First-Time Buyer Guide

What to Consider Before Finalizing an Area

Before you fall for a postcode, imagine school runs, food shops, commuting, parking, evening walks and where guests would stay. A home can look perfect online, but the area has to support the life you actually live

Stamp Duty

Stamp Duty is a property tax paid by the buyer when they buy a home or land over a certain price. The amount depends on the property price, whether you are a first-time buyer, whether you already own another property, and whether you are a UK resident.

Next Steps after Completion day

A Completion day is the day the purchase money is sent, the seller is paid, and the keys are released. For most UK home buyers, this is the moment the property finally becomes yours.

Home Buyer Protection Insurance

Home buyer protection insurance, sometimes called buyer protection insurance or home purchase protection insurance, is designed to help buyers recover some upfront costs if a property purchase falls through before exchange of contracts.

Common First Time Buyer Mistakes

Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also feel confusing. Many first-time buyers in the UK make mistakes because they focus on the house price and forget about the full cost of buying and owning a home.

Gazundering

Understand what gazundering means, why a buyer may reduce their offer before exchange of contracts and how UK property sellers can respond without making a rushed decision.

Gazumping

Learn how gazumping happens when a seller accepts a higher offer from another buyer, when it can occur and how buyers can reduce the risk.

Should You Buy a Flat or House?

Compare the costs, space, maintenance, service charges, privacy and ownership responsibilities of buying a flat versus a house in the UK.

Common First Time Buyer Mistakes

Discover common first-time buyer mistakes, including underestimating costs, skipping surveys, choosing the wrong mortgage and failing to investigate the property before exchange.

Exchange of Contracts

Understand what happens at exchange of contracts, when the purchase becomes legally binding, what deposit is required and what buyers must check before exchanging.

What Happens After Your Offer is Accepted?

A step-by-step guide to arranging your mortgage, instructing a conveyancer, completing property searches, obtaining a survey and preparing for exchange and completion.

Hidden Costs of Buying a House

Explore the hidden costs of buying a house in the UK, including Stamp Duty, conveyancing, surveys, mortgage fees, insurance, removals and immediate repairs.