First-Time Buyer Checklist

Tip: Use Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion — you can access free statutory reports. Errors can delay mortgage offers.

• —Register on the electoral roll at your current address
• —Pay off or reduce outstanding debts where possible
• —Avoid applying for new credit in the 6 months before your mortgage application

Tip: Budget for more than just the deposit — Stamp Duty, solicitor fees, surveys, and moving costs add up fast.

• —Deposit (typically 5–20% of the purchase price)
• —Solicitor/conveyancer fees (£1,000–£2,000+)
• —Survey costs (£250–£600+ depending on type)
• —Mortgage arrangement and valuation fees
• —Stamp Duty Land Tax (first-time buyers pay 0% on the first £300,000)
• —Removal costs and initial furnishing

Tip: An AIP shows sellers and agents you are a serious buyer. Most are valid for 60–90 days.

• —First Homes scheme — new-build homes at 30–50% discount
• —Shared Ownership — buy a share and pay rent on the rest
• —Lifetime ISA — up to £1,000/year government bonus towards your deposit
• —Right to Buy — if you are a council or housing association tenant

Tip: A whole-of-market broker can access deals you cannot find directly. Some charge a fee, others are paid by the lender.

• —Last 3 months' payslips (or 2–3 years' accounts if self-employed)
• —Last 3 months' bank statements
• —Proof of deposit savings and any gifted deposit letters
• —Photo ID (passport or driving licence) and proof of address

Tip: Be realistic — prioritise location, size, and condition. You can always add nice-to-haves later.

• —Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• —Garden, parking, or outside space
• —Proximity to transport, schools, or workplace
• —Freehold vs leasehold preference

Tip: Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarket are the main UK portals. Set alerts so you see new listings immediately.

• —Check flood risk, planning applications, broadband speeds, council tax, and more — all included in a Viven Buyer Report
• —Visit at different times of day and on weekends to get a feel for the area

Tip: Take photos, videos, and written notes at every viewing. It is easy to mix up properties after several viewings.

Tip: Visit at a different time of day. Bring someone you trust for a second opinion.

Tip: Energy Performance Certificates rate A–G. Lower ratings mean higher energy bills. EPC data is included in every Viven Buyer Report.

Tip: A Viven Buyer Report includes Land Registry price history and comparable sales data for the area, so you can see exactly what similar homes have sold for.

Tip: First offers are often 5–10% below asking. Consider how long it has been on the market, the seller's position, and local demand.

Tip: As a first-time buyer with no chain, you are an attractive buyer. Use this as leverage.

Tip: Ask the estate agent to confirm your accepted offer in writing, including any conditions agreed.

Tip: This is standard practice once an offer is accepted and reduces the risk of gazumping.

Tip: Do this promptly after your offer is accepted. Delays here slow the entire process.

• —Provide all requested documents quickly
• —Respond to any queries from the lender without delay
• —Keep your financial situation stable — avoid changing jobs or taking on new debt

Tip: Get quotes from at least 3 firms. Check reviews and ensure they are on your mortgage lender's panel.

Tip: Never skip the survey. Mortgage valuations are for the lender, not for you. A survey can reveal expensive hidden issues.

• —RICS Home Survey Level 1 (basic condition report)
• —RICS Home Survey Level 2 (more detailed, formerly HomeBuyer Report)
• —RICS Home Survey Level 3 (comprehensive, formerly Building Survey — recommended for older properties)

Tip: If the survey highlights significant issues, get specialist quotes. You may want to renegotiate the price.

• —Local authority search
• —Environmental search
• —Water and drainage search
• —Chancel repair liability search

Tip: Read every page carefully. Check the interest rate, term, monthly payments, and any special conditions.

Tip: You are legally responsible for the property from exchange, not completion. Have insurance ready.

Tip: Read everything. Ask your solicitor to explain anything you do not understand.

Tip: Beware of email interception fraud — always confirm bank details by phone using a known number.

Tip: Completion usually happens 1–4 weeks after exchange. Friday is the most popular day but also the riskiest if things go wrong.

Tip: After exchange, pulling out means losing your deposit and potentially facing legal action.

Tip: Check that the property is in the agreed condition, all fixtures are present, and nothing has been damaged.

Tip: Your solicitor will transfer the funds and confirm when you can collect the keys — usually from the estate agent.

Tip: Take meter readings immediately and photograph them.

• —Gas and electricity
• —Water
• —Broadband and phone
• —Council tax (contact your local authority)
• —TV licence

• —Bank and building society
• —HMRC and DVLA
• —Employer and pension provider
• —Insurance policies
• —Electoral roll
• —Royal Mail redirection (set up if not done already)
• —Subscriptions and online accounts

Tip: You do not know how many copies of the keys exist. Changing locks is inexpensive peace of mind.

Tip: Replace batteries or install new detectors if needed. This is a legal requirement for rented properties and best practice for all homes.

• —Title deeds (your solicitor will register these with the Land Registry)
• —Mortgage offer and terms
• —Survey report
• —Building regulations and planning certificates
• —Warranties and guarantees (boiler, appliances, etc.)