Tips to help you get onto the property ladder

Are you looking to purchase your first home but unsure where to begin?

Here are some tips to get you started.

1. Work out how much you can afford
   

   Knowing your budget and how much you can spend on a property is a good start and will be determined by your income.

   Most lenders will let you borrow up to 4.5 times your salary, some will allow you more. Check this with a mortgage adviser.

2. Learn about home-buying schemes

   There are several schemes available that are designed to help those needing a bit of help to buy.

   Government schemes include:

   • Shared Ownership - you buy a share of the property (approx. 10%-75%), and pay rent to a landlord on the rest
   • First Homes – selected new-build homes with a discount of at least 30% of the market value

   Other schemes:

   • Own New – allows you to buy a new-build home and pay a lower mortgage rate
   • Track record mortgage – aimed at those renting who have zero deposit
   • 1% deposit - you can purchase a property up to the value of £500,000 with a 1% deposit
   • Enhanced Income Multiples – some building societies will allow you to borrow more.
     
3. Save for a deposit as soon as possible

   Most lenders require a deposit of at least 5% the total of value of the property you are looking to purchase, but a few allow less.

   It is a good idea if you are between the ages of 18 and 40, to open a Lifetime ISA where the Government pays in a bonus of 25% of the sum invested (up to £4,000) each year.

   As mentioned in Tip 2, there are options for those who have no or a small deposit.

4. Get clued up about Stamp Duty

   Stamp Duty Land Tax is the tax you are required to pay when you buy a house in England and Northern Ireland.

   The thresholds of Stamp Duty Land Tax changed this year, so, from April 2025, this is what you can expect to pay as a first-time buyer: 

   Property Price	Percentage of Stamp Duty to pay
   £0 - £300,000	0%
   £300,000 - £500,000	5%
   £500,000	Not eligible for tax relief

5. Speak to a Mortgage Adviser
   

   We’re not just saying that because that’s what we do – a mortgage adviser will look at your personal situation (income, debts, credit, dependants), and make an assessment on how much you are able to borrow. This is called a Mortgage, Agreement, or Decision in Principle.

   They also have access to more lenders than if you were to search online, opening up more borrowing options.

6. Have your paperwork ready
   

   Ensure you have all the relevant pieces of paperwork including, ID, payslips, and bank statements as you will be required to share these.

7. Factor in other costs

   There are other costs involved in buying a house, so you must ensure you have extra put by. These include:

   • Surveys
   • Arrangement fees
   • Stamp Duty
   • Solicitor fees
     
8. Get searching

   This is the fun bit. Now you know how much you can afford you can start looking for your dream home.

   You can download our First Time Buyers Pack which has further information and tips here. Or simply get in touch with our friendly team, who will be happy to have a chat about how to begin your home-buying journey: 01628 507477.