Your guide to buying

Get your credit, deposit and budget ready before you start looking.

1. 1

   Step 1

   Check your credit

   Lenders look at your credit history, so see what they'll see first.

   • Get your credit report free from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.
   • Fix anything that's wrong.
   • Register to vote at your address. It helps lenders confirm who you are.

   Mark as done
2. 2

   Step 2

   Build your deposit

   Most lenders want at least 5% of the price. More gets you better rates.

   • Look at a Lifetime ISA if you're 18 to 39. The government adds 25%, up to £1,000 a year.
   • It only works for homes up to £450,000, and must be open 12 months before you use it.
   • Keep some savings back for fees and moving.

   Mark as doneSee ways to save faster →
3. 3

   Step 3

   Work out your budget

   Know your top price and the monthly cost before you fall for a home.

   • Add up tax, legal fees, a survey and moving costs.
   • Compare the monthly cost with your rent.
   • Leave room for bills going up.

   Mark as doneTry the costs calculator →

Find out what a lender might lend, then find the home and the people to help.

1. 4

   Step 4

   Get an agreement in principle

   A quick check from a lender showing roughly what they might lend you.

   • Ask a lender or a mortgage broker. Many brokers are free for first-time buyers.
   • It usually takes minutes and lasts a few months.
   • Agents often ask to see one before you view or make an offer.

   Mark as done
2. 5

   Step 5

   View homes

   See a few, and ask the questions that cost money later.

   • Leasehold? Ask how many years are left, and the service charge and ground rent.
   • Check the energy rating and the council tax band.
   • Visit at different times of day.

   Mark as doneBrowse homes →
3. 6

   Step 6

   Pick a solicitor

   They handle the legal side, called conveyancing. Line one up early.

   • Get two or three quotes and ask what's included.
   • Check they're on your lender's list.
   • Leasehold homes need more legal work, so expect a higher fee.

   Mark as done

Agree a price, apply for the mortgage and have the home checked over.

1. 7

   Step 7

   Make an offer

   Offer through the agent. You don't have to offer the full asking price.

   • Say you're a first-time buyer with no chain. Sellers like that.
   • Ask the agent to take the home off the market if your offer is accepted.
   • In Scotland, homes often go to a closing date with sealed offers.

   Mark as doneOffer accepted? Track it to the keys →
2. 8

   Step 8

   Apply for your mortgage and get a survey

   Turn your agreement in principle into a real application, and check the home over.

   • Send your payslips, bank statements and ID to the lender or broker.
   • Book a survey to spot problems before you commit.
   • Your solicitor does the searches and checks the paperwork.

   Mark as doneWhat happens next, step by step →

Sign, pay and pick up your keys.

1. 9

   Step 9

   Exchange contracts

   The point of no return. After this, pulling out costs you your deposit.

   • Read your solicitor's report and ask about anything unclear.
   • Pay your deposit to your solicitor.
   • Agree a completion date. In Scotland this step is called concluding missives.

   Mark as done
2. 10

   Step 10

   Complete and get your keys

   The money moves, the home is yours, and you pick up the keys.

   • Your solicitor pays the seller and the property tax for you.
   • Set up council tax, energy and broadband.
   • Take meter readings on day one.

   Mark as done