Buying your first home is a huge milestone — one that’s equal parts exciting and
nerve-racking. At Upton George, we’ve helped hundreds of first-time buyers turn their
home owning dreams into reality, and we know how confusing the process can feel when
you’re just getting started.
That’s why we’ve put together this practical, easy-to-follow guide. We’ll walk you through
each step of the UK home buying process — from sorting your budget and getting
mortgage-ready to exchanging contracts and finally getting those keys in your hand.
Know Your Budget & Get Mortgage-Ready 💷🏦
Before you even think about booking viewings or scrolling Rightmove at 2am, you need to
get real about your finances.
What to Consider:
● Your income and monthly spending
● How much you’ve saved for a deposit (you’ll usually need 5–10%)
● Your credit score, which will affect the mortgage deals available to you
● Additional costs like legal fees, surveys, removals, and possibly stamp duty
💬 Speak to a Mortgage Advisor
Getting a Mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP) should be one of your first steps — and
a mortgage advisor can help with that. An AIP gives you a clear idea of how much you can
borrow and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer.
At Upton George, we strongly recommend Liz Kay Mortgages Bramhall. Liz and her team
are brilliant with first-time buyers — knowledgeable, friendly, and focused on finding the best
deal for your situation.
👉 An AIP usually lasts 60–90 days and can be arranged fairly quickly once you’ve provided
your documents.
Start Your Property Search — With Help From Us 🏡
Now comes the fun part: finding your dream home. But here’s the thing — you don’t have to
do it alone.
🔍 Let Upton George Help You Find the Right Property
When you register with us, we’ll:
● Talk through your needs and budget
● Recommend suitable properties in your chosen area
● Add you to our exclusive mailing list so you hear about new listings before they hit
the market
● Offer expert insight on local property values, schools, transport links and more
📩 Just give us a ring, drop us an email or a quick call — we’re here to help make your
search simple and stress-free.
Things to Keep in Mind When Viewing:
● Location – Think about nearby amenities, commute times, and future potential
● Condition – Look out for any signs of damp, structural issues, or maintenance
concerns
● Size & Layout – Make sure it suits your needs now and in the long term
👀 Tip: Try to view the property more than once, at different times of day, to get a proper feel
for it.
Make an Offer
Found a place that ticks all the boxes? Brilliant — it’s time to make an offer to the selling
agent.
Here’s how it usually works:
● Contact the estate agent marketing the property and let them know the amount
you’d like to offer
● Be prepared to share your Agreement in Principle, proof of deposit, and ID to
strengthen your position
● You may be asked for your solicitor’s details and how quickly you’re able to move
Once your offer is accepted, the agent will issue a memorandum of sale, confirming the
agreed terms in writing to both parties and their solicitors.
🛑 Remember: An accepted offer is great news, but it’s not legally binding until you
exchange contracts.
Instruct a Solicitor or Conveyancer
Next, you’ll need to appoint a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to handle all the legal bits
— known as the “conveyancing process.”
They’ll take care of:
● Carrying out property searches (e.g. local authority, drainage, environmental)
● Drafting and reviewing contracts
● Coordinating with your mortgage lender
● Handling the exchange and completion process
👥 Need a recommendation? Just ask — we work with reliable, experienced solicitors we
trust.
Finalise Your Mortgage
Once your offer is accepted, your mortgage advisor will help you submit your full mortgage
application.
The lender will:
● Carry out a valuation survey to confirm the property is worth the price
● Review your financial documents in detail
● Send a formal mortgage offer if everything checks out
✅ Once this is done, your solicitor will also receive a copy, and things can move to the next
stage.
Arrange a Property Survey (Optional, But Smart) 🔍
Though not required by law, a property survey can give you peace of mind and protect you
from costly surprises down the line.
Types of surveys:
● Homebuyer Report – Great for standard properties in reasonable condition
● Building Survey – A deeper dive, ideal for older or unusual homes
● Snagging Survey – For new-builds, to spot defects or unfinished work
💡 If your survey finds issues, you might renegotiate your offer or ask the seller to fix
problems before proceeding.
Exchange Contracts
You’re nearly there! Once your solicitor is happy with the searches and legal documents —
and your mortgage is in place — it’s time to exchange contracts.
This is when:
● The sale becomes legally binding
● You agree on a completion date
● You pay your deposit (usually 10% of the property price)
🎉 You’re officially locked in!
Completion Day – Pick Up Your Keys! 🔑
On your completion date, the funds will be transferred, and the property officially becomes
yours.
Time to:
● Collect the keys from our office
● Change the locks (always a smart move)
● Set up utilities and council tax
● Celebrate — you’re a homeowner!
🍾 Move in, get comfy, and enjoy the start of your new chapter.
FAQs for First-Time Buyers
Do I pay stamp duty as a first-time buyer?
The stamp duty thresholds for first-time buyers change on the 31st March 2025. Current
SDLT Rates for First-Time Buyers:
● Up to £300,000: No SDLT is payable.
● £300,001 to £500,000: A 5% SDLT rate applies to the portion of the purchase price
within this band.
● Above £500,000: The standard SDLT rates apply to the entire purchase price, and
first-time buyer relief is not available.
What’s an AIP and why is it important?
An Agreement in Principle gives you a clear idea of what you can afford and shows sellers
you’re serious. It strengthens your offer.
Can I buy with someone else?
Yes, joint purchases are common. Just make sure both parties are clear on finances, legal
obligations, and ownership type.
Ready to Buy Your First Home? Let’s Talk
At Upton George, we’re proud to support first-time buyers through every twist and turn of
the home buying process. From sorting your finances to collecting your keys, our friendly,
experienced team is here to help you every step of the way.
Want to get started?
📩 Contact us today — we’ll help you find the right property and add you to our exclusive
mailing list so you’re the first to hear about new listings.
And remember — when it comes to mortgages, we trust Liz Kay Mortgages Bramhall to
help you get the best deal for your needs.
