: if you’re leaving a fixed deal at your old home, check the end date and any fees before you cancel or transfer.
Important: We can’t show “the” cheapest fixed deal as a single national tariff because UK fixed prices change by region, meter type (standard / Economy 7 / smart / prepay), and payment method (Direct Debit vs pay on receipt). Use the quote tool for live prices for your new address.
How to get the cheapest fixed deal when you’re moving
House moves are one of the easiest times to overpay—mainly because you’re automatically put on the property’s current supplier on a deemed contract (a default tariff). You can normally switch away, but it helps to do it in the right order so you don’t get billing problems.
Move-in switching steps (simple and low-risk)
- Take meter readings on move-in day (electricity and gas). Photograph the meter(s) with the date if you can.
- Tell the existing supplier you’ve moved in and give readings. Ask them to confirm the tariff name and how you’re paying (Direct Debit / on receipt / prepay).
- Check your meter setup: standard single-rate, Economy 7/multi-rate, smart meter, or prepayment. This affects which fixed deals you can choose.
- Compare fixed deals for your new postcode and choose based on total estimated annual cost, exit fees and contract length.
- Switch. Keep your move-in readings and confirmation emails until your first correct bill lands.
What “cheapest” should mean
For house movers, “cheapest fixed” should be the lowest estimated annual cost for your expected usage, not just the lowest unit rate. Standing charges, day/night rates and discounts can change the real winner.
When a fix might not suit
If you expect to move again soon, or you’re likely to need a meter change, a long fix with exit fees can cost more overall. A shorter fix (or flexible tariff) can reduce lock-in risk.
Get a fixed-deal quote for your new address
Tell us a few details and we’ll show fixed deals available for your postcode (whole-of-market). You’ll be able to compare contract length, payment method and key terms before you decide.
Tip: If you don’t know your usage yet, you can still compare. Use an estimate (e.g. small/medium/large household) and refine after your first bill.
Two realistic move scenarios (with numbers you can reuse)
Scenario A: Renting a 1–2 bed flat, moving mid-fix
Assumptions (illustrative): you’re leaving a fixed deal at your old place with an exit fee, and the new property starts on a deemed tariff. You expect to stay 12 months.
- Potential exit fee
- £0–£100+ (check your old contract)
- If you delay switching
- You may pay a higher default rate for the weeks/months you’re on it
- Best-value approach
- Compare fixed deals once your move-in account exists; avoid long fixes if you might move again soon
Scenario B: Family house with Economy 7 or EV charging
Assumptions (illustrative): you have higher electricity use and may benefit from a day/night setup. You want price certainty for budgeting.
- Meter complexity
- Multi-rate tariffs can be cheaper only if enough use shifts to off-peak
- What to compare
- Total annual cost + day/night split + standing charges + exit fees
- Best-value approach
- Run two quotes: standard single-rate vs Economy 7 assumptions, then pick the lowest total cost for your usage pattern
These scenarios show the decision factors and typical fee ranges—not live tariff prices. Use the quote tool for current fixed-deal costs in your area.
Fixed deal comparison for movers: what to look at
Fixed tariffs are not all alike. For movers, the “cheapest” option often depends on how long you’ll stay, how you pay, and whether your meter type limits the market.
| What you’re comparing | Why it matters when moving | Good sign | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total estimated annual cost | Combines unit rates + standing charges based on your usage. | Lowest total cost for your expected usage. | A low unit rate can still be costly if standing charges are higher. |
| Contract length (e.g. 12/18/24 months) | Long contracts can be risky if you may move again. | Length matches your expected stay. | Leaving early may trigger exit fees (check per fuel). |
| Exit fees | A move can force a change, especially if the supplier can’t support the new address/meter. | Low/zero exit fee, or short fix if uncertain. | Fees may apply separately for gas and electricity. |
| Payment method | Some deals are only available on Direct Debit. | You can meet the payment requirements comfortably. | Paying on receipt may be priced higher; prepay options can be more limited. |
| Meter type (smart, prepay, Economy 7) | Your new property’s meter can restrict suppliers/tariffs you can take. | Supplier supports your meter and billing setup. | Switch timing and tariff choice may differ for prepayment and multi-rate meters. |
Cheapest fixed deal checklist (movers)
- Move-in readings taken and submitted to the current supplier
- Correct meter type selected (single-rate vs Economy 7/multi-rate vs prepay)
- Payment method chosen (Direct Debit vs other) and affordable
- Contract length fits your likely time in the home
- Exit fees checked for both fuels
- Total annual cost compared using realistic usage assumptions
Who a fixed deal suits (and who it doesn’t)
Often suits you if:
- You want predictable bills for 12+ months
- You’re likely to stay put
- You can meet Direct Debit requirements
May not suit you if:
- You expect to move again soon
- You might need a meter change
- You can’t risk exit fees
If you’re unsure, compare a shorter fix against longer fixes and weigh the price difference against the potential exit fee if you move again.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls for house movers
These are the things that most often stop movers getting the cheapest fixed deal—plus what to do about each one.
