Comment: Top tips for first time buyers

Buying your first property can be exciting, but also confusing and expensive.

However, getting on the property ladder maybe easier than you think - and between February and May, Aberdein Considine is offering first time buyers 50% off their legal fees.

Chris Comfort, Partner, has pulled together five tips every first time buyer should read before buying a house: 

Calculate how much the whole process will cost?

Write down how much you’ll be paying for solicitor’s fees, mortgage fees and calculate any overlap with your current rental property - it all adds up.

Investigate your mortgage options

We would advise all first time buyers to make an appointment with an Independent Financial Adviser (at Aberdein Considine the mortgage advice is free but please check if you are using an alternative adviser as many charge a fee). With access to thousands of mortgage products and some exclusive deals, independent advisers are perfectly placed to tell you not only how much each lender will give you but also how that translates into monthly payments.  The initial appointment takes less than one hour and your adviser will with your permission obtain a 'Decision in Principle' on your behalf. A Decision in Principle or alternatively termed a Mortgage Promise means that a lender is in principle willing to lend that amount of money to you.  This is of course subject to a full mortgage application from you and verification of your salary and commitments.  The Decision in Principle means you are in a position to narrow your search to properties in a certain budget and start viewing.

Find a local solicitor

It pays to have a local solicitor to advise on the market in the area you are looking to buy.  With our vast experience of the property market, Aberdein Considine are uniquely placed to assist you in buying your ideal property at the cheapest possible price. Trends develop very quickly in the property market and because of both the volume of transactions we are carrying out and our detailed knowledge of the local market, we are able to keep our clients ahead of the game.  Most importantly prior to setting out house hunting we will take the time to explain precisely how the system works and what pitfalls to look out for.  

Viewings and research

You now have an idea of your budget and a solicitor in place so it’s time to start looking.  Register with property portals such as the ASPC, ESPC, On the Market etc. It is also worth speaking with the estate agents to get some advice and registering to get information on their new properties first.  You should view a minimum of 5 shortlisted properties and also read the Home Report before making a decision.

Note interest and make an Offer

Once you have identified the right property you should contact your solicitor to note your interest with the seller's solicitor.  At this stage your solicitor should advise on the best process which will usually involve making an opening offer to the seller’s solicitor and thereafter negotiating on your behalf.

If you would like to speak to Aberdein Considine’s property experts, call 0333 00 66 333 or click here.