Steps to buying first home: A Practical UK Guide to Your First Property

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Before you even start dreaming about paint colours or browsing listings, the real work of buying your first home begins with your finances. Honestly, getting this part right from the get-go is the single most important thing you can do. It’s what separates a smooth, confident purchase from a stressful, uncertain one.

Think of it as building your financial foundation. It dictates everything that comes next, from the homes you can afford to how seriously sellers will take your offer.

Building Your Financial Foundation

The journey from saving up to getting a mortgage offer is a clear, manageable process. You just need to know the steps.

It really boils down to this: save a solid deposit, get your credit score in shape, and then get that all-important mortgage approval.

Figuring Out Your True Home-Buying Budget

Your budget isn’t just the price on the property listing. This is where so many first-time buyers get caught out. The hidden costs can add up to thousands of pounds, and you need to account for them from day one to avoid any nasty surprises down the line.

We’re talking about things like:

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT): While there's relief for first-time buyers in England and Northern Ireland, you might still have to pay depending on the property price. Don't assume it's zero!
Solicitor/Conveyancing Fees: You need a legal professional to handle the contracts, searches, and transfer of ownership. This isn't optional.
Survey Costs: A survey is your health check on the property. It's essential for spotting potentially expensive problems before you commit.
Mortgage Fees: Some of the best mortgage deals come with arrangement fees, so factor those in.

Once you add all these up, you’ll have a much more realistic picture of what you can actually afford.

Your Upfront Cost Checklist When Buying Your First Home

Here's a breakdown of the typical one-off costs you'll face when buying your first home in the UK, based on an average property price.

Cost Item	Estimated Amount or Percentage	What You Need to Know
Deposit	10% – 20% of property price	The biggest hurdle. A larger deposit means better mortgage rates.
Mortgage Fees	£0 – £2,000	Fees for arranging your mortgage. Some deals are fee-free but have higher rates.
Valuation Fee	£150 – £1,500	Charged by the lender to value the property. Sometimes included in the deal.
Surveyor's Fee	£400 – £1,500+	For a professional survey (e.g., RICS Homebuyer Report or Building Survey).
Solicitor's Fee	£850 – £2,000	Covers all the legal work, including local searches.
Stamp Duty	Varies (check Gov.uk)	First-time buyers get relief but may pay on properties over a certain value.
Moving Costs	£500 – £2,000+	Depends on how much you have and how far you're moving.

Always get specific quotes, but this checklist gives you a solid starting point for your savings goal.

How to Save That All-Important Deposit

Let’s be honest, saving a deposit is often the biggest mountain to climb. The average first-time buyer deposit recently hit a staggering £61,090, which is about 20% of the average first home price of £311,034. With the average buyer's age now sitting at 33, it’s clear this takes time and dedication.

A larger deposit doesn't just get your foot in the door. It makes you a much more attractive buyer and, crucially, unlocks better mortgage interest rates. This can save you tens of thousands of pounds over the life of your loan.

One of the best tools to speed things up is a Lifetime ISA (LISA). For every £4 you save, the government adds £1 – a free 25% bonus (up to £1,000 per year) to put towards your first home. It’s a no-brainer if you’re eligible.

Getting to Grips with Mortgages

Mortgages can seem baffling, but they mostly come in two flavours: fixed-rate and variable-rate.

A fixed-rate mortgage is exactly what it sounds like. Your interest rate is locked in for a set period, usually 2, 3, or 5 years. This means your monthly payments won’t change, which is brilliant for budgeting and peace of mind.

With a variable-rate mortgage, your payments can go up or down, usually in line with the Bank of England's base rate. They can sometimes start off cheaper, but you’re taking a bit of a gamble on interest rates staying low. For a deeper dive into the whole process, this ultimate first home buyer's guide is a fantastic resource.

Polish Your Credit Score and Get Approved

Before a lender gives you a single penny, they'll put your credit history under a microscope. A healthy credit score is absolutely essential. You can give it a boost by:

Getting on the electoral roll at your current address. It’s a quick win.
Checking your credit reports with all three agencies (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) for any errors.
Paying every bill on time. No exceptions. Direct debits are your friend here.
Lowering your existing debt and not applying for new credit in the six months before you apply for a mortgage.

