First-Time Buyer Guide: Buying a House in Crewe
Looking to buy your first home in Crewe? This guide walks you through the entire process — from understanding your budget to getting your keys in this well-connected Cheshire town.
Why Buy in Crewe?
Crewe is one of the best-connected towns in the UK, with its railway junction offering direct services to London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool. It's also one of the more affordable areas in Cheshire, making it popular with first-time buyers.
Transport Hub
Direct trains to London (1hr 30m), Manchester (30m)
Employment
Major employers including Bentley Motors
Education
Range of primary & secondary schools
Property Prices in Crewe
Based on recent Land Registry data (2024-2025), typical prices in Crewe:
- • Terraced houses: typically £120,000 - £160,000
- • Semi-detached: typically £160,000 - £220,000
- • Detached properties: typically £250,000+
Prices vary by area — Wistaston and Shavington tend to be higher than central Crewe. These are estimates only.
The Home-Buying Process
Check Your Finances
Before viewing properties, understand what you can afford:
- Check your credit score — use free services like ClearScore or Experian
- Calculate your budget — lenders typically offer 4-4.5x your income
- Save your deposit — minimum 5%, but 10% often gets better rates
- Budget for extras — solicitor fees, surveys, moving costs (£3,000-£5,000+)
Get a Decision in Principle
A Decision in Principle (DIP) shows sellers you're a serious buyer with financing potentially available. A mortgage broker can obtain this within 24-48 hours and will search across multiple lenders for suitable options.
Find Your Property
Popular areas for first-time buyers in Crewe include Wistaston (slightly higher prices but sought-after), Shavington, Nantwich Road area, and newer developments around the town.
When you find a property you like, having a DIP strengthens your offer as it shows you have financing potentially available.
Mortgage Application & Conveyancing
Once your offer is accepted:
- Full mortgage application — your broker submits with supporting documents
- Instruct a solicitor — handles legal work, searches, and contracts (8-12 weeks)
- Get a survey — consider a HomeBuyer Report or Building Survey
Exchange & Completion
Exchange: Sale becomes legally binding, you pay your deposit, and a completion date is set.
Completion: Funds transfer, property becomes yours, and you collect the keys!
Tips for Buying in Crewe
Consider commuting costs
Crewe's excellent rail links mean you might afford more house here while commuting to Manchester or Birmingham. Factor in season ticket costs when calculating your budget.
New builds vs older properties
Crewe has several new-build developments with Help to Buy options (where available) and older Victorian terraces near the town centre. Each has pros and cons — new builds often have warranties but may have smaller rooms.
Research the area
Property prices in Crewe vary significantly by area. Visit at different times of day and check local amenities, schools, and transport links before committing.
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.
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