Buying Your First Home in the UK: Where to Start?

Buying your first home is one of the most exciting – and often overwhelming – steps you'll ever take. Between saving for a deposit getting a mortgage and trying to understand terms like freehold and gazumping it’s easy to feel lost before you even begin.

If you're wondering where to start this guide will walk you through the very first steps of buying your first home in the UK.

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1. Understand What You Can Afford

Before you even start browsing Rightmove or Zoopla it’s important to know how much you can realistically spend. This means:

• Working out your deposit – Most lenders require a minimum of 5–10% of the property’s price as a deposit

• Understanding mortgage affordability – Use a mortgage calculator to estimate how much you could borrow based on your income and outgoings.

• Don’t forget the extras – Stamp duty legal fees surveys removals… the costs add up quickly.

Tip: Getting a mortgage in principle from a lender is a great way to know your budget range.

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2. Check Your Credit Score

Your credit history plays a big role in whether you’ll be approved for a mortgage and on what terms.

• Register to vote (this helps boost your score!)

• Check your credit reports for errors

• Avoid taking on new debt or missing payments in the months before applying

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3. Decide What You Want in a Home

Before diving into property listings get clear on your priorities:

• Location (commute schools amenities?)

• Type of property (flat terraced semi-detached?)

• Must-haves vs. nice-to-haves (e.g. garden parking number of bedrooms)

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4. Research Schemes for First-Time Buyers

The UK offers several schemes designed to help first-time buyers:

• Lifetime ISA (LISA) – Government adds 25% to your savings (up to £1 000 per year)

• Shared Ownership – Buy part of a property and rent the rest

• First Homes Scheme – Discounted new-build homes for first-time buyers and key workers

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5. Speak to a Mortgage Advisor

You can go straight to a bank or use an independent mortgage broker who can compare deals across multiple lenders.

• Ask how much you can borrow

• Understand the different types of mortgages (fixed tracker etc.)

• Get pre-approval (mortgage in principle)

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6. Start Viewing Properties

Now the fun begins! Book viewings and take notes. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or visit more than once. Pay attention to things like:

• Signs of damp or disrepair

• Neighbourhood noise levels

• Mobile signal and broadband options

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7. Be Prepared for the Next Steps

Once you find "the one" you’ll need to:

• Make an offer

• Appoint a solicitor

• Order a survey

• Finalise your mortgage

Each of these has its own steps – but don’t worry we’ll guide you through them too.

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Final Thoughts

Buying your first home is a learning curve but with the right preparation it doesn’t have to be stressful. Take your time ask lots of questions and stay organised.

At WiseNest we’re here to help you every step of the way – from finding your dream home to decoding legal jargon and making moving day smooth.

Create your free WiseNest account now to start tracking your home-buying journey.

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