Once you’re in good financial shape, the final step is to get a Mortgage in Principle (MIP). This is a certificate from a lender stating how much they’re prepared to lend you.

Having an MIP is a game-changer. It proves to sellers, especially those who are selling without an agent on platforms like NoAgent.Properties, that you’re a serious, credible buyer who can afford the property. Whether you're eyeing a modern shared ownership flat in London or a cottage in the countryside, it gives you a massive advantage when it’s time to make an offer.

Starting the Search for Your First Home

Got your Mortgage in Principle? Fantastic. Now the real fun begins. This is the moment you switch from spreadsheets to scrolling, and the dream of owning your own place starts to feel properly real. But without a clear plan, the sheer volume of properties can be overwhelming. A focused strategy is your best friend here.

Before you even open a property portal, you need to be brutally honest about what you’re looking for. Nail this down now, and you’ll avoid wasting weekends viewing places that were never going to work, helping you move fast when the perfect home does pop up.

Defining Your Must-Haves and Nice-to-Haves

Every first-time buyer has a wishlist, but the secret to a successful search is knowing the difference between a deal-breaker and a 'would be nice'. The easiest way to do this? Grab a pen and paper and draw a line down the middle.

On one side, list your 'must-haves'. These are the absolute non-negotiables.

Minimum bedrooms: Do you need two for a home office, or is one enough for now?
Maximum commute: Be realistic. Is a 45-minute journey to work your absolute limit?
Key amenities: Maybe being within walking distance of a train station or a good primary school is a deal-breaker.

On the other side, jot down your 'nice-to-haves'. These are the bonuses you’d love but could live without for the right property.

A south-facing garden: Great for summer, but is it more important than an extra loo?
Off-street parking: A massive plus, but if the location is perfect, could you cope with permits?
An open-plan kitchen: It's the modern dream, but a separate kitchen might be fine if the house ticks every other box.

Think of this list as your compass. It will keep your search focused and stop you from getting sidetracked.

Looking Beyond Traditional Listings

The big property portals are an obvious place to start, but don't stop there. Some of the best finds are listed directly by the owners themselves, who are keen to avoid hefty estate agent fees.

This is where platforms like NoAgent.Properties come in. It’s a free platform where you connect directly with sellers, cutting out the middleman. For a first-time buyer, this approach has massive advantages. First, you get straight answers. No more waiting for an agent to call the seller back – you can just ask your questions directly.

The second, and arguably biggest, perk is the potential for saving money. Estate agent commissions can be anywhere from 1% to 3% of the sale price. When a seller avoids fees by listing for free, they often have more wiggle room on the asking price. That saving could be passed straight on to you.

By looking at private listings, you’re tapping into a whole different corner of the UK property market. You might just find a gem like this three-bedroom home in Preston that you’d have missed otherwise.

Decoding Property Details Like a Pro

Right, you’re browsing listings and you’re faced with a wall of photos, floor plans, and documents. Learning to read between the lines is a skill that will save you from countless wasted viewings.

Always start with the floor plan. Does the layout actually work for how you live? Photos can be incredibly deceptive, so check the room dimensions. And don't forget to look for storage – it’s the one thing everyone forgets until it’s too late.

Next, find the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). It’s not just a pretty graph; it’s a preview of your future energy bills. A home with an A or B rating will be far cheaper to run than one with a G. The EPC also suggests improvements, giving you a heads-up on potential future projects.

Finally, do some digital detective work on the area. Use Google Street View to have a virtual wander around the neighbourhood. Check out local crime rates, transport links, and school Ofsted ratings online. The house is only half the story – make sure you love the location, too.

Viewing Properties and Making a Smart Offer

Okay, you’ve done your homework, lined up your finances, and found a few places that look promising on paper. Now for the exciting bit: the viewings. This is your chance to get a real feel for a property, and it's about much more than just a quick walk-through. Think of it as playing detective – you need to look past the fresh paint and clever staging.

