Buying a new home can be a difficult decision. The most important thing is to be prepared.
There are plenty of affordability checkers out there that can give you an idea of the type of property you will be able to afford. Here are a few:
Rightmove
Post Office
The Mortgage Advice Bureau
This is Money
Once you have an approximate idea of what you can afford, browse around and see what’s out there. Don’t push your limits to the maximum- be realistic with what you can afford. Banks will want to see that you have a little wiggle room in case interest rates rise.
We’d then recommend you speak to a Financial Advisor. We often refer our potential home owners to Jo Murgatroyd at The Mortgage Advice Bureau. There’s no funny business going on there – she gives completely independent advice and also has a broad knowledge of the government’s Help to Buy scheme.
Make sure you have a good credit score. The Money Saving Expert has a great guide that can be found here, but your Financial Advisor can help you with this. You’ll just need to provide them with bank statements and make them aware of all your monthly outgoings.
Once you’re made your decision and you’ve agreed to reserve a new home, make sure you’re aware that there’s 28 days to exchange. You’ll need a good lawyer to help you move through this process.
We have a great selection of local lawyers you can choose from, whose prices are set and whose services have been tried and tested by many of our homeowners.
For a full guide on buying your first home we’d recommend you read this handy guide from the Money Saving Expert.