Buying a house?
Start here.
I've written these guides to walk you through every step of buying your first home — from working out your deposit to getting the keys. No jargon, no sales pitch. Just clear, honest advice.
Your First Home: what Budget 2026 means
Budget 2026 confirmed an England-only scheme for some first-time buyers purchasing a participating new build, with a 20% equity loan and a 2.5% minimum deposit. Pre-registration is expected by the end of December 2026, with full applications from February 2027.
Important: this does not guarantee a mortgage or eligibility. Income caps, local property-price caps, lender and developer participation still apply, and the formal delivery arrangements need to be in place.
Read the full factual update
At a glance
Budget 2026 confirmed
A 20% equity loan, 2.5% minimum deposit, five-year interest-free period and income caps of £110,000 outside London and £140,000 in London.
What to check
The local-authority price cap, participating developers and lenders, annual funding availability and the formal scheme rules.
Checked against HM Treasury Budget 2026 on 28 October 2026.
Buying Your First Home in Cheshire — The Honest Guide
Everything in one place. From working out what you can afford, to saving your deposit, to getting the keys. Seven sections covering the full journey, with local prices, practical checklists, and a free downloadable toolkit.
Your Mortgage Deal Is Ending — A Plain English Guide
Never remortgaged before? This guide walks you through everything — what that letter from your lender means, your options, what it costs, and what actually happens. Plus a free tool to check when your deal ends.
Your Step-by-Step Buying Guides
Each guide covers a different stage of the buying process. Read them in order for the full picture, or jump to whichever stage you're at.
How Much Deposit Do I Need?
Everything you need to know about saving for a deposit — from 5% and 10% options to Lifetime ISAs, gifted deposits, and how much you really need to get started.
Can I Get a 100% Mortgage?
No deposit? It's not impossible. Learn about guarantor mortgages, family springboard schemes, and the latest no-deposit options available in the UK.
How to Deal with Estate Agents
Your guide to navigating estate agents as a first-time buyer. What to expect, what to ask, how to stand out, and the red flags to watch for.
Making an Offer on a House
How much should you offer? How do you negotiate? What about sealed bids? A practical guide to making your first offer with confidence.
After Your Offer Is Accepted
Your offer has been accepted — congratulations! Here's what happens next, from instructing a solicitor to the mortgage application and beyond.
Surveys and Valuations Explained
What's the difference between a mortgage valuation and a house survey? Which level do you need? What happens if problems are found?
Exchange and Completion Day
The final stretch. Understand what happens at exchange of contracts, what completion day looks like, and when you finally get the keys.
Essential Money Guides
Important topics that don't fit neatly into a single step, but you'll definitely need to understand.
Stamp Duty for First-Time Buyers
How much Stamp Duty will you pay? Understand the current rates, first-time buyer relief, thresholds, and see worked examples for typical property prices.
Mortgage Broker vs Going Direct to the Bank
What's the difference between using a broker and going straight to your bank? An honest look at both options, including when each one might make sense.
