Planning ahead will help you make progress towards your goals and show lenders that you are prepared, which could make it easier for you to get a mortgage.
Unless you've sorted out your home-buying fund, you will need to start saving, cut down on any borrowing and make sure your credit record is as good as possible.
Build up a solid savings balance:
Mortgage lenders now require a deposit, usually a minimum of 5% of the property price. The more money you can put in as a deposit, the better the mortgage deal you can get. This could mean a lower interest rate.
Reduce your debts:
Most lenders work out how much you can borrow based on your outgoings as well as your income, so it's worth looking at any existing credit agreements you have to see if these can be repaid before applying for the mortgage.
Improve your credit rating:
Your credit rating can have an effect on the mortgage rates available to you. If your rating isn't good, you should take steps now to improve it. Here are some ways you can do this:
Be on the electoral register:
Keep up to date with payments on loans and credit cards.
Check your credit rating with a credit rating agency such as Experian and Equifax to make sure it's accurate.
Remember, any missed or late payments will be reflected on your credit report and could stay there for years, so be sure to keep paying on time, even if it's just the minimum amount. Also make sure you cancel any unused store cards, credit cards and bank accounts.
What can you afford?
The checklist below is quick and easy way to help you work out how much you can afford to spend on your mortgage each month. Subtract your total spending from your total income and the amount left over might give you some idea of how much you could afford for your monthly mortgage payment.
Total - What you earn each month
Minus - What you spend on household commitments each month
Minus - Your everyday spending each month
Minus - Your occasional spending on things like holidays
Total available to spend on your mortgage each month
Extra costs when buying a home:
Moving home is expensive and there are costs that we often forget but could have a real impact on your decisions. You can make things easier by budgeting for them.
Deposit:
You'll need a deposit, usually a minimum of 10% of the property price. Generally the bigger the deposit you have, the better the mortgage deal you can get. This could mean a lower interest rate. So the sooner you can start saving the better. Get started by opening a separate savings account and setting up a monthly standing order.
Arrangement fees:
Many lenders charge an up-front fee for setting up a mortgage.
Mortgage Product Fees:
Most lenders have a selection of mortgages with a product fee on certain deals.
Mortgage valuation:
Most lenders charge a fee for having the property you're buying valued.
Legal searches and fees:
You'll need a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to take care of the legal details.
