Welcome, dear first-time homebuyer, to the rollercoaster ride that is the UK property market. As you prepare to embark on this thrilling journey of finding your dream home, it’s essential to approach it with a mix of excitement, caution, and nerves of steel.
Fear not, for we have crafted the ultimate checklist to help you survive this adventure with grace, wit, and minimal bouts of hair-pulling.
So, grab a piece of paper, or better yet, come with us into the new century and grab your smartphone, and let’s go through the First-time homebuyers checklist together.
Decide If Now’s The Time
Congratulations! You’ve finally reached the point in your life where you’re considering buying a home.
But before you dive headfirst into a sea of mortgage calculators and property listings, take a moment to ponder if now is truly the perfect time. Are you financially ready? Do you have enough saved for a deposit? Will your beloved pet goldfish be comfortable in a new home?
These are the tough questions you need to answer.
For instance, if you find yourself eating beans on toast every night, it might be wise to wait until you can afford something more exotic, like baked beans.
Similarly, if you’re still riding a bicycle while singing “I Will Survive” on your way to work, it might be worth considering if a mortgage is the right step for you just yet.
On the other hand, if your estranged uncle has died during a Mount Everest expedition and has left you an immense fortune, well, the time for a new mansion is perfect.
If you don’t need a mortgage to afford a new home, go for it. The housing prices are in deflation on an annual basis for the first time since 2009.
The inflation in all other sectors is high, so if you have the money to invest – invest. If we’ve learned anything from real-estate history, it’s that the market will be back on track pretty soon, and you can even sell your new house for a profit and get a new one afterward.
So, make your decision and put the checkmark in the first box. Let’s get moving.
Budget & Save For A Deposit
Ah, the sweet sound of budgeting! As a responsible adult, you must face the reality that owning a home comes with a hefty price tag.
Begin with a calculation of how much you can comfortably afford to spend on your mortgage payments. Consider the cost of utilities, insurance, and monthly gluten-free muffins.
To actually own a home in the UK, you’ll need a deposit. Saving for a deposit is like training for a marathon, but instead of running, you’re hoarding every spare penny.
Trim your expenses by cutting back on extravagant coffee shop purchases (yes, that means no more triple-shot caramel macchiatos with extra sprinkles) and opting for homemade delights.
Remember, that daily coffee habit could be the difference between your dream home and a cozy hobbit hole.
Decide on The Payment Method
Once you’ve gathered your deposit, it’s time to ponder the age-old question: “To mortgage or not to mortgage?” Consider your options carefully, as each has its own perks and quirks.
If you’re the kind of person who likes surprises and enjoys the occasional adrenaline rush, an interest-only mortgage might be right up your alley. Just imagine the thrill of not knowing how you’ll repay the actual loan amount at the end!
For the less adventurous, a repayment mortgage offers the peace of mind that you will own your home one day. It’s boring, I agree, but paying your loans was never meant to be exciting in the first place.
Start Property Viewings
Now comes the fun part – property viewings! Strap on your detective hat and channel your inner Sherlock Holmes.
Touring potential homes is like speed dating but with bricks and mortar instead of nervous humans. Be prepared to fall in love at first sight, only to realize that the garden gnome collection in the backyard is a deal-breaker.
Keep an open mind, take notes, and consider taking along a trusted friend or family member to ask questions and provide a second opinion. After all, two heads are better than one, especially when it comes to choosing the perfect place to binge-watch Netflix.
Most importantly, don’t rush to choose. Yes, some places are in high demand, but if you don’t feel it, it’s probably not for you. You’re about to enter into a commitment much more serious than marriage. You’re about to take a mortgage from the bank, and death doesn’t do your part.
So, you better be sure that what you’re signing up for pay in the next couple of decades is worth the money.
Put In An Offer
You’ve found “the one” – the property that makes your heart skip a beat and your bank account tremble with excitement. It’s time to put in an offer! Channel your inner negotiator, and remember to play it cool.
Avoid overly dramatic gestures like sending a singing telegram or proposing via skywriting. Instead, make a sensible offer that reflects the market value and your level of enthusiasm.
And if your offer is accepted, congratulations! You’re one step closer to transforming that cosy hobbit hole into a glorious manor fit for a king or queen.
Read The Contract Carefully
Before you sign your life away, take a deep breath and read the contract. Just don’t hold your breath while reading, as you might actually get a heart attack.
Yes, it may be as thrilling as reading a dishwasher manual, but it’s crucial to know what you’re getting yourself into. Pay attention to the fine print and ask questions if something seems fishy.
Remember, it’s better to ask silly questions now than to discover you unknowingly agreed to house a family of trolls in the attic for eternity.
And while the probability of that happening is extremely low, legally binding contracts are not a joke, and you should always be fully aware of what you are signing.
If you have trouble understanding, it’s best to get a lawyer who can act as Google Translate, only with less gibberish.
Consider Your Removal Expenses
Moving day is fast approaching, and you must navigate the treacherous waters of removal expenses. Will you hire professionals or bribe your friends with pizza and false promises of eternal gratitude? To be honest, getting professional help is much better.
Otherwise, you risk not only destroying several friendships and relationships but also having a TV or two smashed on the ground, some precious memories damaged, and some crystal glasses broken.
Experienced removals companies ensure your belongings, wrap them up professionally, and move them at least 10 times faster than you ever will. It’s almost as if they do it for a living.
So, is there a Mark in Each Box?
If you’ve gone through the checklist, it’s time to celebrate. You’re ready to enter your new home and enjoy life without landlords, rent, and eviction notices.
Welcome to the good life.