BUYING a house is a daunting process for anybody however particularly those that have by no means executed it earlier than.
As a part of her job, Jane King, mortgage adviser at Ash-Ridge Non-public Finance, has spoken to a whole lot of aspiring owners and she sees the identical blunders over and over once more.
Right here, Jane shares the frequent traps first-time buyers fall for that may simply be prevented.
1. Asking your financial institution for a mortgage
Many potential buyers will head straight to their checking account supplier after they realise they are going to want a mortgage, in accordance to Jane.
She mentioned: “One of many largest mistakes first-time buyers make goes to their very own financial institution for a mortgage as a result of they assume they are going to be supplied a preferential fee.
“That’s not the case and might imply debtors who do that find yourself paying a larger fee than crucial.”


Loyalty will not be rewarded and most banks don’t supply higher charges to present present account clients.
Advisers from excessive road banks may normally solely advise on their very own offers and won’t be able to inform you about higher presents elsewhere.
Jane added: “The very best factor to do is use a good unbiased mortgage broker who can search the entire market and discover the most effective deal to your particular wants.”
2. Failing to analysis assist accessible
There are a big variety of initiatives to assist first-time buyers get a foothold on the ladder.
And it’s price aspiring buyers taking a look at whether or not one in all these schemes might assist them personal their dream house.
Janes mentioned: “Many individuals wanting to purchase a house are usually unaware of particular first-time purchaser or inexpensive house schemes.
“There are such a lot of alternative ways to purchase, so do some extra analysis and test if any would aid you get on the ladder.”
Shared possession, the First Houses Scheme and Deposit Unlock are a few of the authorities-backed possession schemes.
Lenders additionally supply a variety of merchandise that may assist buyers, together with guarantor mortgages and joint borrower sole proprietor.
3. Getting swayed by the headline mortgage fee
The speed supplied by a mortgage lender is only one facet of the general deal.
It’s vital to take a look at different prices too.
Jane mentioned: “One other mistake is buyers have a tendency to take a look at the headline rate of interest somewhat than factoring in all of the charges and prices which might make the mortgage uncompetitive.
“Search for the general value somewhat than the headline fee.”
A very good adviser will speak you thru all of the totally different options of a mortgage and present you the entire value.
4. Utilizing advisers or solicitors beneficial by property brokers
Many property brokers are partnered with mortgage brokers or solicitors and have a monetary incentive to refer their clients on to these firms.
First-time buyers could even really feel they’ve to use these corporations.
However Jane mentioned: “Some buyers have a tendency to use the brokers or solicitors advocate, there isn’t a obligation to do that and there could also be further prices concerned, in addition to a potential battle of curiosity.”
5. Not checking your credit score historical past
Mortgage lenders will look over your credit score file and it normally kinds a large a part of your software.
However many would-be debtors don’t search for their file to see if every part is so as, in accordance to Jane.
She mentioned: “One of many most important causes a mortgage software will get declined is due to a borrower’s incorrect credit score historical past.
“When some first-time buyers hear a no, they assume that’s it.
“However there might merely be an out-of-date handle or mistake within the date of delivery that has triggered the decline.
“These are simple to change and might then imply the mortgage goes via tremendous.”
6. No price range labored out
Forward of making use of for a mortgage, it’s a good thought to work out the extent of repayments you may afford.
Jane mentioned: “Many first-time buyers typically over or underestimate their borrowing potential.
“Work out a price range on a spreadsheet with how a lot you may afford to repay in a month and go from there.”
7. Brushing over lease phrases
First-time buyers are extra probably to purchase flats as they’re typically cheaper than homes.
Nonetheless, it’s very important to look over the phrases that you’re committing to.
Jane mentioned that every one too typically folks don’t learn, or correctly perceive, their lease.


She added: “This implies they will get hit with nasty surprises after they’ve purchased within the type of prices or clauses that they’re certain to.
“Always test the phrases of the lease completely, guarantee you might be conscious of the price of service prices and/or floor lease and ask your solicitor if something is unclear.”
Do you may have a cash downside that wants sorting? Get in contact by emailing [email protected]