Buying your first home is a big milestone, and let’s be honest, it can feel a bit intimidating at first. But with a clear plan in place, you’ll feel more confident and in control. This first-time buyer checklist is designed to guide you through each stage of the buying journey in 2025, giving you peace of mind every step of the way.
Step 1: Financial Preparation
Start by working out how much you can afford. Take a close look at your income, expenses, and any existing debts. Most first-time buyers will need at least a 5% deposit, but the more you can save, the better your mortgage options will be. Check your credit score with sites like Experian or ClearScore offer free reports, and take steps to improve it if needed.
Research your first time buyer mortgage options, including fixed vs. variable rates, and consider speaking with a broker for advice tailored to your situation. Don’t forget to factor in first-time buyer costs like solicitor fees, surveys and stamp duty. Setting a realistic budget early will make the rest of the process far less stressful.
Get in touch today and speak to one of our dedicated first-time buyer solicitors. We are here to help you every step of the way. If you need a quote for conveyancing check out our online conveyancing quote page to get started. Also check out our first time buyers guide to conveyancing prepared by our first time buyer solicitors.
Step 2: Finding out if you qualify for First-Time Buyer Schemes and Support
Government-backed first time buyers schemes can make buying your first home more affordable.
For example, First-time buyers in England and Northern Ireland benefit from Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) relief when purchasing a home for £500,000 or less. As of 1 April 2025, no SDLT is due on the first £300,000, and a 5% rate applies to the portion between £300,001 and £500,000. For example, on a £400,000 property, a first-time buyer would pay £5,000 in SDLT. However, properties over £500,000 receive no relief and are taxed at standard rates. To qualify, all buyers must be purchasing their first home and intend to live in it as their main residence.
You may want to check out our first time buyer stamp duty calculator.
Step 3: Finding A More Affordable Path to Homeownership
Shared Ownership is a government-backed scheme that allows you to buy a portion of a property—typically between 25% and 75%—while renting the remaining share from a housing association. This option is designed to help first-time buyers or those who don’t currently own a home get onto the property ladder without needing a massive deposit or full mortgage upfront.
One of the main attractions of Shared Ownership is that it lowers the financial barriers to homeownership. For example, instead of saving a 10% deposit on the full market value of a home, you only need a deposit for the share you’re buying. So, if you purchase a 50% share of a £300,000 property, your deposit and mortgage only need to cover £150,000.
Over time, you can usually buy more shares in the property through a process called “staircasing,” which can eventually lead to full ownership. However, it’s worth noting that rent and service charges will still apply, and these can increase annually. Shared Ownership homes are typically leasehold, so make sure to consult a solicitor to fully understand the terms before you commit.
This scheme is especially useful in high-cost areas such as London, where buying a home outright might not be feasible for many first-time buyers. If you’re looking for a flexible and affordable way to own your own home, Shared Ownership could be a smart first step.
Step 4: Lifetime ISA (LISA): Boost Your Savings with a Government Bonus
The Lifetime ISA (LISA) is a savings product aimed at helping people either buy their first home or save for retirement. If you’re between the ages of 18 and 39, you can open a LISA and save up to £4,000 each tax year. The government will then add a 25% bonus on top of your savings—meaning you can earn up to £1,000 in bonus money per year.
For first-time buyers, the LISA can be a powerful tool for building up a deposit. For instance, if you save £4,000 a year for five years, you could receive £5,000 in government bonuses—giving you £25,000 in total to put towards your first home. To use your LISA for a property purchase, the home must be priced at £450,000 or less and you must intend to live in it as your main residence.
You must also have held the account for at least 12 months before you can use it for a home purchase. If you withdraw funds for any reason other than buying a qualifying home or for retirement after age 60, you’ll pay a 25% withdrawal charge—which essentially removes the government bonus and may slightly dip into your original savings.
Combining a LISA with other schemes like Shared Ownership can significantly enhance your ability to purchase a property sooner than you might think. It’s a smart, tax-efficient way to save, especially for younger buyers planning ahead.
These schemes offer real first-time buyer benefits, especially if you’re struggling to save a full deposit. Be sure to check eligibility criteria and application timelines on GOV.UK.
Step 5: Property Search
Start narrowing down your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves. Do you need two bedrooms? A garden? Parking? Think about your commute, schools (if relevant), and local amenities. Register with estate agents and use platforms like Rightmove or Zoopla to stay up to date. The more prepared you are, the quicker you can act when the right place comes up.
✅ Pro Tip: Use the Land Registry website to check recent sale prices on the street you’re considering.
Step 6: Viewings and Making Offers
When attending viewings, don’t be afraid to ask questions: How old is the boiler? Has the roof been replaced? What’s included in the sale? Use this stage of your first-time buyer checklist to look beyond fresh paint and spot potential issues. If you find “the one,” you can make an offer through the estate agent. Be realistic—but don’t be afraid to negotiate.
