Buying your first home is an exciting milestone—but it can also feel overwhelming. From mortgages and credit scores to solicitors, surveys, and stamp duty, the property-buying process in the UK is filled with jargon and decision-making. Whether you’re dreaming of a city flat, a countryside cottage, or a modern apartment, every first-time buyer needs the right information and support to make smart, confident choices.
That’s why SellTo has created this comprehensive, jargon-free, and SEO-rich guide for first-time buyers in the UK. This is more than just a checklist—this is your roadmap from saving your deposit to unlocking the front door of your new home.
Table of Contents (non-clickable)
- Who Qualifies as a First-Time Buyer?
- Why Buying Your First Home is Different in 2025
- Key Advantages for First-Time Buyers
- Understanding the True Cost of Buying a Home
- Budgeting and Saving for a Deposit
- Credit Scores and Mortgage Readiness
- Choosing the Right Mortgage Type
- Mortgage Agreements in Principle (AIP)
- How to Find the Right Property
- Working with Estate Agents
- Making an Offer That Sticks
- Legal Steps: Conveyancing Explained
- Surveys and Valuations
- Mortgage Offer to Exchange
- Completion Day – What Happens?
- Stamp Duty Explained (Updated for 2025)
- First-Time Buyer Schemes Available
- Pitfalls to Avoid as a First-Time Buyer
- Top Tips from SellTo Experts
- Final Words: Your Journey Starts Here
1. Who Qualifies as a First-Time Buyer?
A first-time buyer is someone who has never owned a property—either in the UK or abroad. If you’ve inherited a property, bought with someone else, or even had a shared ownership in the past, you might not qualify. Lenders and the government define first-time buyers based on ownership, not occupancy.
2. Why Buying Your First Home is Different in 2025
In 2025, the UK housing market is more competitive, more digital, and more regulated than ever before. With higher property values, stricter mortgage criteria, and a shift toward greener homes, first-time buyers face new expectations. At the same time, modern tools and government support make the process more accessible.
3. Key Advantages for First-Time Buyers
- Stamp Duty Relief on properties under a certain threshold
- Exclusive access to government schemes
- Increased negotiation power—you’re chain-free
- High street lender incentives for new buyers
- Priority in new-build reservations
4. Understanding the True Cost of Buying a Home
Buying a property is more than just saving a deposit. Costs include:
- Deposit (usually 5–20%)
- Mortgage arrangement fees
- Valuation fees
- Legal and solicitor costs
- Stamp Duty (if applicable)
- Survey costs
- Removal fees
- Furnishings and repairs
Always budget for hidden costs, including leasehold service charges, ground rent, and unexpected repairs.
5. Budgeting and Saving for a Deposit
Start by determining how much you can afford monthly—then reverse engineer what property value that supports. Save regularly and consider:
- Lifetime ISAs (with government bonuses)
- High-interest savings accounts
- Shared ownership or Help to Buy deposits
- Family support (gifted deposits)
Having a healthy deposit (10% or more) can drastically improve your mortgage rates.
6. Credit Scores and Mortgage Readiness
Your credit score plays a crucial role. Improve it by:
- Registering on the electoral roll
- Paying bills on time
- Reducing credit usage
- Checking for errors on your report
- Avoiding new credit applications
Use credit responsibly in the 6–12 months before applying.
7. Choosing the Right Mortgage Type
Common mortgage types include:
- Fixed-rate: Set monthly payments
- Tracker: Moves with interest rates
- Variable: Flexible but unpredictable
- Offset: Links to your savings account
Consult with mortgage brokers or direct lenders to see what suits your income, risk tolerance, and goals.
8. Mortgage Agreements in Principle (AIP)
Before you start viewing homes, secure a Mortgage Agreement in Principle. This shows sellers and agents that you’re serious and gives a realistic budget range. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s a vital step in the journey.
9. How to Find the Right Property
Think about:
- Location (work commute, schools, amenities)
- Type of property (flat, terraced, detached)
- Leasehold vs. freehold
- Potential for growth
- Condition of the home—does it need work?
Attend open houses, compare listings, and always ask lots of questions.
10. Working with Estate Agents
Estate agents work for sellers, not buyers. Still, they’re valuable contacts. Be honest about your budget, let them know you’re a first-time buyer, and stay professional. Use multiple agents for a wider search pool.
11. Making an Offer That Sticks
When making your offer:
- Research recent local sales
- Emphasise that you’re chain-free
- Be polite but assertive
- Offer slightly below asking (unless demand is high)
- Get the offer in writing
The seller may counter—so leave room for negotiation.
12. Legal Steps: Conveyancing Explained
Conveyancing is the legal transfer of property ownership. You’ll need a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to handle:
- Land Registry checks
- Draft contracts
- Exchange agreements
- Completion dates
- Transfer of funds
Good communication is key throughout this phase.
13. Surveys and Valuations
A lender will value the property (basic), but you can commission your own:
- Home Condition Report
- Homebuyer Report
- Full Structural Survey
This helps avoid nasty surprises—especially for older properties or fixer-uppers.
14. Mortgage Offer to Exchange
Once your mortgage is approved and legal checks complete, you move to:
- Exchange contracts—legally binding
- Completion—when you get the keys
Between these two, arrange insurance, removals, and utilities.
15. Completion Day – What Happens?
This is when funds are transferred, and the property is legally yours. You’ll:
- Get your keys
- Sign final paperwork
- Move in or begin renovations
- Register with local council and utility providers
Celebrate—you’re now a homeowner!
16. Stamp Duty Explained (Updated for 2025)
As of 2025, first-time buyers pay reduced or no Stamp Duty on homes up to a certain value (thresholds may change annually). Anything above that is charged in bands. Always check current rules or speak with SellTo’s advisors.
17. First-Time Buyer Schemes Available
Government schemes may include:
- Lifetime ISA bonus contributions
- Shared Ownership
- First Homes scheme
- 95% mortgage guarantee schemes
- Rent to Buy
SellTo can guide you toward the right option based on your profile.
18. Pitfalls to Avoid as a First-Time Buyer
- Underestimating costs
- Skipping surveys
- Making emotional decisions
- Ignoring leasehold clauses
- Not reading contracts thoroughly
- Delaying mortgage application
Work with experienced partners like SellTo to sidestep these mistakes.
19. Top Tips from SellTo Experts
- Act quickly but wisely—competition is high
- Use checklists to stay organised
- Be mortgage-ready before you view
- Always ask for a breakdown of fees
- Avoid new debts before completion
- Take your time reviewing contracts
- Get removal quotes early
20. Final Words: Your Journey Starts Here
Becoming a homeowner is one of the most rewarding journeys you’ll take—and with the right preparation, support, and mindset, it can be far less stressful. By understanding the process, staying organised, and working with experienced professionals like SellTo, you can take confident steps toward owning your first home.
Whether you’re still saving your deposit or ready to make an offer, the team at SellTo is here to support first-time buyers every step of the way. You’ve got this—and your keys are closer than you think.
