Buying a home in the UK only looks complicated until you break it into clear steps. For most people the biggest stress comes not from the purchase itself but from not knowing what to do first and what they might be overlooking. This checklist is your starting point: seven practical steps worth ticking off before you even begin viewing properties. Each step links to a fuller guide, so you can dig deeper wherever you need to. The aim is simple — to leave you feeling confident when you buy, rather than out of your depth.
Don't start by scrolling property portals — start with the numbers. People who sort out their budget and Mortgage in Principle first go on to buy more quickly and with less stress, because they know exactly where their limits are and don't fall for homes they can't afford.
1. Set a clear budget
The first and most important step is finding out what you can realistically afford. Your budget is made up of more than the deposit (usually from 5% to 10%+ of the price) — there are extra costs too: Stamp Duty, solicitor's fees, a survey, lender and valuation fees, and moving. This money is needed in cash, and your mortgage won't cover it. Put everything in one list so there are no surprises. How to plan your whole home-buying budget →
2. Check your credit history and tidy up your finances
Before they lend, banks look at your credit history. Check it for free (for example through Experian, Equifax or TransUnion), correct any errors, and make sure you're on the electoral roll at your address — it helps your creditworthiness. In the run-up to an application, avoid taking on new credit or unusually large spending. Tidy, stable accounts over the last few months improve your chances of a better interest rate.
3. Get a Mortgage in Principle
A Mortgage in Principle (MIP) is a preliminary estimate from a lender or broker of how much you could borrow. It isn't final approval, but this certificate shows sellers and agents that you're a serious buyer and helps you set a realistic search ceiling. A MIP usually lasts around 60–90 days. It's worth having one before you start actively viewing homes, so you can move quickly to make an offer. More on mortgages and a Mortgage in Principle →
4. Work out your Stamp Duty
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) in England and Northern Ireland can be one of the biggest "hidden" costs of buying. First-time buyers get relief — 0% up to £300,000. If you're buying a second home or an investment, a +5% surcharge is added to every band, which changes the final figure dramatically. Work this tax out in advance and build it into your budget — plenty of people forget it or get the sums wrong. Stamp Duty rates, worked examples and relief →
A good purchase starts not with a pretty home but with a clear number. Once you know your budget, your Mortgage in Principle and your Stamp Duty, everything else gets a great deal simpler.
5. Choose the area and check the neighbourhood
You can repaint or refurbish a home, but you can't move the area. Before you fall for a particular house, give the location some time: check transport links, schools, shops, noise, crime and any planned developments. Visit at different times of day — mornings and evenings can paint a very different picture. Talk to your future neighbours and look into how local prices are moving. How to check the area and the neighbourhood →
6. Check the home's EPC and condition
Every home for sale must have an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) — an energy efficiency rating. It shows how much heating is likely to cost and the property's rating band. A rented home must currently be at least band E, and from 1 October 2030 the requirement tightens to band C — important if you're thinking about letting or reselling. Beyond the EPC, assess the physical condition too: damp, the roof, windows, the heating system. For a more significant purchase it's worth booking a professional survey. What an EPC certificate is and why it matters →
7. Find a solicitor and make your offer
The last bit of groundwork is choosing a solicitor or conveyancer to handle the legal side of the purchase: the searches, the contracts and the transfer of ownership. It's worth having one lined up before you make an offer, so you can move quickly once it's accepted. When you do make an offer, be specific: say that you have a MIP and a solicitor in place and are ready to go. That often decides which buyer a seller chooses to favour.
We help you work through all of these steps in order — from your budget and Mortgage in Principle through to your Stamp Duty calculation, checking the area and choosing a solicitor. We explain everything clearly, coordinate with brokers and solicitors, and flag the things that usually go unnoticed. No obligation — just clarity from the very start.
Quick checklist
- 1. Budget: deposit + all the extra costs, in cash.
- 2. Credit: check your history, the electoral roll, and avoid new credit.
- 3. Mortgage in Principle: find out your real borrowing ceiling.
- 4. Stamp Duty: work out the tax based on your status.
- 5. The area: check the neighbourhood at different times of day.
- 6. EPC and condition: the energy rating and a physical inspection.
- 7. Solicitor + offer: be ready to move quickly.
This list is only a starting point. Each step has its own nuances, so dig into the individual guides whenever you need to, or just ask. Browse all our guides →