Buying your first home is exciting, but it also comes with a lot of planning. Having a clear first-time buyer checklist helps you prepare for the process step by step. From savings and costs to choosing the right property, this guide will make the journey less stressful and more organised.
Review your financial situation
Before you begin looking at houses, it’s important to check if your finances are in good shape. A well-prepared first-time home buyer checklist always starts with money matters, because lenders will look closely at how much you can afford.
Deposit
The deposit is the biggest saving you will need. In most cases, lenders expect at least 5% to 10% of the property price. A larger deposit not only reduces your mortgage amount but may also give you better interest rates.
For example, on a £200,000 home, a 10% deposit means you need £20,000 upfront. Starting early with regular savings makes this more manageable and helps you reach your goal faster.
Common mortgage and home-buying costs
Apart from your deposit, there are other costs to plan for. This is where a first-time buyer’s fees checklist comes in handy. You will need to budget for:
- Mortgage arrangement fees charged by lenders.
- Valuation fees to confirm the property’s worth.
- Stamp duty is another cost to plan for, though there are cases where first-time buyers do not pay stamp duty.
- Legal fees for your solicitor.
Including these in your budget early will stop unwanted surprises later.
Furnishing your home
Once the legal and financial steps are done, you’ll also need to think about making your home liveable. A first-time buyer’s costs checklist should include furniture, white goods like a fridge or washing machine, and even small essentials such as curtains and lighting. These may not be part of your mortgage, but they can quickly add up if not planned for.
Consult a mortgage advisor
Getting professional advice is a wise move when you are buying your first home. A mortgage advisor can explain your options clearly, recommend suitable products, and guide you on what lenders expect. Knowing how to get a mortgage as a first-time buyer will also help you prepare for this stage. This step should be a core part of your checklist for first-time home buyers, as it helps you make confident choices.
Define your house needs and preferences
Before house-hunting, think carefully about the type of home you want. This avoids wasting time on properties that don’t suit your lifestyle.
Property type
Do you prefer a flat, a semi-detached house, or a terraced home? Each has different advantages in terms of cost, space, and maintenance. A clear first-time home buyer checklist should compare these options, so you know what matches your budget and expectations.
Size and layout
Think about the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need. Also, consider open-plan layouts versus more traditional ones. This helps you rule out homes that look good at first but won’t work long term.
Specific features
Make a list of features that matter most to you. It could be a garden, parking, storage space, or energy efficiency. Having this written down makes it easier to focus during viewings.
Location and neighbourhood
Finally, where you live is just as important as the house itself. Check for transport links, schools, shops, and safety. A first-time buyer costs checklist should also include local living costs, such as council tax and commuting expenses, to get a true picture of affordability.
Start house-hunting
Once your finances and needs are clear, you can start looking for homes. Sign up with estate agents, set alerts on property sites, and visit properties in person. Keep your first-time buyer checklist with you. Tick off key points at each visit so you can compare houses fairly and choose with confidence.
Submit a mortgage application
When you find the right home, the next step is to apply for a mortgage. Lenders will check your income, expenses, and debts. They will also carry out a credit check. To save time, prepare payslips, bank statements, and proof of ID before applying. Adding these to your checklist for first-time home buyers makes the process much easier.
At this point, you also need to decide between fixed-rate and variable-rate deals. This choice matters because it will affect your monthly repayments for years ahead.
Appoint a solicitor
A solicitor or licensed conveyancer will manage the legal side of buying. They prepare contracts, run property searches, and handle the transfer of ownership. Picking a trusted professional is vital, as mistakes at this stage can cause problems later.
Your solicitor will also check for unpaid charges or legal limits on the home. Having one is both a legal requirement and part of your first-time buyer’s fees checklist. Fees vary, so compare quotes and check what services each solicitor includes before you decide.
Conduct a home survey
A home survey is different from a lender’s valuation. While the valuation checks if the property is worth the price, a survey examines its condition. This step is part of your first-time buyer costs checklist, because it can highlight issues before you commit.
There are different levels of surveys:
- A basic condition report highlights urgent problems.
- A homebuyer report gives more detail, including advice on repairs.
- A full structural survey is the most thorough, ideal for older properties.
Though it adds an extra cost, a survey can protect you from expensive surprises later.
Exchange & Complete
After legal checks and surveys, contracts are signed, and you pay the deposit. From this point, the agreement is binding. A few weeks later, the balance is paid, and you get the keys to your new home.
What are the criteria to be a first-time buyer?
To qualify as a first-time buyer in the UK, you must never have owned property before, anywhere in the world. This includes shared ownership and inherited homes. Knowing the rules is vital because it affects benefits like stamp duty relief. You can read more in our guide on do you pay stamp duty as a first-time buyer.
What evidence do you need for a first-time buyer?
Lenders and solicitors usually ask for:
- Proof of identity (passport or driving licence)
- Proof of income (payslips, P60 forms)
- Recent bank statements
- Confirmation that you haven’t owned property before
Having these documents ready ensures your purchase moves forward without delays.
Conclusion
Buying your first home may feel challenging, but a clear plan makes the process manageable. From saving a deposit to appointing a solicitor, each step builds confidence and keeps you on track. Preparing for extra costs and keeping your documents ready helps you avoid surprises. With the right advice and support, you can move smoothly from viewing properties to collecting your keys. In the end, the effort is worth it as you begin enjoying the security and pride of owning your own home.