5 Top Tips for First Time Buyers

We understand buying a home is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming, so we have created 5 top tips to make your move as smooth as possible:

1. Budget Accordingly

Consult a mortgage broker to assess the affordability of the house you want to purchase with your deposit. You can also get quotes or estimate on the below:

• Legal and Conveyancing fees: Look for a solicitor with clear pricing transparency and a detailed quote.
• Survey: We’d always recommend getting a survey. We can assist clients by sourcing trusted surveyors who are best placed to advise. There are various levels of survey at various price points, which your surveyor will recommend based on your requirements and nature of the purchase.
• Stamp Duty: For first time buyers, new stamp duty rules came into effect 1st April 2025, from which stamp duty land tax (SDLT) is required for purchases over £300,000. Refer to the government website’s SDLT calculator to see how much you will be required to pay.
• Removal fees: Based on size of property and distance.
• Packing materials: Often overlooked!
• Utilities: Look at connection/disconnection fees and costs of moving services such as any fees for installing fibre optic cables.
• Insurance: Consider a comparison site for home and contents insurance.
• Other Costs: Childcare, pet care, post redirection, end of tenancy cleaning fees, furniture, appliances, changes to cost of commute etc.

2. Check the Chain

As a first-time buyer you will not be reliant upon the proceeds of a property sale, but you must bear in mind delays – if the home you are purchasing is not vacant and your seller intends to only move once their sale and purchase is ready.

Property chains can vary in length, but this could go on and on until the chain is complete. It is important you ask the right questions to your estate agent to understand the chain you are involved in.

3. Prepare Information

Complete information requested from you as promptly and as accurately as possible to enable the transaction to move forward swiftly. If anything changes throughout the transaction remember to notify your conveyancer/broker/estate agent so they can act on this information and avoid errors. We recommend preparing:

• Proof of ID
• Proof of address
• National Insurance Numbers
• Source of funds
  • Deposit amount
  • Proof of savings
  • For gifted deposits, prepare their ID, proof of funds etc.
  • Help to Buy ISA or Lifetime ISA statements
• Mortgage details
  • Mortgage offer in principle or final mortgage offer
  • Lender details
  • Broker details (if relevant)
• Property Details
  • Estate agent point of contact’s name, phone, address, company
  • Property address
  • Agreed purchase price
  • Note whether freehold or leasehold
  • Plans for the property (to live, to rent, or to re-sell)
  • Home and contents insurance quote details
• Joint-Buyer Details (if relevant)
  • Joint tenants or tenants in common?
  • Declaration of Trust (if the deposit amount is not equal)
    • Napthens’ wills, trusts and probate team can assist with this requirement

4. Set Timescales

Once you have appointed your conveyancer and the initial client care documentation is complete, pay for searches as soon as possible.

The return of searches can sometimes take up to 6 weeks – so the quicker they are requested, the less delay you will face.

The tenure of the property you are buying can also affect timescales. Freehold transactions generally reach completion sooner whilst leasehold properties/flats/new build homes/tenanted properties can take longer.

This is due to the involvement of third parties, such as management companies and a higher volume of work results from this.

5. Review Your Will

Once you’re moved in and settled to your new home, it’d be an ideal time to review your will, or if like 56% of UK adults you don’t have one, now is the time.

We’ve written a comprehensive guide to writing your will. Explore our wills and estate planning services for more information on how Napthens can support.

Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy this experience. Buying your first home is certainly an amazing achievement!

Get A Conveyancing Quote

Napthens’ conveyancing portal is your hub for all residential conveyancing matters. Get a free no-obligation quote here or explore our residential conveyancing service page for more details.