First-Time Buyer Checklist UK 2026

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Buying your first home is one of the most exciting — and most stressful — things you will ever do. The process involves dozens of steps spread over several months, and missing even one can cause delays, extra costs, or a failed purchase. This checklist breaks the entire journey into five clear phases so you always know what to do next.

Click any item below to mark it as complete and track your progress. We recommend working through the phases in order, as many steps build on earlier ones.

Phase 1 Preparation (3–12 Months Before)

This is the foundation phase. The better your preparation, the smoother everything else will go. Start as early as possible — particularly when it comes to your credit score and savings.

• Check your credit report with all three agenciesGet reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Look for errors, missed payments, or unknown accounts. You can check for free using services like ClearScore, Credit Karma, or Experian's free tier. See our credit score guide for detailed steps.
• Register on the electoral roll at your current addressThis is one of the simplest and most effective ways to boost your credit score. If you are not registered, do so immediately at gov.uk/register-to-vote.
• Set a realistic budget based on your income and outgoingsMost lenders will offer 4 to 4.5 times your annual household income. Calculate your maximum borrowing and subtract it from property prices in your target area to determine the deposit you need.
• Open a Lifetime ISA if eligible (under 40)You can save up to £4,000 per year and receive a 25% government bonus (£1,000 free each year). The property must cost £450,000 or less, and you must have held the account for at least 12 months before using it. See our government schemes guide.
• Start building your deposit fundSet up a dedicated savings account and automate monthly transfers. Even small amounts add up. Aim for at least 10% of your target property price for the best rates — though 5% is the minimum for most lenders.
• Reduce existing debts where possiblePay down credit cards, overdrafts, and personal loans. Lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio, and outstanding balances reduce how much they will lend you.
• Avoid taking on new creditDo not apply for new credit cards, loans, or finance agreements for at least 6 months before your mortgage application. Each application leaves a footprint on your credit file.
• Research government schemes you may be eligible forShared Ownership, First Homes, and Right to Buy could make your purchase more affordable. Eligibility depends on your income, location, and circumstances.
• Start viewing properties to understand the marketEven before you are ready to make an offer, attending viewings helps you calibrate what you can get for your budget in your preferred areas.
• Get a mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP)An AIP (also called a Decision in Principle) shows sellers and estate agents you are a serious buyer. Most lenders can issue one within 24 hours based on a soft credit check. It is typically valid for 60 to 90 days.

Phase 2 Searching & Offer (1–3 Months)

With your finances prepared and an AIP in hand, you are now a credible buyer. This phase is about finding the right property and securing it with an accepted offer.

• Define your must-haves and nice-to-havesNumber of bedrooms, garden, parking, proximity to transport or schools. Be honest about what you truly need versus what you would like — flexibility opens up more options.
• Set up alerts on Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarketProperties that match your criteria will be emailed to you as soon as they are listed. Speed matters in competitive markets.
• Attend viewings with a critical eyeCheck for damp, cracks, outdated electrics, and signs of structural issues. View at different times of day if possible. Take photos and notes to compare properties later.
• Research sold prices in the areaUse the Land Registry or Rightmove's sold prices feature to see what similar properties have actually sold for. This helps you avoid overpaying.
• Make an offer through the estate agentYour offer does not have to match the asking price. Base it on comparable sold prices, the property's condition, and how long it has been on the market. Be prepared to negotiate.
• Get your offer accepted in writingOnce agreed, ask the estate agent to confirm the offer price, any conditions (such as fixtures included), and the target completion date in writing.
• Request the property be taken off the marketThis is not legally binding but reduces the risk of being gazumped. Many sellers will agree if you are a strong buyer.

Phase 3 Mortgage Application

Your offer is accepted — now you need to secure the mortgage that will fund the purchase. This phase typically takes 2 to 6 weeks depending on the lender and the complexity of your situation.

