How do I buy my first home in the UK?
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In short: Typical order: build a deposit (often 10%+), clean up your credit file, get a mortgage Agreement in Principle, find a property, instruct a conveyancer, apply for the full mortgage, get a survey, then exchange contracts and complete — usually 12–16 weeks from offer accepted.
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First-time buyers in England and Northern Ireland pay no Stamp Duty on the first £300,000 of a home up to £500,000. A Lifetime ISA adds a 25% government bonus on up to £4,000 of contributions per year for a first home up to £450,000.
Register on the electoral roll, avoid new credit applications for three months before applying, and check all three UK credit files free. Estate agents usually want an Agreement in Principle before accepting an offer seriously.
Budget for solicitor fees (£1,000–£1,800+), surveys, moving costs and mortgage fees on top of the deposit. Use our step-by-step first-time buyer guide, Stamp Duty calculator and mortgage affordability tool.
Primary source: gov.uk/buying-a-home
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