When making an offer, use comparable sales data and current market conditions to guide your price. Don’t hesitate to negotiate, it’s expected! If your offer is accepted, request that the property be taken off the market.
Step 7: Conveyancing Process
At this stage, it’s time to instruct a first-time buyer solicitor, and that is where Starck Uberoi can make a real difference. Our team of specialist first time buyer conveyancing solicitors understand the pressure first-time buyers are under. Get in touch today and speak to one of our dedicated first-time buyer solicitors. We are here to help you every step of the way. If you need a conveyancing quote a good place to start is our online conveyancing calculator.
A first time buyer solicitor is responsible for handling the legal side of buying, selling, or transferring property. They ensure the title to the property is sound, carry out essential searches, review and prepare contracts, liaise with mortgage lenders, and manage the exchange and completion of funds. For buyers, they also handle Stamp Duty and register the property with the Land Registry. Their role is essential to making sure the property transaction is legally secure and completed smoothly from start to finish.
We also offer transparent first-time buyer solicitor fees and fixed-fee conveyancing packages, so you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for. Our goal is to make sure your legal process runs smoothly, efficiently, and with constant updates along the way.
At this point, it’s also wise to commission a property survey. There are several types:
- Valuation Survey – required by your mortgage lender
- Homebuyer Report – ideal for newer properties; checks key structural areas
- Full Building Survey – suited for older or unusual homes; more detailed
While surveys are optional, they can save you thousands in unexpected repairs and provide peace of mind before moving forward.
Top Tip: To avoid unexpected costs, it helps to work out your conveyancing costs at the start of your transaction.
Step 8: Mortgage Application and Approval
If you haven’t already, it’s a good idea to get a Mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP) before you begin viewing properties. This is a written estimate from a mortgage lender stating how much they may be willing to lend you based on a soft credit check and some basic financial details. While it’s not a guarantee, having an AIP in hand shows sellers and estate agents that you’re a serious buyer and can give you a clearer idea of your budget.
Once your offer on a property is accepted, the next step is to submit a full mortgage application. At this stage, your lender will request a range of documents to assess your affordability, including recent payslips, proof of identity (such as a passport or driving licence), and several months of bank statements. They will also conduct their own independent valuation of the property to ensure it’s worth the price you’re paying this protects both you and the lender.
The entire mortgage approval process typically takes between 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the complexity of your finances and how quickly documents are submitted. Some lenders may also request additional information or clarification, which can add time. If you’re unsure where to begin or would like help understanding your mortgage options, feel free to reach out to us at 020 8840 6640 — our team is here to help guide you every step of the way.
Check out our Guide on First Time Buyer Mortgages
Final Steps Before Completion
Once your solicitor has completed all checks and your mortgage is approved, you’ll exchange contracts and pay your deposit (usually 5–10%). You’ll also need to arrange buildings insurance—it’s a condition of most mortgages—and confirm a moving date. This is when your first-time buyer solicitor fees and any stamp duty are paid.
Moving In
You’ve got the keys now, congratulations! Now it’s time to set up your utilities, broadband, and council tax. Change your address with banks, GP, and HMRC. If it’s your first time owning, learning some home maintenance basics (like where the stopcock is) will come in handy.
Resources
Buying your first home doesn’t need to be scary. With the right plan and also this first-time buyer checklist, you will know what to expect, what to ask, and how to prepare. Explore every first-time buyer’s scheme that might apply, speak to a qualified first-time buyer solicitor early, and keep an eye on your budget to avoid surprises.
A Simpler Break Down:
- Get Mortgage Ready – Check your credit, set a budget, and get a Mortgage Agreement in Principle.
- Explore Schemes – Look into Stamp Duty relief, Shared Ownership, and Lifetime ISAs.
- Start House Hunting – Register with estate agents, view properties, and make offers.
- Instruct a Solicitor – Choose a conveyancing solicitor to handle the legal side.
- Apply for a Mortgage – Submit documents and await approval (usually 2–4 weeks).
- Exchange Contracts – Pay your deposit, arrange insurance, and finalise details.
- Move In – Set up utilities, update your address, and enjoy your new home!
How can Starck Uberoi help you?
Get in touch today and speak to one of our dedicated first-time buyer solicitors. We are here to help you every step of the way. If you need a conveyancing quote, check out our online conveyancing quote calculator.
Our Offices
Although we offer a completely online conveyancing service to people across the UK, local people are always welcome to visit one of our offices located across London and Kent.
Our Brentford Solicitors, are located on the High Street in a grand three-story building, just a short distance from Brentford County Court. Our Belgravia solicitors are located Just a 5-minute walk from Victoria tube station in Grosvenor Gardens. Our Ealing solicitors are only a short walk from both Ealing Broadway and South Ealing and our Richmond Solicitors have the pleasure of overlooking the picturesque Richmond Green. Finally, our Solicitors in Canterbury are located in the within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Canterbury Cathedral. Our partner, Raminder Uberoi, can also offer a Notary Public Service at any of our London offices.
