First Time Buyers

Buying your first home can be an intimidating prospect, but it doesn't have to be. There are many steps you need to take before going ahead with a purchase and we've compiled them here for you. We also have some useful tips on how to keep costs down when buying!

There are many things to consider, and it is important to do your research.

 

You should find out what local house prices are like in your area, as well as the average mortgage rates and deals available. You should also research the conveyancing process (the legal process of transferring ownership of the property), as well as other costs involved in purchasing a property. If you’re using a solicitor or lawyer to represent you during the purchase, research their fees and make sure that they are reasonable for your budget.



Getting your finances in order is imperative before going ahead, so make sure you are aware of your credit score and take steps to improve it if necessary.

 

A good credit score is critical for first-time home buyers. If you don’t have a score that meets the lender’s standards, you may need to pay a higher interest rate on your mortgage or be denied altogether.

In order to get started, check your credit rating before beginning the process of applying for a mortgage. This will give you an idea of where you stand financially and what steps might need to be taken in order for the bank to approve your request.

There are two main credit rating agencies: Equifax and Experian. Each agency has its own system for calculating credit ratings and each one takes into account different factors when creating an individual’s report card on his or her financial status.


Saving up a deposit is a key step and can often take years so make sure you have a plan in place and stick to it.

 

The next step is saving up a deposit. This can take years, so make sure you have a plan in place and stick to it. A typical first-time buyer’s home will cost between £150,000 and £300,000 – so you’ll need at least 5%-20% of this amount (£7,500 to £40,000) as your first step towards buying your own home. The exact amount depends on the type of property you want to buy and where it’s located (in London you might need 25% or more).

If you’re buying with someone else who has put down some cash already, then that will obviously help reduce how much overall deposit is needed – but don’t forget there are still other costs associated with buying a house (like legal fees) which may also eat into your savings if not planned for carefully enough!


You will need a mortgage offer in principle before you start searching for properties so seek advice on how to get this.

 

  • A mortgage adviser will help you find the right deal for you.
  • They will explain the different types of mortgages available and how much you can borrow.
  • You should expect to pay an upfront fee for this service but it may well be worth it in the long run.

It is important to understand all the costs involved in purchasing a property.

 

The process of buying a house is complicated and it can be difficult to keep track of all the costs involved. It is important to understand all the costs involved in purchasing a property, as these can add up quickly.

Mortgage: The mortgage is the main cost when buying a home, so it’s important to have an idea of how much you can afford each month before agreeing on terms with your lender.

Legal fees: There are many different professionals who need to be paid when buying or selling property (such as estate agents), but many people forget about their solicitor until it’s too late! Make sure you know exactly how much this will cost beforehand.


There are many schemes available that can help first-time buyers such as Help To Buy, Shared Ownership, and Right To Buy.

 

Help to Buy: This scheme is available to those looking to buy new-build properties. It allows you to purchase a new home with as little as a 5% deposit, with the government providing you with an equity loan which covers 20% of the property’s value. The amount of this loan depends on whether you are purchasing a starter home or a more expensive property, but it’s capped at £600k. You can complete your purchase without needing any other funds from family or friends (as long as they don’t live with you). However, if this isn’t enough for your finances then there may be other schemes available such as Shared Ownership which might suit better – see below!

Shared Ownership: If buying outright isn’t an option then shared ownership might work better for you instead! This scheme gives people access to buying between 25% – 75% of their home so they can avoid paying rent while also having peace of mind that they’re building up equity in their property too!


Viewing properties can be quite overwhelming, but it is important to view several options before making any decisions.

 

If you have a specific area in mind, the best way to find homes for sale in that area is by searching on the internet. Rightmove and Zoopla are good platforms to use. As well as being able to find listings of homes for sale and sold prices in the area. Street maps will show nearby amenities such as schools or shops and photographs of each listing so that you can see what it looks like inside and out.


The conveyancing process should be left to the experts, but make sure you understand their fees beforehand.

 

Even if you’ve been saving for years and have an excellent budget, it’s wise to remember that buying a house will probably cost you more than your first time buyer price range. Your conveyancer is the expert who’ll guide you through this process and make sure everything goes smoothly. Conveyancing fees vary depending on the complexity of the purchase.


CAN I GET A MORTGAGE WITH BAD CREDIT??

 

Yes, if you have bad credit you can still obtain a mortgage. Our partnership will look into your circumstances and provide you with the best options suited for your personal needs. If you currently have a lower credit score due to personal circumstances our mortgage experts will commit to finding you a mortgage that takes your financial situation into account. With a lower credit score you may experience higher interest rates than other borrowers with “good to great” credit ratings.


Final Thoughts

 

The process of buying a property can seem daunting, but with the right advice, you will be able to navigate the process without difficulty.

If you would like to find out more, click Compare Mortgages, let us know a few details and one of the expert advisors will be in touch to help.

Alternatively, If you’d like to speak to the friendly UK based team please call – 0800 470 3751