✿Petal & Paper
Home · Buying guides · First-time buyer guide
Buying guide

Buying your first home: a UK first-time buyer’s guide

Buying a first home is exciting and daunting in equal measure, with a process full of unfamiliar steps and jargon. This guide breaks down the journey for UK first-time buyers. It's general information, not financial, legal or mortgage advice — always seek qualified, regulated advice for your situation.

Saving the deposit (and knowing the full costs)

The deposit is usually the biggest hurdle — typically you'll need at least 5–10% of a property's price, and a bigger deposit generally unlocks better mortgage rates. But a crucial early lesson is that the deposit is far from the only cost: you'll also face mortgage fees, a survey, conveyancing and legal fees, searches, possibly Stamp Duty (though first-time buyers often get relief — check current GOV.UK rules), removals, and kitting out the place. Our free home buying costs checklist lays them all out so you budget for the true total, not just the deposit. In the UK, look into the Lifetime ISA, which can give eligible first-time buyers a government bonus on savings toward a first home — check the current rules and limits.

The buying process step by step

The journey roughly runs: get a mortgage 'agreement in principle' so you know your budget and look serious to sellers; find a property and have an offer accepted; formally apply for your mortgage; instruct a conveyancer or solicitor for the legal work; get a survey to check the property's condition; the lender does its valuation; then come searches, enquiries and the legal process, leading to exchange of contracts (the point it becomes legally binding and you pay your deposit) and finally completion (when you get the keys). It can take several months and sometimes feels frustratingly slow or uncertain — chains can wobble — which is normal. Our free house viewing checklist and property comparison help with the house-hunting stage.

Getting the right help

Because buying a home is the biggest financial commitment most people make, getting good advice is well worth it. A mortgage broker (ideally whole-of-market) can find suitable deals and guide you through the application; a good conveyancer or solicitor handles the legal side; and a proper survey can save you from expensive surprises. The free, government-backed MoneyHelper service offers impartial guidance on mortgages and the buying process. Take your time, don't overstretch your budget (factor in that interest rates and your circumstances can change), and don't be afraid to ask questions — everyone finds it confusing the first time. This guide is general information only and not a substitute for regulated mortgage, financial or legal advice tailored to you.

Our picks compared

PickProductBest for
Top pick A4 heavyweight matte cardBuyer kit Check price →
Buyer book First time buyer book UK home buying guide mortgage processLearn more Check price →
Folder A4 ring binder dividers house buying documents organiserOrganise Check price →
Money book Money A Users Guide Laura Whateley UK personal financeMoney sense Check price →

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices shown on Amazon at time of click.

Frequently asked questions

How much deposit do I need to buy my first home?
In the UK you'll typically need a deposit of at least 5% of the property's price, though 10% or more is common and generally gives you access to better mortgage interest rates, since lenders offer their best deals to those borrowing a smaller proportion of the property's value. So on a £200,000 home, a 5% deposit is £10,000 and a 10% deposit is £20,000. A bigger deposit means a smaller mortgage, lower monthly payments and usually a better rate, so it's worth saving as much as you reasonably can — but the right balance depends on your circumstances and how long saving more would take. Crucially, remember the deposit isn't your only upfront cost: budget too for mortgage and valuation fees, a survey, legal/conveyancing fees, possibly Stamp Duty, and moving and furnishing costs. UK first-time buyers should also look into the Lifetime ISA, which can add a government bonus to savings put toward a first home (subject to rules and limits worth checking). How much deposit you personally need depends on the property price and the mortgage you can get, so speak to a mortgage broker for advice tailored to you. This is general information, not financial advice.
What’s the process of buying a house in the UK?
The process has several stages and typically takes a few months. Broadly: first, get a mortgage 'agreement in principle' so you know what you can borrow and look credible to sellers. Then house-hunt and make offers until one's accepted. Next, formally apply for your mortgage, and instruct a conveyancer or solicitor to handle the legal work. You'll arrange a survey to check the property's condition, while the mortgage lender carries out its own valuation. Your solicitor then does local searches, raises enquiries and handles the legal process. The big milestones are 'exchange of contracts' — the point at which the sale becomes legally binding and you pay your deposit — and 'completion', when the money transfers, the property becomes yours and you get the keys. Along the way there can be delays, and if you're in a 'chain' (multiple linked sales), things can stall or fall through, which is stressful but common. Having a good solicitor and broker, staying in regular contact with everyone, and being patient all help. This is a simplified overview — your conveyancer will guide you through the specifics, and this is general information rather than legal advice.