• Choose between a mortgage broker and going directBrokers search the whole market (including deals not available directly) and handle the paperwork. They may charge a fee (£300–£500) but can save you far more by finding a better rate. Going direct is fine if you have a specific product in mind.
• Gather all required documentsYou will typically need: 3 months' payslips, 3 months' bank statements, P60 or SA302 (self-employed), proof of deposit, photo ID (passport or driving licence), proof of address, and details of any debts or financial commitments. See our application guide for the full list.
• Submit your full mortgage applicationYour broker or lender will walk you through this. Double-check every detail — errors cause delays. Be honest about your financial situation; lenders will verify everything.
• Lender orders a property valuationThe lender will instruct a surveyor to confirm the property is worth what you are paying. This protects their investment. You may be charged £150–£400 for this, or it may be free depending on the product.
• Consider booking your own surveyThe lender's valuation is for their benefit, not yours. A HomeBuyer Report (£250–£400) or Full Building Survey (£400–£700) can uncover issues that could cost thousands to fix. Strongly recommended for older properties.
• Receive your mortgage offerIf all checks pass, the lender will issue a formal mortgage offer. This is the document your solicitor needs to proceed to exchange. It is typically valid for 3 to 6 months.

Phase 4 Legal Work (Conveyancing)

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership. You will need a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to handle this. It typically takes 8 to 12 weeks and is the most common cause of delays.

• Instruct a solicitor or conveyancerGet quotes from at least three firms. Expect to pay £850–£1,500 plus disbursements. Check they are on your lender's approved panel — if they are not, you will need a separate solicitor for the lender's work.
• Solicitor conducts property searchesThese include local authority searches, environmental searches, water and drainage searches, and land registry checks. They reveal planning issues, flood risk, contamination, rights of way, and other potential problems. Budget £250–£400 for searches.
• Review the seller's property information formsYour solicitor will receive the TA6 (Property Information Form) and TA10 (Fittings and Contents Form) from the seller's solicitor. These detail the property's condition, boundaries, disputes, and what is included in the sale.
• Raise enquiries on any concernsYour solicitor may need to ask the seller's solicitor questions about the property — planning permissions, guarantees for work done, boundary disputes, etc. This back-and-forth can take several weeks.
• Review the mortgage offer with your solicitorYour solicitor will explain the terms and conditions of your mortgage offer, including any special conditions the lender has imposed.
• Arrange buildings insurance from the exchange dateMost mortgage lenders require you to have buildings insurance in place from the date of exchange. Shop around — you do not have to use the lender's own product.
• Transfer your deposit to your solicitorYour solicitor will request the deposit funds (typically 10% of the purchase price, minus your mortgage) before exchange. Ensure the money is in an accessible account and allow time for bank transfers to clear.
• Sign the contractOnce all enquiries are resolved, searches are satisfactory, and your mortgage offer is in place, your solicitor will ask you to sign the contract. This is not yet legally binding — that happens at exchange.

Phase 5 Exchange & Completion

This is the final stretch. Exchange of contracts makes the purchase legally binding, and completion is the day you collect the keys to your new home.

• Agree a completion date with all partiesCompletion typically happens 1 to 4 weeks after exchange, though same-day exchange and completion is possible. The date needs to work for both buyer and seller (and anyone else in the chain).
• Exchange contractsYour solicitor and the seller's solicitor exchange signed contracts by phone, and you pay the agreed deposit (usually 10%). From this point, both parties are legally committed. Pulling out now means losing your deposit.
• Confirm completion day logisticsArrange time off work if needed. Confirm key collection arrangements with the estate agent. Book removals or a van. Redirect your post via Royal Mail.
• Final checks before completionDo a final walkthrough of the property if possible to ensure it is in the agreed condition and all included fixtures/fittings are present.
• Completion dayYour lender sends the mortgage funds to your solicitor, who sends the full purchase price to the seller's solicitor. Once the money arrives, the keys are released. This usually happens by early afternoon.
• Collect the keysThe estate agent will confirm when the keys are ready to collect. Congratulations — you are a homeowner.
• Pay Stamp Duty (if applicable)First-time buyers pay no stamp duty on properties up to £425,000 (as of 2026). Your solicitor handles the payment and filing, but ensure you budget for it if your property exceeds the threshold.
• Register the property with the Land RegistryYour solicitor handles this. It formally records you as the legal owner. This can take several weeks but does not affect your ability to move in.
• Set up utilities, council tax, and home insuranceTransfer or set up gas, electricity, water, broadband, and council tax in your name. Take meter readings on the day you move in.

Related Guides

• Mortgage Application Guide — detailed walkthrough of the application process
• How Much Deposit Do I Need? — understanding deposit requirements and sources
• Improving Your Credit Score — prepare your credit file before applying
• Government Schemes 2026 — financial support available for first-time buyers