Properties for sale

Many banks want first-time buyers to have at least a 10% deposit. That means you’d need a £25,000 deposit if you want to buy a house worth £250,000. It’s possible to buy with a lower deposit if you use a buying scheme like Shared Ownership, New Build Boost or Deposit Unlock.

The timeline to buying a home can vary. Aside from the time it takes to find a home you love, it normally takes 6 to 12 weeks to complete your purchase - but it can take up to 6 months or longer, depending on the complexity of your chain. The conveyancing part tends to take the longest.

Start by working out what you can afford, taking mortgage costs, stamp duty and other fees into account. Then for the exciting bit: start house-hunting. Use our handy search tools and do lots of research on the areas you’re looking at. When you’re ready to make an offer, get a mortgage offer and line up a conveyancer to sort the paperwork. Don’t forget to book a survey on the house you’re buying, then get ready to exchange and complete.

A healthy credit score can get you a better mortgage deal, as it shows lenders you’re reliable at repaying money.

The three credit scoring agencies in the UK have different point systems - but the higher the number, the better.

You can improve your credit score by paying off debts, getting on the electoral roll and making consistent credit payments.