1) Exit fees and moving dates
If you’re leaving a fixed deal at your old property, you may be charged for ending it early. Check the contract end date and whether fees apply per fuel (gas and electricity).
2) Deemed tariffs at the new home
You typically start on the property’s existing supplier and tariff until you set up your account. Don’t ignore the first letters/emails—get your account live, then compare fixed deals.
3) Meter type limits
Prepayment and multi-rate meters can narrow the options. Make sure you select the right meter type when you compare so you’re not shown deals you can’t take.
4) Debt at the property
Energy debt belongs to the person, not the property—but billing mistakes happen. Keep your move-in readings and tenancy/completion date so you can dispute incorrect charges quickly.
5) Estimated Direct Debit changes
Your first Direct Debit can be an estimate. If it’s too high or too low, contact the supplier once you have readings/bills. Comparing the right usage helps you choose the true cheapest fixed deal.
6) Cooling-off and switch timing
Switches take time and there’s usually a cooling-off period for distance sales. Start the compare-and-switch process soon after move-in to reduce time spent on a default tariff.
Reminder: Avoid giving the letting agent/previous occupier’s details to a new supplier. The cleanest approach is: (1) set up your account with the existing supplier for your move-in date, (2) then switch based on your details and readings.
FAQs: cheapest fixed energy deal for house movers (UK)
Can I switch energy supplier as soon as I move in?
Usually, yes—but it’s safest to first create your account with the current supplier using your move-in date and readings. Once the account exists, you can compare fixed deals for your postcode and start a switch. Keep photos of your move-in readings to prevent billing disputes.
Do I have to stay with the supplier already at my new property?
No. In most cases you’ll start with the existing supplier on a deemed tariff, but you can normally switch to another supplier. The key is making sure your opening meter readings and move-in date are correctly recorded before (or during) the switch.
What’s a “deemed” tariff when you move house?
A deemed tariff is a default contract that applies when you move into a property and start using energy without having agreed a new tariff. It allows your new home’s existing supplier to bill you from your move-in date. You can usually leave it by agreeing a new tariff or switching supplier.
Will I pay exit fees if I move house during a fixed deal?
Possibly. Some fixed tariffs charge exit fees if you end the contract early, and fees can apply separately to gas and electricity. Before you cancel anything, check your tariff documents or ask your supplier what the exit fee would be on your moving date.
Does my postcode really change which fixed deals are cheapest?
Yes. Energy prices can vary by region because of different network costs and tariff structures, and availability can differ by meter type and payment method. That’s why the only reliable way to find the cheapest fixed deal is to compare using your new postcode and the correct meter details.
What if the property has a prepayment meter?
You can still compare, but your options may be more limited and the switching process can differ. Start by confirming the meter type on move-in day. If you want to change from prepay to credit, that may require checks and a meter exchange—so compare prepay-compatible fixed deals first, then review credit options once your meter situation is confirmed.
How do I avoid paying for the previous occupant’s energy use?
Take move-in meter readings (with photos), record the date/time, and submit them to the existing supplier immediately. Keep your tenancy agreement or completion statement handy. If you’re billed incorrectly, raise a complaint with the supplier and use the evidence to support your opening read.
Is a longer fixed deal always cheaper for movers?
Not always. A longer fix can offer more price certainty, but it can also increase the risk of exit fees if your plans change. For movers, the best choice is the lowest total cost that fits your expected time in the property—after accounting for any likely fees and eligibility restrictions.
Trust, methodology and sources
Page details
- Written by
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Energy Specialist
- Last updated
- July 2026
How we assess the “cheapest fixed deal” for house movers
Because we don’t publish live tariff prices on this guide, our approach focuses on the factors that determine the cheapest fixed deal in the UK market. When you use the quote journey, the “cheapest” option is assessed as the lowest estimated annual cost fixed tariff available for your postcode and circumstances.
- Inputs that change the result: postcode/region, fuel (dual fuel vs single), payment method, meter type (standard, Economy 7/multi-rate, smart, prepay), and estimated annual usage.
- Cost basis: estimated annual cost (unit rates + standing charges) rather than unit rate alone.
- Constraints we flag: exit fees, contract length, eligibility requirements, and meter/payment restrictions that can make an apparently cheap deal unsuitable.
- Limitations: tariffs and availability change frequently; suppliers can withdraw products; credit checks and meter status can affect what you can take. Always check supplier terms before agreeing.
Editorial independence: This guide is designed to help you make a good decision during a move. It doesn’t recommend specific suppliers or named tariffs because prices and product names change by postcode and over time.
Sources (UK)
- Ofgem (UK energy regulator) — guidance on switching, complaints and market rules
- Citizens Advice: energy — help with bills, moving home and supplier disputes
- GOV.UK — general consumer and moving home information
Ready to find your cheapest fixed deal for the new home?
Compare fixed tariffs available in your postcode, with the right meter and payment settings—then choose the option with the lowest estimated annual cost and terms you’re happy with.
No named tariff claims. Prices and eligibility are shown in the quote journey and can change daily.
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