Buying a house can be overwhelming - especially for first-timers. Our comprehensive first-time buyer guide will help you every step of the way. We take you step-by-step through the entire buying journey, from saving for a deposit right through to often forgotten costs, in this first-time buyer guide.
Here is everything you need to know:
• Save a deposit
• Mortgages
• Stamp Duty
• Other costs
• Find a property
• Put in an offer
• Exchange contracts and complete
First of all, make sure that buying a house for the first time makes better emotional and financial sense than renting. It will probably be one, if not the most expensive purchase, you've made.
Consider the pros and cons of each option before you start the home buying process. And remember to factor in the ongoing costs of maintaining the property once you are a landlord.
If you have decided that purchasing a house is the right option, you will need to work out your budget. This means spending some time on your finances.
Save a deposit
You need to establish how much cash you can put towards the cost of a new home. Generally, the bigger your deposit – the equity you put towards the cost of your new home - the better mortgage rates you will be offered, and the lower your monthly mortgage payments will be.
You should try and save a minimum of 10% of the cost of the property to obtain a mortgage (although some lenders do offer deals for a 5% deposit). A deposit of least 25 per cent will allow you to access the best deals.
It is worth saving as soon as possible. Research by housing charity Shelter suggested that young families need to save for 12 years to build up a 20 per cent deposit to buy a house or flat in England.
Read more about first-time home buyer deposits.
Mortgages
Unless you are in a position to buy a property with cash, you are going to need a mortgage. Simply put, a mortgage is a loan from a bank or non-bank lender against a house or flat. The borrower has to pay back the loan in addition to accrued interest. This may all sound extremely daunting, but it is the case for most first-time home buyers and the more research you do, the better.
You can learn more about mortgages by searching for the best mortgage rates and mortgage deals online, surfing mortgage comparison websites, and reading online news and guides on mortgages, such as our advice pages. You can also speak with friends and family as well as contacting banks and building societies about the mortgages they offer. You may like to speak with a mortgage adviser, who will be able to help you to fill out your mortgage application - but you will need to pay for their advice. There are other professionals working in the mortgage market who can offer help and advice too, including housebuilding companies, mortgage brokers and Independent Financial Advisors.
The type of mortgage you opt for will largely depend on the size of your deposit. For example, if you are buying a property worth $150,000 with a 10 per cent deposit, you will need $15,000 in cash. Generally, you can secure more competitively-priced mortgages with around a 25 per cent deposit.
Lenders have rigorous checks in place post-2008 credit crisis to ensure that you will be able to keep up with your mortgage payments, particularly if your circumstances change or interest rates rise.
You will need to show proof of your income and outgoings, such as household bills and other living costs. You will also need evidence of your financial profile, such as bank statements and payslips.
You should secure an agreement in principle from the lender to speed the buying process up further down the line. It is not a guaranteed offer but it shows estate agents that you're a serious first-time home buyer.
Read more about first-time home buyer mortgages.
Stamp Duty
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a tax paid when you buy property or land over a certain value in Ghana. SDLT rates depend on the value of your property. The higher the value, the higher the amount of tax you are required to pay.
Other costs
Bear in mind the other costs associated with buying a home. The lender will charge you for entering into a mortgage agreement. It may also ask you to cover the cost of assessing the value of the property you intend to purchase, known as a valuation fee.
Once you have found the home you want to buy, you will most likely need to hire a chartered surveyor to check that the building is structurally sound.
They will flag up any potential issues before you sign on the dotted line. The cost of a survey can vary, depending on how thorough it is. However, it can save you money on repairs and maintenance in the long run.
It is also highly advisable to appoint a property solicitor - known as a conveyancer - to manage the legal side of the purchase. It may be tempting to do yourself, but they will draw up the contract, deal with the Land Registry and manage Stamp Duty charges. Land Registry fees, like Stamp Duty, vary depending on how much your property is worth.
Read more about What does a conveyancer do?
Other costs to consider include the hire of a removal firm and redecoration. Be careful to consider these costs when buying a home as they are often forgotten.
Read more about first-time home buyer fees.
Find a property
With your budget in place, you will now be in a much better position to start your hunt to find a property. Consider whether you'd like to buy a house or a flat? Would you prefer a new build home or an existing property? You can start searching for homes for sale by navigating property portals, such as ours.
You can beat the crowd and be the first to know about new properties matching your requirements by signing up for a property alert. You can also register your interest with estate agents and house builders operating in the area you are looking to buy, and keep an eye on the property pages in local newspapers and magazines.
When it comes to viewing properties, it is often a good idea to bring a friend or family member with you. If you fall in love with a particular house or flat, they will be able to keep your feet on the ground and remind you to ask for the important details. There are several questions worth keeping in mind when viewing properties as these will help determine if it is right for you. They include:
• How long has the house been on the market?
• Why is the vendor selling the property?
• Has the vendor found another property - otherwise you may find yourself unable to move in for several months longer than you had initially expected?
• Have any other offers been made on the property to help determine what offer you should make if you want to proceed with a purchase?
• What is included in the sale?
As a first-time home buyer, you will be more attractive to vendors as you don't have another place to sell, so you will be able to move more quickly. It's a good opportunity to speak with the neighbours to see whether they would are like-minded. They may also reveal information the vendor might not want to share with you.
Put in an offer
Once you have found your dream home, you will need to put in an offer to the vendor via the estate agent. You may need to provide proof that, as a first-time home buyer, you can secure a mortgage. This is where an agreement in principle comes in handy.
As a first-time home buyer, you're in a strong position to negotiate because you are not part of a chain. When your offer has been accepted, you will need to apply for your mortgage formally.
This is also the point to get surveys carried out on the home you'd like to buy. Now you are on the final stretch of the home buying journey - and it is largely managed by solicitors.
Exchange contracts and complete
Your solicitor will start all the legal and administrative work associated with transferring the property, known as conveyancing. This includes arranging Stamp Duty, contacting Land Registry, transferring money during the sale, and acting as a general intermediary between you, the lender and the seller.
You will agree the terms of the sale – including who you are, how much the house or flat is transacting for, and a completion date, when you can move into your new home. Your mortgage will now be approved. Your lender may require you to insure the property as part of the approval process.
The contracts will then be exchanged and you are locked into a legally binding deal to buy the house or flat. At this point, you will need to put down your deposit. On completion day, you will be able to pick up the keys from the estate agent or seller.
Finally, don't forget to alert friends, family and organisations, such as your employer, bank and mobile phone company, of your change of address.