What's the very first thing I should do if I want to buy a house?

Check your credit report. It's free (use ClearScore or Credit Karma) and takes 5 minutes. This tells you if there are any surprises that could affect your mortgage application — and gives you time to fix them before you apply.

Do I need to speak to a mortgage broker before looking at houses?

Ideally, yes. A broker can tell you what you can realistically afford, get you a Decision in Principle (which estate agents want to see), and make sure you're not wasting time looking at properties outside your budget.

How much deposit do I need to buy my first home?

The minimum is 5% of the purchase price. For a £200,000 house, that's £10,000. A 10% deposit gets you better rates. Some schemes require even less. The more you can save, the better your options — but don't let a small deposit stop you from having the conversation.

How long does it take to buy a house from start to finish?

Typically 3-6 months from having your offer accepted to getting the keys. But the preparation stage (saving, credit checks, getting a Decision in Principle) can take longer. The earlier you start preparing, the smoother the process.

First-Time Buyer Guide

I've never bought a house before. Where do I actually start?

If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. Most first-time buyers feel exactly the same way. Here's the honest, no-jargon answer.

The honest answer

You don't start by browsing Rightmove. I know that's what everyone does (and it's fun), but it's actually step 3 or 4, not step 1. If you start looking at houses before you know what you can afford, you'll either fall in love with something you can't buy, or waste months looking in the wrong price range.

Here's where you actually start:

Check your credit report

This is free and takes 5 minutes. Use ClearScore or Credit Karma — both are free and won't affect your score. You're looking for anything unexpected: old debts, missed payments, addresses you don't recognise. If there are problems, you want to know now — not when you're trying to get a mortgage.

Work out what you can save

You need a deposit (minimum 5% of the property price) plus money for solicitor fees, surveys, and moving costs. If you're not sure how much you need, use my Cost of Moving Calculator to get a realistic picture. And if you're under 40, open a Lifetime ISA — the government adds 25% to your savings (up to £1,000 free money per year).

Speak to a mortgage broker

This is where everything gets clearer. A broker (like me) will look at your income, your deposit, your debts, and your credit — and tell you exactly what you can borrow. I can also get you a Decision in Principle, which is a letter from a lender saying "yes, we'd lend you this much." Estate agents want to see this before they take you seriously.

Now start looking

Once you know your budget, you can search with confidence. Register with local estate agents, set up Rightmove alerts, and start viewing. You'll know exactly what you can afford, so you won't waste time on properties that are out of reach.

Find a property and make an offer

When you find the right place, you make an offer through the estate agent. Having a Decision in Principle makes your offer stronger. Once it's accepted, I handle the mortgage application, and you instruct a solicitor to handle the legal side. From offer to keys is typically 3-4 months.

Common mistakes first-time buyers make

✗Looking at houses before knowing their budget — leads to disappointment or wasted time
✗Going straight to their bank — your bank only offers their own products. A broker searches the whole market.
✗Not checking their credit report — surprises on your credit file can delay or derail an application
✗Forgetting about extra costs — solicitor fees, surveys, stamp duty (if applicable), moving costs. Budget for £3,000-£5,000 on top of your deposit.
✗Waiting until they have a "perfect" deposit — sometimes 5% is enough to get started. Don't wait years for 20% if you could buy now.

You don't have to figure this out alone

I help first-time buyers in Alsager and South Cheshire every week. Most of them start exactly where you are now — unsure, a bit overwhelmed, not sure if they can even do this. That's completely normal.

A quick chat with me costs nothing. I'll tell you where you stand, what's realistic, and what your next step should be. No pressure, no obligation — just a clear answer.

Read the Full Guide

The complete first-time buyer guide for Cheshire — everything from saving to moving day.

Talk to Rob

A free, no-pressure chat about your situation. I'll tell you exactly where you stand.

The first step is the easiest one

Just get in touch. I'll tell you where you stand and what to do next. No commitment, no pressure — just a clear answer from someone who does this every day.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

We value your privacy

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalised content, and analyse our traffic. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to our use of cookies. You can manage your preferences or learn more in our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.