Your first home. It is a place where memories will be made, families grown and many changes in your life will unfold.

For first-time buyers, things are not always straightforward.

There will be plenty on your mind, but all you will want to think about is the first week in your new home.

With our top tips, our experts help you spend more time planning and less time worrying about paperwork and legal matters for your first move.

Here is what you need to know.

Finding a home is just the start

When you first look to buy a property, it is an exciting experience. You will likely be considering the following.

– Location
– Size
– Value

Once you have found the perfect fit for your budget and needs, it gets more complicated. Legal matters come in to play, and many people choose to work with a conveyancing solicitor to guide them through the often complex process.

Beware of the unexpected costs

The price of your property is not the only thing you have to budget for. There are many other costs associated with buying a home, including land registry, survey costs and stamp duty.

Stamp duty increases depending on the value of the property and is paid on homes worth £125,000 or more and commercial properties and land valued at more than £150,000.

Without thorough planning, you may end up out of pocket and delay the purchase of your home. Remember to budget for all the costs and fees relating to your purchase, and not just your initial deposit.

Surveying is vital

Without a greater understanding of your potential new home, you can not be sure of the conditions you will be responsible for after purchase. Whilst many homes may look good from the outside, underlying structural problems or potential future problems can significantly impact the value of a property. Instead of getting caught out, you should invest in a survey on the property to get a full view of what you are investing in.

When acting as your conveyancing solicitor in Portsmouth, we can recommend some local professionals that we have worked with in the past. You can also find your own surveyor through the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

Purchasing, contracts and moving in

For every important decision during a home purchase, there is the possibility of roadblocks appearing. Whilst some are unavoidable, or out of your control, working with a conveyancing solicitor can ensure that you have done everything possible to keep your move on track and on time.

From purchasing, signing contracts and ongoing support with all stakeholders, a conveyancer can reduce the risk of delays and ensure you are legally compliant at every step of your buying process.

Is a solicitor really required for your first purchase?

Buying a home can be incredibly stressful, especially when you are doing it for the first time. If you are unsure or worried about what steps you need to take to purchase your first home then it is recommended that you make an appointment to speak to one of our professionals.

They will be able to talk you through the entire process and answer any questions that you may have.

Get support from your local solicitors in Portsmouth

Andrew & Andrew provide timely, resourceful and cost-effective legal solutions for all your conveyancing needs, and take care of all legal processes involved with your first home purchase.

We are here to help, whenever you are ready. To get started, please talk to our team.