Buying your first home is exciting but it can also feel overwhelming.

With so many moving parts, it’s easy to get stuck wondering what happens next. This guide walks you through every stage of the process, with clear steps to help you feel confident and prepared — from budgeting to completion day.

 

 

Take the first step to your dream home

Interested in finding out how much you could borrow? Get a personalised Mortgage in Principle from OneDome in minutes. It’s free, fast and won’t impact your credit score.

Get your free mortgage in principle

 

 

Step 1: Get your finances in order

Before you even start browsing listings, it’s important to understand how much you can borrow — and what you can afford.

Start by:

  • Checking your credit report: Fix any errors and clear down debts where possible.
  • Working out your deposit: Most lenders ask for at least 5–10% of the property price.
  • Budgeting for upfront costs: These include legal fees, survey costs, removals, and Stamp Duty.

Tip: Mortgage repayments should still be affordable even if interest rates rise so leave some wiggle room.

Related reading:

How much mortgage can I afford?

How much deposit do I need to buy a house?

Step 2: Get a Mortgage in Principle

A Mortgage in Principle (MIP) tells you how much a lender is likely to let you borrow — and shows estate agents that you’re a serious buyer. It’s usually valid for 60–90 days and doesn’t affect your credit score.

Get your free Mortgage in Principle from OneDome in minutes and compare 12,000+ mortgage products from over 90 lenders.

See also: Am I eligible for a mortgage?

Step 3: Start viewing properties

Once you know your budget, you can start looking for your first home. Keep your needs (and your long-term goals) in mind, and don’t be swayed by someone else’s furniture or décor.

At viewings, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Knowing what to look for can save you from costly surprises later.

Read next: Questions to ask when viewing a house

Step 4: Make an offer

When you’ve found the one, it’s time to make an offer through the estate agent. You’ll usually need to show:

  • Your Mortgage in Principle
  • Proof of deposit funds
  • Valid ID
  • The name of your chosen conveyancing solicitor

OneDome can help you find a quality-assured conveyancer and get instant quotes. Start your conveyancing quote

Step 5: Get a survey and start legal checks

Once your offer is accepted:

  • Your lender will arrange a valuation survey
  • You can upgrade to a HomeBuyer Report or Full Structural Survey (especially for older properties)
  • Your conveyancer will begin legal checks and searches on the property (local authority, environmental, title etc.)

More on this: What is conveyancing?

This part can take a few weeks so be responsive and provide documents quickly to avoid delays.

Step 6: Finalise your mortgage

With the property checks underway, your mortgage broker or lender will now:

  • Finalise your mortgage offer
  • Carry out underwriting checks
  • Confirm the completion date with your solicitor

Helpful guide: How do interest rates affect your mortgage?

Step 7: Exchange contracts

Once the legal work is complete and both parties are happy, your solicitor will ask you to:

  • Review and sign your mortgage deed and contract
  • Transfer your deposit funds
  • Choose a completion date (your move-in day)

When contracts are exchanged, the sale becomes legally binding. There’s usually a gap of 1–2 weeks before completion but it can happen on the same day.

Step 8: Completion and moving in

On completion day:

  • Your lender sends funds to your solicitor
  • The seller’s solicitor confirms receipt
  • The keys are released and you officially become a homeowner

Don’t forget to take meter readings, update your address, and set up your utilities. Download our Change of Address Checklist to stay on top of everything.

Step 9: Land Registry and paperwork

Your conveyancer will:

  • Submit your Stamp Duty return
  • Register your name as the legal owner with HM Land Registry

This process can take a few months but once it’s complete, your solicitor will send you the final documents. Double-check all the details, including the title plan.

OneDome is here to help

Choosing a mortgage is complex but OneDome is here to help. If you have any questions about the specifics of mortgages, the wider mortgage process or want tailored advice on the different types of mortgages that suit your situation you can:

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

More helpful first-time buyer guides