The plight of first time buyers is back in the news as the government has launched yet another new initiative aimed at helping them get onto the ladder.
A recent development that could ease the financial pressure on first time buyers is the launch of a new mortgage product in the UK that offers no repayments for the first three months. This can provide valuable breathing space as buyers settle into their new home and manage initial costs such as furnishing or moving expenses. It’s important to note, however, that while no payments are due during this period, interest will still accrue, so buyers should carefully assess the long-term affordability before committing.
With this in mind, we have put together a five-point plan for first time buyers to help make the move a little smoother:
1: Perhaps before you set your heart on a home, speak to an independent financial adviser (IFA) to find out how much you may be able to borrow. You don’t want to find your perfect house only to be unable to borrow the required amount.
2: Work out a plan of all the costs you will need to pay. On top of a mortgage payment every month, you will need to pay bills such as gas and electricity, buildings insurance, council tax, TV licence and water. If you’re buying a flat you may also have a service charge to consider each month.
3: Shop around to find the best deal. Find out which developers in your area are offering the new delayed mortgage scheme which could help you get a foot on the ladder. You could also consider repossessions and properties sold at auction. While this is a riskier option as you cannot get a survey done before you buy, they are often cheaper.
4: Alternatively, speak to the Bank of Mum and Dad. Parents often help their children buy their first home and there are various legal issues to consider before going ahead.
5: Once you have found your home and had an offer accepted, select a solicitor to deal with the conveyancing. Many first time buyers may find moving a daunting experience. Try to minimise this stress by finding a good solicitor who will keep you up to date, move quickly and who is upfront about their fees. Look for a solicitor who has the new Conveyancing Quality Standard from the Law Society.
If you need help with purchasing a property or have questions about the conveyancing process, our expert team is here to guide you. Contact us on 0161 696 6187 for further details or to obtain a quote, alternatively you can also use our online conveyancing quote calculator.
Comments