Buying your first home

Your first home

A young woman stretches while lying in bed in a show home

Taking the first step towards buying your first home is an exciting one. But how do you get from here to the moment when you pick up your keys and make it your own? 

This guide can help you navigate your way through the buying process and plan ahead for each stage, with hints and tips specifically tailored for first time buyers. But don't forget, our Sales Executives will be on hand throughout the process to guide you and answer any questions you may have. 


A set table in the Newton house in Kingsley Manor

REASONS TO BUY YOUR OWN HOME

It’s natural to question whether you’re making the right decision. Especially when it’s a big financial commitment like this one. Take a look at some of the reasons it could be a good move for you: 

 

  • You can make it yours. Decorate and use the spaces in a way that suits how you live 
  • You say for how long. There’s no landlord to decide whether it’s a short or long-term move 
  • You plan for the future. One day you’ll pay off your mortgage and own your home outright  
  • You invest your money. And if your home increases in value you build equity

CHECK YOUR FINANCIAL SMARTS

We certainly don’t want to talk you out of buying your first home. But we do want to double-check you’re financially ready to become a homeowner.

Not sure where to begin? Don't worry, our friendly Sales Executives are on hand to offer all the advice you'll need to help get you started on your homebuying journey. 

Here's a quick checklist:

  1. Have you researched mortgages? You need to know how much you can borrow and understand what the monthly repayments are likely to be. Handy tip: Ask our Sales Executives for more information about our panel of trusted mortgage advisors who can assist you throughout the whole process.
  2. Can you afford the monthly repayments on top of your bills? 
  3. Do you have a steady income that’s likely to stay that way? 

 

MAKE A BUYING WISH LIST

It’s tempting to rush straight out and start viewing houses. But if you can stay in long enough to make a wish list, you’re much more likely to find the right place with less legwork. 

A buying wish list is a way of focusing on the things you want your new home to have. This could be anything that’s particularly important to you, like having light airy rooms or good dog walks nearby. Here are a few questions to get you started… 

  • Are you thinking city-living or more rural? 
  • What shops and amenities would you like in the area?  
  • How many bedrooms do you need? 

Some good advice – know the difference between what you can and can’t live without, or you’ll be house viewing for some time.

START VIEWING

Wish list to hand, your first stop is our website property search. You’ll get a good idea what’s available, in what areas and for what prices. When one of our homes catches your eye, click Enquire and fill in the contact form. 

One of our Sales Executives will then contact you with more information, and to arrange an appointment for you to visit the development, so you can decide if it really is the place for you. 

EXPLORE OUR BUYING SCHEMES

Buying a new home can be more affordable than you think, as we have a range of buying schemes which could help.

Tell me more

FIND A MORTGAGE

You may be new to mortgages, but that doesn’t mean they have to be complicated. 

Ask our friendly Sales Executives for more information about our panel of trusted mortgage advisors who can assist you throughout the whole process, ensuring everything runs as smoothly as possible. 

GET THE LEGAL SIDE SORTED

An experienced solicitor can save you both time and money as they take care of the legal side of your purchase. They’ll handle all your contracts, give legal advice, do local searches, deal with the Land Registry and transfer your money. 

Handy tip: Ask our Sales Executives for more information about our panel of trusted solicitors who can assit you through the legal process.

 

PLAN MOVING DAY

You’ll want the big day to be as stress-free as possible. You don’t need good luck, you just need a little planning.

  • Tell everyone you’re moving. Even if you use a redirection service, this includes your bank, utilities, insurance companies, regular bills and subscriptions 
  • Organise the physical move. Co-ordinate dates with your removal company, family or friends 
  • Sort before you pack. It’s the perfect time to spring clean your belongings and make some extra money, give to charity or recycle 
  • Pack in an orderly way. Box up by room, label clearly and do it well in advance  
  • Keep essentials handy. Things like money, keys, refreshments and a kettle!  

 

 


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