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The Complete Home Buying Guide

Everything you need to know about buying a home in the UK — from financial readiness to completion day.

Check Your Credit Score

Your credit score is the single most important factor in determining what mortgage deals you can access. In the UK, the three main credit reference agencies are Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Check your score with all three, as lenders may use different agencies. Aim for a score above 700 (Experian) or 420+ (Equifax). If your score is lower, spend 3–6 months improving it before applying.

Tip: Register on the electoral roll at your current address — this alone can boost your score significantly. Also, close any unused credit accounts and ensure all bills are paid on time.

Calculate Your Budget & Affordability

Most UK lenders will offer between 4 and 4.5 times your annual household income. If you earn £50,000, expect to borrow £200,000–£225,000. Factor in your deposit on top of this. Use affordability calculators from multiple lenders to get a realistic picture. Remember: what a lender will lend you and what you can comfortably afford are often different numbers.

Tip: The general rule is that your total housing costs (mortgage, insurance, council tax, utilities) should not exceed 35% of your gross monthly income.

Save Your Deposit

The minimum deposit for most UK mortgages is 5% of the property price, but aim for at least 10–15% to access better interest rates. A 20% deposit unlocks the best deals. For a £250,000 property, that means saving between £12,500 (5%) and £50,000 (20%). Consider a Lifetime ISA (LISA) which gives you a 25% government bonus on savings up to £4,000 per year.

Tip: Open a Lifetime ISA as early as possible — you can save up to £4,000 per year and receive a £1,000 bonus annually. You must be between 18 and 39 to open one.

Understand Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)

Stamp Duty is a tax paid when purchasing property above certain thresholds. First-time buyers pay no SDLT on the first £425,000 (for properties up to £625,000). Standard rates start at 0% up to £250,000, then 5% on the portion from £250,001 to £925,000, 10% from £925,001 to £1.5 million, and 12% above that. This is a significant cost that many buyers forget to budget for.

Budget for Additional Costs

Beyond the deposit and stamp duty, budget for: solicitor/conveyancer fees (£1,000–£3,000), survey costs (£250–£1,500), mortgage arrangement fees (£0–£2,000), valuation fee (£150–£1,500), removal costs (£300–£2,000), Land Registry fee (£40–£910), and building insurance (required from exchange). Total additional costs typically range from £3,000 to £12,000.

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