Honestly, this is where a sharp eye can save you thousands down the line. Go in with a plan and don't be afraid to be nosy.

What to Look For During a Property Viewing

It's so easy to fall for a gorgeous kitchen or a sunny garden, but you absolutely have to focus on the big, expensive stuff first. Keep your eyes peeled for red flags that could turn into a financial nightmare.

Your mental checklist should include:

Damp: Is there a musty smell? Look for flaky paint, water stains on ceilings (especially under bathrooms), or dark patches. Don't be shy about checking inside cupboards.
Windows: Are they double-glazed? Do they open and shut properly? If you see condensation or a 'misted' look between the panes, the seal has failed and they'll need replacing.
The Roof: From the street, can you spot any missing or cracked tiles? If you can get into the loft, look for daylight peeking through or signs of water damage.
Electrics & Plumbing: Find out how old the boiler and fuse box are. Turn on the taps to check the water pressure. Does the hot water take ages to arrive?

This is a massive investment, so a thorough poke around now is non-negotiable.

The Power of a Direct Chat

When you're looking at a home on a private sales platform like NoAgent.Properties, you get a huge advantage: direct access to the person who knows the property best—the seller. This is your golden opportunity to get real, unfiltered answers that an estate agent might not know or simply wouldn't share.

Talking directly with the owner is incredibly revealing. You can ask about the neighbours, what the average utility bills are, and the real reason they’re moving. This direct connection helps you understand what it’s actually like to live there, especially when the seller is motivated by avoiding agent fees.

This straight line of communication cuts out the middleman, helps you build a bit of rapport, and gives you a genuine feel for the place.

Crafting a Smart and Compelling Offer

So, you've found 'the one'. Your heart's set on it, but your head needs to take over now. Making an offer isn't just about throwing out a number; it’s about positioning yourself as the best possible buyer.

Before you do anything, check what similar properties in the area have actually sold for recently. This data grounds your offer in reality and proves to the seller you know your stuff. It’s also worth knowing the market trends. A recent Barratt Homes report found that 36% of first-time buyers go for semi-detached homes, with terraced houses close behind at 32%. This helps you gauge the competition for the type of house you're after.

What to Put in Your Offer

Always follow up a verbal offer with an email. To make yours stand out from the crowd, you need to include more than just the price.

Your Mortgage in Principle: Attach a copy to show you're a serious, pre-approved buyer who can actually get the funds.
Your Solicitor's Details: Having a solicitor ready to go shows you’re organised and mean business.
Your Position: Make a big deal of being a first-time buyer with no chain. This is a massive plus for sellers as it means a simpler, faster, and less risky sale.

When you present a complete package like this, you show you're prepared, not just interested. A seller, particularly one managing their own sale to avoid fees, is far more likely to accept an offer from someone who looks like a safe bet for a smooth transaction, whether you're eyeing a suburban semi or a luxury new-build in central London.

The Legal Legwork: Surveys, Searches, and Solicitors

So, your offer’s been accepted. Brilliant! Now the real work begins. This is where you move from house-hunter to home-buyer, and it all comes down to the legal process known as conveyancing.

It can feel like a bit of a black box, full of jargon and paperwork. But this is the stage where all the crucial behind-the-scenes checks happen to make sure the property you’re buying is a sound investment, legally and structurally. Your solicitor or conveyancer is your guide through this, protecting your interests every step of the way.

Picking Your Legal Pro

Your first job is to get a solicitor or licensed conveyancer on board. My advice? Don't just go for the cheapest quote. A proactive, communicative legal professional is worth their weight in gold and can save you from a world of stress and costly delays.

Look for a firm that:

Gets back to you: You need someone who actually answers the phone and replies to emails.
Has great reviews: Check what previous clients are saying online.
Knows their stuff: Property law is a minefield. Make sure they specialise in residential conveyancing.

Think of them as your professional partner in this. They’ll translate the legal-speak, flag any red flags, and ensure every 'i' is dotted before you commit.

