Getting started...

You've made the decision to take your first step into the world of mortgages and property. Understanding how much you can borrow, the hidden costs and having savings will give you an excellent platform to start.

Finding your perfect home

Now that you know what you're getting yourself in for, it's time for the exciting part, finding the perfect place to call home.

There are a number of things you need to consider before making an offer, but as long as you know what to look out for, this should be a fun step on your way to owning your first home.

Making an appointment

Now that you've had your offer accepted, it's time to make an appointment with a mortgage advisor. This can usually be done over the phone, in branch or even online.

Appoint a solicitor

Once you've made your appointment with a mortgage adviser, you need to appoint a solicitor or conveyancer who will help you manage all the legal aspects and documentation for your mortgage.

Valuations and building surveys

A valuation is a basic report on the property, for mortgage purposes, to help assess your applications. This is important because it will help your mortgage provider decide how much they can lend to you.

A building survey will give a much more detailed report on the properties condition and value.

Last few steps

You're in the last few stages of becoming a home owner for the first time, but until contracts are exchanged, both you and the seller can walk away from the sale without any contractual liability.