Buying a home can be a daunting task, especially for first time buyers. The whole process can take around two to three months with many variables. One of the first things you’ll want to do is make a checklist for the home you want to purchase, such things as: area you want to live in, whether you want it to be a flat, detached, semi-detached or a terraced property. When selecting an area, you may also consider job prospects, schools, your neighbourhood, access to public transport, road transport and local leisure and sport facilities.
As important is deciding your budget. Think about how much you’re willing to spend. You’ll need to consider one off costs such as the deposit and Stamp Duty, but also ongoing costs such as your mortgage payments, rates, and utilities. A full mortgage application doesn’t need to be made until you’ve decided to buy a property. This
handy calculator can help you plan for these additional costs.
