Buying your first home is one of life’s biggest moments. It’s exciting, empowering, and yes — a little daunting. With new terminology, legal hoops to jump through, and some serious number crunching, it’s no wonder many buyers feel overwhelmed.
But don’t worry. At Whitegates, we’ve helped thousands of first-time buyers get on the property ladder. This comprehensive first-time buyer checklist UK is designed to help you move forward with confidence, whether you’re just getting started or ready to book your first viewing.
Let’s walk through the steps to buying your first home, with tips, tools, and insights that simplify the process.
Step 1: Understand how much you can afford
Before you fall in love with a property, you need to know what you can comfortably afford. It’s not just about the asking price — you also need to factor in mortgage repayments, fees, and other running costs.
A mortgage lender will look at your income, outgoings, credit score, and employment history. But to get a head start, try using an online affordability calculator and get an Agreement in Principle (AIP) from a lender or mortgage broker. This document shows sellers you’re serious and gives you a clear budget to work with.
According to the Rightmove House Price Index, the average asking price for first-time buyer properties (typically one- and two-bedroom homes) was just under £230,000 in early 2024. However, prices vary widely by region. For example, Zoopla’s latest data shows more affordable starter homes in cities like Leeds and Nottingham — both key Whitegates locations.
Tip: Aim for mortgage payments that are no more than 30–40% of your take-home income.
Step 2: Build your deposit and understand the costs
To buy a home, you’ll typically need a deposit of at least 5% of the purchase price. That means for a £200,000 home, your minimum deposit would be £10,000. However, if you can save more (say, 10–20%), you may access better mortgage rates.
But the deposit isn’t the only upfront cost. You should also budget for:
- Stamp Duty: First-time buyers in England pay no Stamp Duty on homes up to £250,000. You’ll pay 5% on the portion from £250,001 to £925,000.
- Solicitor or conveyancer fees: Usually £800–£1,500.
- Mortgage arrangement fees: Some lenders charge around £995, though some offer fee-free deals.
- Surveys and valuations: Depending on the level of survey, budget around £250–£600.
- Insurance: Buildings insurance is required before exchange.
- Moving costs: Removal services, packing materials, van hire.
Tip: Create a spreadsheet of all your expected costs to avoid surprises.
Step 3: Register with local estate agents (like Whitegates)
While property portals like Rightmove and Zoopla are great tools, nothing beats registering with your local estate agent directly. At Whitegates, we’ll get to know your budget, preferences, and timeframe — then match you to suitable homes, sometimes even before they hit the portals.
Our agents can:
- Recommend properties that match your needs
- Let you know when new homes become available
- Answer questions about local areas and pricing trends
- Offer honest advice on what to expect when buying a house
With branches across the Midlands and North, we combine national reach with hyper-local knowledge. That’s a real advantage in a competitive market.
Step 4: Know what to expect when buying a house
Understanding the process can make it feel less daunting. Here’s a typical timeline:
- View properties and choose one you love
- Make an offer through the estate agent
- Offer accepted — celebrate (briefly)!
- Instruct a solicitor to begin conveyancing
- Apply for a mortgage with your chosen lender
- Property survey and lender valuation takes place
- Legal searches and contracts are completed
- Exchange contracts (you’re now legally committed)
- Complete and get the keys (usually within 1–2 weeks of exchange)
This process typically takes 8–12 weeks from offer to completion but can vary. Your estate agent and solicitor will keep you updated throughout.
Tip: Be responsive to requests for documents or signatures to avoid delays.
Step 5: Get your mortgage in place
Once your offer is accepted, it’s time to apply for a full mortgage. If you haven’t already worked with a broker, now is a good time to consider it. Mortgage advisers can search the whole market and help you find the best deal for your circumstances.
Types of mortgages include:
- Fixed rate: Your interest rate stays the same for 2, 3, 5, or even 10 years.
- Variable/tracker rate: The rate can change, usually in line with the Bank of England base rate.
Lenders will assess:
- Income and affordability
- Credit history
- Employment status
- Existing debts
Tip: Avoid big spending or new credit applications during this stage — lenders check your finances carefully.
Step 6: Choose your solicitor and survey
Your solicitor (also called a conveyancer) handles the legal side of the purchase, including:
- Checking the title of the property
- Arranging local authority searches
- Dealing with the seller’s solicitor
- Exchanging contracts
You’ll also want to arrange a survey to check the condition of the property. There are three main types:
- Mortgage valuation (basic, for lender only)
- HomeBuyer Report (suitable for most standard properties)
- Full Building Survey (recommended for older or unusual properties)
Tip: Always read the survey report carefully and ask questions if needed.
Step 7: Arrange insurance and protection
Before you exchange contracts, you’ll need buildings insurance in place — even though you don’t get the keys until completion. This protects your new home in case of fire, flood, or damage.
You might also consider:
- Contents insurance (after you move in)
- Income protection or life insurance (to cover your mortgage payments)
A mortgage adviser can help you find affordable options.
Step 8: Plan your move
You’re nearly there! Now it’s time to get practical:
- Book your removals team early (especially on Fridays or at month-end)
- Pack carefully and label boxes by room
- Arrange for post redirection via Royal Mail
- Notify utility providers, banks, GP, and DVLA of your new address
- Set up broadband and other services in advance
Tip: Keep a “first night” box with essentials like kettle, bedding, chargers, and toiletries.
Why buy with Whitegates?
Whitegates has been helping buyers and sellers across the Midlands and North for over 40 years. We know that buying your first home isn’t just about the paperwork — it’s about having the right people on your side.
When you buy through Whitegates, you get:
- Expert local knowledge to guide your search
- Friendly support from people who care
- Trusted mortgage and solicitor partners to simplify the process
- Access to new listings before they go online
We’re here to make your first step on the ladder feel less stressful and more exciting.
Final checklist: Your first-time buyer essentials
Here’s a quick recap of everything you need to consider:
- Work out what you can afford and get a mortgage in principle
- Save a deposit and plan for all additional costs
- Register with your local Whitegates branch for early access to homes
- Understand the full buying process from offer to completion
- Choose a reliable solicitor and arrange the right survey
- Set up insurance and protect your investment
- Organise your move like a pro
Ready to find your first home?
Get expert help, local listings, and step-by-step support from the team at Whitegates.
Browse our properties or register with your local branch today.
