Number of First-Time Buyers Hits 20 Year High

The UK housing market has seen the highest levels of first-time buyers since 2006, according to Yorkshire Building Society.

They sight "falling unemployment, low borrowing costs and an increased number of low deposit mortgage deals are key drivers of current demand."

(source: https://www.ybs.co.uk/media-centre/FTBs-hit-20-year-high/index.html)

Our teams are fully aware that buying your first home can be a daunting process and will be there to guide you every step of the way.

Below are a few top tips on where to start and how to avoid becoming overwhelmed with the process:

Set a budget and stick to it. Putting forward a good, strong offer in the first instance rather than trying to get the property for a knock down price and risking losing it
Do your research in the area you are buying in and see what other properties are selling for and how quickly they are selling. This will prepare you for the market you are buying in to.
Get registered with agents who are selling properties in your desired areas. They will contact you before a property goes online, giving you a head start at viewing their properties.
Create an account on property portals such as Rightmove, Zoopla and OnTheMarket and set up email alerts. Register for property updates with Naylor Powell here.
Speak to a mortgage broker who will search the whole of the market for you, not just direct to a bank/building society.
Get a mortgage agreement in principle so that any offer will be received in the best light and the agent will know you are ready.
Choose a solicitor and a reputable one at that. This tells the agent you are ready, willing and able to proceed which is a tick in the box when your offer is being put forward to the seller.