The Property Health Check: Your Survey

While your solicitor gets busy with the legal side, you need to book a property survey. This is a physical inspection of the home by a qualified surveyor, and it is absolutely essential.

Let’s be clear: a mortgage valuation is not a survey. That’s just for your lender to check the property is worth what they’re lending you. Your own survey is for your peace of mind.

For most first-time buyers in the UK, it comes down to two main types:

RICS Home Survey Level 2 (the old HomeBuyer Report): This is a solid choice for conventional homes in decent nick. It gives you a good overview and uses a simple traffic light system to flag any urgent issues. Easy to digest and very effective.
RICS Home Survey Level 3 (the old Building Survey): This is the full works – a deep, detailed inspection. It’s the one you want for older properties (think 50+ years), homes that have been heavily modified, or if you’re planning major renovations yourself.

A survey could uncover anything from damp and structural issues to a roof that’s on its last legs. Finding this out before you exchange contracts gives you leverage. You can either renegotiate the price or, if it’s a deal-breaker, walk away and dodge a financial bullet.

Digging Deeper: Property Searches

At the same time, your solicitor will be ordering a series of "searches." These are official enquiries sent to various authorities to uncover crucial details about the property and the local area that you’d never spot on a viewing.

These aren't optional—your mortgage lender will insist on them. They're designed to protect you from nasty surprises down the line.

Imagine finding out there’s a new motorway planned for the bottom of your garden or that your dream home sits on a flood plain. These searches are what unearth that kind of critical information.

The main searches include:

Local Authority Searches: These reveal planning history, building control records, and any planned road or rail schemes nearby.
Environmental Searches: This checks for risks like land contamination from previous industrial use, flood risks, and ground stability.
Water and Drainage Searches: Confirms the property’s connection to public sewers and water mains, and shows where the pipes run – vital if you’re planning an extension.

The findings from the searches, combined with your survey report, give you the complete picture. Once your solicitor has reviewed everything and ironed out any queries with the seller’s side, you’re just one step away from exchanging contracts. It’s this meticulous legal groundwork that makes for a secure purchase, whether you’re buying a new-build or a period property with a share of freehold in London.

From Exchange to Completion: Getting Your Keys

You’re in the home stretch now. After what feels like an eternity of legal checks and paperwork, your solicitor has given the green light. Your mortgage offer is solid, and you’re staring down the two biggest milestones in this whole adventure: exchange and completion. This is where it all gets real.

This is the phase where all that waiting finally transforms into the brilliant reality of holding your own set of keys.

The Point of No Return: Exchanging Contracts

Exchanging contracts is the moment the deal becomes legally set in stone. Up until this point, believe it or not, either you or the seller could have walked away. But once your solicitor and the seller's solicitor have swapped signed contracts, you are both legally committed to the sale.

This is a huge step, and it comes with an immediate, critical responsibility. From the second you exchange, the property is legally your risk. This means you must have buildings insurance in place starting from the exchange date, not the day you move in. Don't forget this – your mortgage lender will insist on it.

Before any of this happens, your solicitor will need your deposit funds cleared in their account. This is typically 10% of the purchase price, so have it ready to go.

Navigating Completion Day

Completion is the day the property officially becomes yours. It’s moving day! The date is agreed upon when you exchange, and it's usually set for one to four weeks later.

On the morning of completion, your solicitor will draw down the mortgage funds from your lender and transfer the full purchase amount to the seller’s solicitor. Once they confirm the money has landed, the sale is complete.

This is where dealing directly with a seller, especially one you found on a platform like NoAgent.Properties, is a massive advantage. Instead of a clunky chain of calls through agents, you can just message the seller directly to sort out the key handover. It turns a potential logistical headache into a simple, stress-free chat.

Once the seller’s solicitor confirms the funds have arrived, they will authorise the release of the keys. You can then collect them and, for the first time, open the door to your very own home.

Getting to this point is a massive achievement, especially for the roughly 670,000 first-time buyers navigating the market each year.

