Tips for First-Time Buyers: A Guide to Your First Home Purchase

A first-time buyer is someone who has never owned a freehold or leasehold property in the UK or abroad and is now buying one as their main residence. While the high cost of living makes it harder for first-time buyers to purchase a property, there are strategies they can use to make homeownership more affordable. 

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Key Takeaways: 

• Affordability issues are preventing first-time buyers from purchasing a home. 

• Getting your finances in order early is a must before viewing properties to buy. This includes creating a realistic budget, saving for the deposit and overall buying costs, and consulting with professionals. 

• A mortgage in principle gives potential buyers an idea of how much they can borrow. It also shows sellers that buyers are serious about the transaction, as they have begun arranging their finances. 

• Research the property thoroughly. Compare different areas, identify must-haves, and consider the property’s condition. Ask questions and request survey requirements and potential future developments. 

• Choose a conveyancer early, even before making an offer. Compare different firms on fees, communication arrangements, case-tracking options, and more. 

• Avoid rushing. Buying a first home is a major financial commitment. Take the time to understand the property’s physical condition, legal position, and total costs before making an offer. 

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming. You need to understand deposits, mortgages, property searches, and conveyancing. The best way to make this journey easier is to get your finances organised early, understand the real cost of buying, and prepare for the legal process before you start looking for a property to purchase. 

This guide is for general information and is not intended as financial advice. Mortgage affordability decisions should be discussed with an FCA-regulated mortgage adviser based on your specific buying circumstances. 

What Should First-Time Buyers Do Before Looking At Properties? 

The most important step involves your finances. Start by understanding your budget, saving your deposit, checking your financial resources, and obtaining a mortgage in principle. These financial details serve as the foundation of a strong buyer. It helps you narrow your options so you can find properties that you can comfortably afford. 

According to the Building Societies Association’s Property Tracker survey conducted in January 2026, most of the issues aspiring homebuyers face are financial in nature. This includes deposits (64%), mortgage repayment affordability (50%), and sufficient mortgage funds (45%). 

To ensure your homeownership aspirations won’t be derailed by your financial situation, consider this list of things you should do before you even start looking for a property to buy. 

Start saving early for a deposit 

Deposit requirements vary depending on the property price, lender, and mortgage product. According to the latest English Housing Survey Report, the average home deposit for first-time buyers is £78,131. Accompanying July 2026 data from the UK House Price Index shows starter home prices ranging from £226,000 to £243,500. 

These figures are quite steep, and it’s not surprising that people would need more time to save up for a deposit. This is probably why the English Housing Survey Demographic Findings show that the average age of first-time buyers is 34. 

Given these figures, first-time buyers are encouraged to start saving early for a deposit. While the national averages seem daunting, it’s best to focus on the type of property and area you want to buy into and the local prices in the neighbourhood. 

First-time buyers should also explore savings products designed to support deposits. The Lifetime ISA allows eligible savers to contribute up to £4,000 a year, with the government adding a 25% bonus of up to £1,000 a year, subject to the scheme’s rules. 

Keep in mind that government-backed schemes and home-buying support change over time. Make sure to check the latest eligibility before focusing on a particular scheme. 

Speak to a mortgage advisor early 

Speaking to a mortgage advisor can help you understand how much you are eligible to borrow and what your potential monthly repayments might be. They will help you analyse your current financial situation, including your income and debts. 

They can also help you obtain a mortgage in principle (MIP), which proves a lender has indicated how much you can borrow. An MIP, however, does not guarantee the final mortgage amount. It will still be subject to further checks and a full mortgage application. 

But still, having an MIP in place before making an offer demonstrates that you have organised your finances and are serious about your home-buying efforts. 

Work out your realistic budget 

Find the time to work out a realistic budget based on your income, expenses, and debts. One thing that lenders will assess is your credit history. Before you apply or make an offer, check your credit reports for errors and ensure your financial commitment records are up to date and accurate. 

Avoid borrowing unnecessary loans immediately before applying for a mortgage. The more loans you have, the more it compromises repayment affordability. That can affect your mortgage application by influencing your borrowing capacity. 

Lenders have their own affordability criteria, which determine how much you can borrow. It takes your income, existing debts, regular expenses, deposit and other financial circumstances into consideration before finalising the amount available to you. 

Use an online affordability calculator as an initial guide, but seek professional advice to ensure you’re basing your decisions on the right budget. 

Research areas you can actually afford 

When you have an estimated budget, determine an affordable price range. Compare several areas that fit your price range. In addition to the price, consider transport, local amenities, council tax, schools, property types, and commuting costs. 

It’s also worth looking beyond your preferred location. Maybe a nearby neighbourhood offers more space or better value while keeping you close to the amenities of your preferred area. 

Separate your must-haves from your nice-to-haves 

Before viewing properties, make two lists. 

One lists your must-haves or the features you will not compromise on. The other lists the nice-to-haves or the features you’d like to have but can live without. 

These lists will help you narrow down the properties you consider buying. 

As you consider this list, keep in mind the price, Stamp Duty Land Tax, conveyancing, searches, surveys, removals, and ongoing maintenance. For instance, you may prefer properties along the coast for the view, but mortgage lenders usually request a specific coastal hazard or coastal change assessment. Check that these details align with your list of must-haves and nice-to-haves. 

View more than one property 

Don’t reject a property solely because of its décor or presentation. Cosmetic features will give you a strong first impression of the property, but don’t forget to consider the location, layout, condition, and potential for improvement as well. 

It’s easy to override practical concerns when you find a property with the exact features you’re looking for. Keep in mind that listing visuals sometimes look different from how a property appears in person. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek clarification on the changes before making an offer. 

