What's Inside
Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. This checklist walks you through every stage — from checking your credit score to completion day — so nothing gets missed.
- Phase-by-phase checklist: deposit → mortgage → offer → exchange → completion
- 2026 stamp duty rates for first-time buyers with worked examples
- Full breakdown of buying costs people forget to budget for
- Government schemes available in 2026 including Lifetime ISA
- What lenders check — and how to make yourself mortgage-ready
- Leasehold vs freehold — what to look out for
Contents at a Glance
Stamp Duty Table
2026 rates for first-time buyers with savings vs home movers
2026 rates for first-time buyers with savings vs home movers
Full Buying Checklist
30+ steps from credit check to completion
30+ steps from credit check to completion
Government Schemes
Lifetime ISA, Shared Ownership and First Homes explained
Lifetime ISA, Shared Ownership and First Homes explained
What Lenders Check
Credit score, bank statements and income requirements
Credit score, bank statements and income requirements
Leasehold vs Freehold
Key questions to ask before making an offer
Key questions to ask before making an offer
Hidden Costs
Survey, solicitor, insurance and moving — full budget breakdown
Survey, solicitor, insurance and moving — full budget breakdown
Free Calculators
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✓ Instant download
✓ Updated 2026/27
✓ Built by finance professionals