First-time buyers step-by-step guide

Buying your first home can feel like a lot at once—budgeting, choosing a mortgage, finding the right property, and then working through the legal and completion process. This guide breaks the journey into clear stages so you know what typically happens and what to prepare for along the way.

1) Determine your budget and prepare for a mortgage

Before you start viewing properties, get your finances in order.

Start by working out what you can comfortably afford each month, not just what you might be able to borrow. Consider:

• Your deposit and how much you can realistically save
• Monthly mortgage payments alongside everyday living costs
• Other outgoings such as bills, travel, childcare and existing commitments
• The additional costs of buying (for example, legal fees, surveys and moving costs)

Many first-time buyers find it helpful to get mortgage preparation underway early so you can shop with more confidence. This can also help you understand what mortgage options may suit your circumstances and how your deposit affects the overall picture.

2) Find a property that matches your needs

Once you have a budget in mind, focus on what matters most to you.

A useful approach is to create a shortlist based on priorities such as:

• Location and commute
• Property type and condition
• Size and layout
• Whether the property is leasehold or freehold
• Any future plans (for example, growing a family or changing jobs)

While online listings can be a starting point, it’s often worth using local knowledge and working closely with estate agents to understand what’s available, what’s likely to be negotiable, and whether there are any practical considerations to be aware of.

3) View properties and compare them properly

Try to view enough properties to make meaningful comparisons. During viewings, look beyond appearance and consider practical points:

• Condition of key areas (roof, windows, heating, damp signs)
• How the property is maintained and whether any issues are obvious
• Natural light, storage and how the layout works day-to-day
• Noise levels and general neighbourhood feel

If you’re unsure what to look for, it can help to take notes for each property so you can compare later when you’re deciding.

4) Make an offer and negotiate

When you find a property you want, you’ll typically make an offer through the estate agent.

At this stage, it’s important to think about the offer strategy. For example:

• Whether you’re offering the asking price or negotiating
• How your deposit and mortgage plan affects your position
• How quickly you can proceed if the seller is ready to move

Negotiation is normal in property transactions. The key is to ensure your offer is realistic for your budget and that you’re comfortable with the next steps once it’s accepted.

5) Arrange a home inspection (survey)

A mortgage is a major financial commitment, so it’s sensible to understand the property’s condition before you complete.

A survey can help identify potential issues that may not be obvious during a viewing. Depending on the property and your preferences, you may choose a survey level that suits your needs.

Common reasons buyers commission surveys include:

• Checking for structural concerns
• Identifying potential damp, drainage or roof problems
• Understanding whether there are repairs or maintenance likely in the near future

If the survey raises concerns, it may influence negotiations, the timing of the purchase, or the decision to proceed.

6) Work through the legal process

Once your offer is accepted, conveyancing begins. This is the legal side of buying a property and usually includes:

• Local authority searches and other checks
• Reviewing the contract and property information
• Confirming details such as boundaries, rights of way and (where relevant) lease terms
• Managing any queries that arise during the process

Leasehold properties can involve additional considerations, such as service charges and ground rent. It’s also worth ensuring you understand what you’re buying and any ongoing responsibilities.

7) Confirm your mortgage details and finalise the purchase plan

As completion approaches, your mortgage arrangements will need to be confirmed and finalised. This is also a good time to ensure you’re clear on:

• The deposit you’ll need to pay
• Any remaining costs you must cover before completion
• The timeline for exchanging contracts and completing

Keeping your documents organised can help reduce delays.

8) Exchange contracts and complete

Exchanging contracts is a key milestone. After exchange, the transaction is legally binding, and completion becomes the next target date.

Completion is when ownership transfers and the remaining funds are paid. Once completed, you can usually take possession and begin moving in.

9) Secure buildings insurance (and consider contents cover)

Before or around completion, you’ll need to arrange appropriate insurance.

Typically, buildings insurance is required to protect the property. Many first-time buyers also consider contents insurance to cover personal belongings.

It’s worth checking what your mortgage lender expects and making sure the cover is in place for the right dates.

10) Plan for the extra costs of buying and moving

Beyond the purchase price, first-time buyers often need to budget for additional expenses. These can include:

• Legal fees
• Survey costs
• Stamp duty (where applicable)
• Mortgage-related costs
• Moving costs and initial home setup

Planning for these early can help you avoid last-minute financial pressure.

Stamp Duty Calculator

A stamp duty calculator can help you estimate potential stamp duty based on the purchase price and your circumstances.

Purchase Price (£)

• I’m a first time buyer
• Property is a buy-to-let or second home
• Buyer is a non-UK resident

Mortgage calculator

A mortgage calculator can help you explore how different mortgage amounts and repayment terms may affect monthly payments.

What to expect next

Every purchase is different, but the overall flow is similar: budget and mortgage preparation, property search, offer and survey, legal work, then exchange and completion.

If you’re unsure where you are in the process, it can help to review your next step—whether that’s preparing documents, arranging a survey, or checking progress with conveyancing—so you can keep things moving smoothly.