Ask questions during viewings 

Asking questions allows you to better understand the property you want to buy. Among the questions you should ask are: 

• How long has the property been listed? 

• Have there been previous offers? 

• What is the reason for selling? 

• Has the asking price changed? 

• Have there been any major works or renovations carried out? 

• What is included in the sale? 

• Is the property a freehold or leasehold? 

• If it’s a leasehold, what are the service charges and ground rent? 

• Is the property a part of an onward chain? 

The answers will give you more insight into the seller’s position and the wider chain. These questions will also help you assess how straightforward the transaction will be. 

Arrange an appropriate property survey 

A house survey is different from the legal checks your conveyancer carries out. It assesses the property’s physical condition, while your conveyancer investigates legal ownership, title, searches, and other legal matters associated with the property. 

The specific survey will depend on the property. 

SURVEY	SUITABLE FOR…
RICS Level 1	Conventional properties in relatively good condition
RICS Level 2	Standard properties where a more detailed assessment is appropriate
RICS Level 3	Older, unusual or substantially altered properties that require a more detailed inspection

A qualified surveyor will know what level is appropriate for the property being bought. 

Consider the area’s future, not just its current appearance 

Buying a house in an up-and-coming area could be a good investment for your money. When looking at a property, check for planned transport improvements, regeneration plans, new schools, and other local development initiatives in the location. 

Research future plans through local authority sites and consider how these will affect the property you’re buying. It’s not just about the value of the property that’s at stake. It could also affect your lifestyle once you start living there. 

Choose a conveyancer before your offer is accepted 

As you look for a property to buy, start researching and comparing conveyancers. 

In our experience working with first-time buyers, we noticed they focused heavily on finding a property, arranging the mortgage, and leaving thoughts of conveyancing until later. Instructing a conveyancer early means your initial paperwork and identity verification will be prepared sooner. This ensures the legal process will start promptly once the seller accepts the offer. 

When searching for a conveyancer, pay attention to their fees, timescales, and communication, as well as what is included in their service. This will help you choose the right firm, especially when you’re dealing with a time-sensitive transaction. 

As you compare conveyancers, check: 

• For clear and transparent legal fees 

• What disbursements are included or estimated 

• How updates will be communicated 

• Whether there’s an online case tracking portal available 

• If there’s a dedicated point of contact 

• What happens if the transaction falls through 

For more details, you can explore Muve’s conveyancing guides or get a conveyancing quote. 

Don’t rush the decision 

Buying your first home can take time and should not be rushed. Some properties may look good on paper but may not be right for you once you consider the condition, costs, location, or legal position. Take time to understand what you’re buying and do not make an offer simply because you’re worried another buyer might do it first. 

Once the seller accepts your offer, the conveyancing process can take several weeks. Depending on the property and its circumstances, delays can arise from searches, property chains, mortgage lenders, managing agents, and other third parties. While eliminating delays is impossible, you can minimise their effects by organising your paperwork and finances. This ensures you will not cause delays when certain requirements are needed from your end to keep the transaction moving forward. 

First-time Buyer Checklist 

Before making an offer, ensure you have: 

• Calculated a realistic budget 

• Saved sufficient deposit and considered additional buying costs 

• Checked your credit reports 

• Spoken to a mortgage adviser 

• Obtained a mortgage in principle 

• Researched affordable locations 

• Created a must-have and nice-to-have property requirements 

• Compared conveyancing firms 

• Understood the property’s survey requirements 

• Asked the estate agent about the seller and property 

Final Thoughts for First-time Buyers 

Buying your first home will go smoothly if you prepare before you start looking for a property. Get your finances in order, understand what you can afford, research appropriate locations, and choose your conveyancer early. 

As you compare different properties, don’t judge them solely by the asking price. Consider the full cost of buying a property, its physical condition, the legal position, and whether the purchase fits your financial capabilities and future plans. 

If you’re ready to buy your first home, Muve can help with the conveyancing process from instruction to completion. Get in touch with us or get a free conveyancing quote within minutes. 

FAQs: First-Time Buyers

What should a first-time buyer do before viewing properties?

Work out your realistic budget and speak to a mortgage adviser first. Discuss getting a mortgage in principle as it will give you a clearer idea of your potential borrowing capacity. When you know how much you can afford, it’s easier to narrow down your options and choose the best one before making an offer.

It also helps to prepare other documents that your conveyancer will need. This ensures that the legal process can begin immediately after the seller accepts your offer.

How much deposit does a first-time buyer need?

The general rule for first-time buyers is a minimum deposit of 5%, but this may vary depending on the mortgage lender’s requirements, the mortgage product, and the property you plan on buying. Discuss your options with a mortgage broker so they can advise you on how to secure your deposit funds in case your savings are not enough.

Should a first-time buyer get a survey?

A survey is generally recommended because it identifies physical defects that may require attention. It will also give you negotiating points for the property’s selling price. This is important before you send the seller an offer.

Make sure you select the appropriate survey level, which depends on the property’s age, construction, condition, and complexity.

When should a first-time buyer instruct a conveyancer?

Ideally, first-time buyers should choose a conveyancer before making an offer. Instructing them early allows you to complete the identity checks and initial paperwork sooner. This will help the legal process begin promptly once the seller accepts your offer.

About this article 

Last reviewed: September 2026  

This article was written by Diana Santos, a legal service and property writer with more than a decade of experience creating educational content for property businesses across the UK. Since joining Muve, she has specialised in UK conveyancing, home buying and selling, and residential property law, researching guidance from organisations including the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC), the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), and HM Land Registry.  

While this article is reviewed periodically to reflect changes in UK conveyancing practice, this is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.