Your Essential Moving-In Checklist

The first few hours in your new home can be a whirlwind. A bit of prep goes a long way. Keep this checklist handy so you don’t miss the important stuff:

Read the Meters: Before you do anything else, find the gas, electricity, and water meters. Snap a photo of the readings and email them to the current suppliers. This ensures you only pay for your own usage from day one.
Find the Essentials: Locate the stopcock (for turning off the water) and the fuse box. You don't want to be scrambling for these during an emergency.
Test Everything: Is the heating working? Hot water? Check the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms immediately – don’t put it off.
Redirect Your Post: If you haven’t already, get a Royal Mail Redirection set up. You don't want important letters getting lost.
Change the Locks: This one’s for peace of mind. You never really know who has a spare key from the previous owners, so it’s a small price to pay for security.

It's also worth knowing about different types of sales. Some sellers, especially those needing a quick, guaranteed sale, might work with a cash buyer who can complete quickly. Understanding how these transactions work gives you a broader picture of the property world.

Got Questions? We've Got Answers

Stepping onto the property ladder for the first time is exciting, but it's also a journey filled with questions. To help you feel more confident as you move forward, we’ve put together clear, straightforward answers to the queries we hear most often from UK buyers.

How Much Deposit Do I Really Need for My First Home?

While it’s true that some lenders offer mortgages with a 5% deposit, pushing for more is one of the smartest moves you can make. A bigger deposit—say, 10% or even 15%—means you're borrowing less from the bank.

This has a powerful knock-on effect. It opens the door to much better mortgage interest rates, which directly lowers your monthly payments. Over the life of your loan, that can save you thousands. Don't forget, government schemes like the Lifetime ISA (LISA) can give your savings a real boost by adding a 25% bonus each year.

What's a Mortgage in Principle and Why Bother Getting One?

Think of a Mortgage in Principle (MIP) as a pre-approval from a lender. It's a statement confirming how much they’re likely to lend you after a quick check of your finances. It isn’t a formal mortgage offer, but it’s an absolutely essential tool for UK property buyers.

For a start, it gives you a realistic budget to work with, stopping you from falling for homes you simply can't afford. More importantly, it signals to sellers that you're a serious, credible buyer, which can give you a real edge in a competitive market. Most MIPs are valid for about 90 days and usually only involve a soft credit check, so it won’t hurt your score.

An MIP transforms you from a window shopper into a prepared buyer. It’s one of the clearest signals you can send to a seller that you are organised, financially sound, and ready to proceed without delay.

What Are the Real Benefits of Buying Directly from an Owner?

Cutting out the middleman and buying directly from an owner through a platform like NoAgent.Properties has some pretty clear advantages. The biggest is communication. You get to ask your questions and receive honest, unfiltered answers straight from the person who knows the property inside and out.

Negotiations also tend to be simpler and more transparent without an agent relaying messages back and forth. And then there's the potential financial upside. Since the seller is dodging agent commissions—which can be 1-3% of the sale price—they might just have a bit more wiggle room on the final price, potentially passing some of those savings on to you.

Seriously, How Long Does It Take to Buy a House in the UK?

It really can vary, but on average, you should budget for somewhere between three and six months from the day your offer is accepted to the moment you get the keys.

This period breaks down into a few key stages:

Mortgage Application: Expect this to take 2-4 weeks for the formal offer to come through.
Legal Work & Searches: This is the longest stretch. Conveyancing usually takes 6-12 weeks.
Exchange to Completion: The final leg is often between 1-4 weeks.

Be prepared for delays. They're common and often caused by hold-ups in a property chain or slow responses from solicitors. Keeping the lines of communication open, especially when dealing directly with a seller, is the best way to keep things moving. For a deeper dive into every step, this comprehensive checklist for first-time home buyers is a fantastic resource.

Ready to find your first home and avoid agent fees? At NoAgent.Properties, you can connect directly with sellers, giving you a clearer, more direct path to ownership. Start your search today by exploring our free-to-list properties. Browse private listings for free on Noagent Properties Ltd and take the next step on your UK property journey.