It is a very exciting time when you are ready to take that step onto the property ladder and purchase your first home. Not only is it a huge achievement, and a big milestone in our lives, it can also be very daunting. Buying a house can be a long, complicated process, which is why we have set out a “To Do List” to help you get started.
The process
Buying a new home can take several months and during this time there will be plenty of checks that need to be completed, plenty of paperwork, and the exciting part – looking at lots of different properties.
Try not to feel overwhelmed – the below to do list will hopefully simplify the process and help you on your house-buying journey.
First Time Buyer to Do List
Almost one in five equity release mortgages are now taken out to provide financial support to family.
2 days ago
According to industry data, the expected wait for those looking to buy a property has dropped from just over 11 months to less than six months.
It is common for your first mortgage payment to be higher than your subsequent monthly payments for two reasons.
7 days ago
Firstly, a big congratulations, you’ve now exchanged contracts! After weeks and months of waiting, you are about to move in. What should you do first?
The chancellor will deliver her second budget this autumn. Due to slow economic growth and high inflation, the government need to manage a £40 billion shortfall in public finances. There have already been reports about changes to taxes including income tax and capital gains tax.
29 Aug 2025
The chancellor has advised that landlords could have another tax to pay this autumn as the Treasury decide whether to extend national insurance contributions to rental income.
According to a report in the Guardian, senior ministers have asked Treasury officials to look into a “proportional” property tax to see how it would work as an alternative to the existing stamp duty land tax on owner-occupied homes.
More than a quarter of UK adults in long-term relationships (26%) have reported that despite living together, they keep their finances separate from one another.