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First time buyer guide
Buying your first home is a huge milestone, but we know it can feel a bit overwhelming. Our step-by-step guide breaks down the process into simple stages, helping you feel more informed and confident along the way.
Three things to think about
- Think about key factors affecting property value, such as local transport upgrades or nearby desirable schools
- Consider factors that could lower your homes value, like a new bypass or development on green space. Check local authority planning portals for area growth plans
- Use online tools like Rightmove or Zoopla to explore local prices, trends, and things to do in the area
Three key questions to ask:
What are property prices in my chosen area?
What factors will impact the value of the property?
What are the long-term prospects for this area (growth, schools and transport links)?
Tiny tip
Really get to know the area you want to live in before you buy, to find out if it's a good fit for you and to also understand the long-term effect of buying in that area.
Property viewing checklist:
- Take notes and photos so you can compare viewings afterwards
- Prepare your questions to ask at the viewings
- In Scotland: A solicitor must submit your offer. It makes sense to appoint one early, to help things move faster when you find somewhere you like
Key questions to ask:
Is it a freehold or a leasehold property?
How much storage space is there?
Are there any known issues with the property (e.g., structural, damp)?
How old is the boiler and the roof?
Why is the seller moving?
What are the annual running costs (e.g., council tax, utilities)?
Tiny tip
Now is a good time to apply for a Mortgage in Principle. It can take as little as ten minutes. Some estate agents require you to have one before putting in an offer on a property.
Get in touch with the seller's estate agent and tell them how much you would like to offer. If they don't accept, you can increase the offer, but make sure it's within your budget and what you can afford to borrow.
Properties are often advertised at an 'offers over' price, this means the seller is looking for this figure as a minimum, but is expecting to receive higher offers. If a number of people are interested, there will normally be a closing date for sealed offers. The seller will then accept the most suitable one, often the highest bid.
Properties can also be advertised at a fixed price, meaning that the seller is willing to accept the first offer at the price specified.
In Scotland, you appoint a conveyancer before you make an offer on a property, as they are responsible for placing the offer on your behalf. Let your solicitor know how much you would like to offer. If this isn't accepted, you may be given the opportunity to increase the offer, but make sure it's within your budget and what you can afford to borrow.
Get in touch with the seller's estate agent and tell them how much you would like to offer. If they don't accept, you can increase the offer, but make sure it's within your budget and what you can afford to borrow.
Properties are often advertised at an 'offers over' price, this means the seller is looking for this figure as a minimum, but is expecting to receive higher offers. If a number of people are interested, there will normally be a closing date for sealed offers. The seller will then accept the most suitable one, often the highest bid.
Properties can also be advertised at a fixed price, meaning that the seller is willing to accept the first offer at the price specified.
In Scotland, you appoint a conveyancer before you make an offer on a property, as they are responsible for placing the offer on your behalf. Let your solicitor know how much you would like to offer. If this isn't accepted, you may be given the opportunity to increase the offer, but make sure it's within your budget and what you can afford to borrow.
Making an offer checklist
- Make sure you have your latest and in-date mortgage in principle ready
- Check you're comfortable with the deposit amount that is required
- Talk to the estate agent to find out as much as possible, for example, does the seller want to move quickly? How many other buyers are interested? Is there a chain e.g. will you have to wait for the seller to buy a property before you can move in?
Three key questions to ask:
What is your preferred timeline for the move?
Do you have any other outstanding offers?
Which fixtures and fitting are included in the sale e.g. wardrobes, or white goods like a fridge or a washing machine?
Tiny tip
Remember that estate agents work for the seller, not for you. They're often trying to get the best deal for them rather than you.
