The excitement of viewing properties often tempts first-time buyers to start house hunting before completing essential preparation. However, viewing homes without proper groundwork wastes time on unsuitable properties, weakens your negotiating position, and risks losing homes to better-prepared buyers.
Completing these five steps before booking viewings transforms you from a hopeful browser into a serious buyer that sellers and agents take seriously.
One: Obtain an agreement in principle
An agreement in principle from a mortgage lender confirms how much you can borrow and shows sellers that you are financially prepared. It reassures agents and vendors that you can proceed, rather than simply exploring options.
You can apply through a mortgage broker or directly with lenders by providing proof of income, identification, and basic financial details. This usually takes only a few days and results in a certificate valid for several months.
Knowing your borrowing limit prevents wasted viewings on properties outside your reach and avoids disappointment later in the process. Remember, the maximum amount offered isn’t always what you should borrow. Consider affordability, lifestyle flexibility, and future plans.
Two: Clarify your deposit position completely
Understand exactly how much deposit you have available, including savings, Lifetime ISA balances with government bonuses, and any family contributions. This directly affects what you can afford and which mortgage products are available to you.
If family members are helping, confirm whether funds are gifts or loans and when they’ll be available. Lenders require formal documentation for gifted deposits, so clarity upfront avoids delays later.
Also factor in additional costs such as legal fees, surveys, stamp duty if applicable, removals, and immediate expenses after purchase.
Three: Gather required documentation
Mortgage applications involve significant paperwork. Collecting documents in advance allows you to move quickly once you find the right property.
Typically required documents include recent bank statements, payslips or tax returns for self-employed buyers, proof of identification, proof of address, and your National Insurance number. Self-employed applicants may need additional evidence of income stability.
Check your credit reports with all major agencies and resolve any errors early. Issues discovered during applications can delay progress or affect lending decisions.
Four: Research areas thoroughly
Understanding where you want to live saves time and helps you recognise good value. Visit shortlisted areas at different times of day, including commuting hours, to assess travel times, parking, amenities, and overall atmosphere.
Research local property prices and understand typical values for different property types. This knowledge strengthens your confidence when viewing and making offers, helping you avoid overpaying.
Five: Understand Budget and policy context
The March 2026 Budget may include measures affecting first-time buyers. Understanding existing schemes such as Lifetime ISAs, shared ownership, and local authority initiatives allows you to respond quickly to any changes.
Stay informed, but don’t delay house hunting while waiting for announcements that may not materialise. Balance awareness of future policy changes with realistic opportunities available now.
Bringing it all together
Completing these steps takes time, but the payoff is significant. Prepared buyers are prioritised by agents and sellers and are far more likely to secure the properties they want.
When the right home appears, preparation allows you to act confidently and decisively, rather than losing out while organising finances.
Contact us for guidance on completing these essential steps effectively
