Buying a house is one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll ever make, but knowing where to start can make the process much smoother. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or moving to your next home, having a clear plan in place will help you navigate the journey with confidence.

In this guide, we’ll break down the essential steps to buying a house in the UK and explain how Helen Ferneyhough Associates can support you in securing the right mortgage.

Step 1: Check Your Finances

Before you start searching for a home, it’s important to assess your financial situation. Lenders will look at several factors when deciding how much you can borrow, including:

• Income & Employment – A stable income reassures lenders that you can afford repayments.

• Credit History – Your credit score impacts your mortgage eligibility and interest rate. You can check your score with agencies like Experian or Equifax.

• Debt-to-Income Ratio – If you have outstanding debts, such as loans or credit cards, it may affect how much you can borrow.

• Deposit Savings – Most lenders require a deposit of at least 5–10% of the property’s value, but a higher deposit can open up better mortgage rates.

💡 Top Tip: If your credit score needs improvement, consider paying down existing debt, ensuring bills are paid on time, and avoiding new credit applications before applying for a mortgage.

Step 2: Get an Agreement in Principle (AIP)

An Agreement in Principle (AIP) is a document from a lender that gives you an estimate of how much you can borrow. Having an AIP can:

1. Show estate agents and sellers that you’re a serious buyer.

2. Give you a clear budget when searching for properties.

3. Help you act quickly when you find the right home.

At Helen Ferneyhough Associates, we can help you secure an AIP and guide you through the mortgage application process.

– Get your AIP today – contact us here.

Step 3: Start House Hunting

Once you know how much you can borrow, you can start searching for a property. Consider:

– Location: Research schools, transport links, amenities, and future developments.

– Property Type: Do you want a new-build, an older home, or a fixer-upper?

– Hidden Costs: Factor in stamp duty, survey fees, legal costs, and maintenance expenses.

Top Tip: Visit properties at different times of the day to get a feel for the neighbourhood and potential noise levels.

Step 4: Make an Offer

When you find the right home, you’ll need to make an offer. Your estate agent will submit the offer to the seller, and they may negotiate on price. Having your AIP in place can strengthen your position.

If your offer is accepted, you’ll need to:

1. Appoint a solicitor or conveyancer to handle the legal aspects.

2. Arrange for a property survey to check for structural issues.

3. Finalise your mortgage application with your broker.

Step 5: Secure Your Mortgage

Once your offer is accepted, it’s time to apply for a mortgage. Helen Ferneyhough Associates works with a wide range of lenders to find the right mortgage for your needs.

We’ll help you:

  • 🔹 Compare mortgage deals to ensure they align with your budget.
  • 🔹 Understand the different types of mortgages available, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, and lifetime mortgages.
  • 🔹 Navigate lender requirements to speed up the approval process.

Top Tip: Some mortgage applications can take 4–6 weeks to process, so having all your paperwork ready can help avoid delays.

– Speak to an expert today – get in touch.

Step 6: Exchange Contracts & Complete

Once your mortgage is approved and all legal checks are completed, you’ll exchange contracts with the seller. This legally binds you to the purchase. On completion day, funds are transferred, and you’ll receive the keys to your new home!

Congratulations – you’re officially a homeowner!

Why Choose Helen Ferneyhough Associates?

At Helen Ferneyhough Associates, we specialise in guiding homebuyers through the mortgage process. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to remortgage, we’re here to help.

1. Expert Mortgage Advice – We compare a range of lenders to find a suitable deal.

2. Personalised Support – We tailor advice to your financial situation.

3. Hassle-Free Process – We handle the paperwork and liaise with lenders on your behalf.

Take the first step today – book a consultation.

Additional Resources

Stay informed about the latest mortgage rates and Bank of England base rate updates by visiting the Bank of England.

Important Notices:

There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The precise amount of the fee will depend upon your circumstances but will range from £195 to £1500, and this will be discussed and agreed with you at the earliest opportunity.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Please be aware that by clicking on the above links, you are leaving the Helen Ferneyhough Associates website. Neither Helen Ferneyhough Associates nor HL Partnership Limited is responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within the linked sites.