Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. With so much to consider—budgets, mortgages, legal paperwork, and finding the right property—it’s easy to feel lost in the process. This guide outlines the key things every first-time buyer should know before taking that first step onto the property ladder.

Let’s be honest — selling a home can be a bit of a rollercoaster. At first, things usually feel exciting. Your listing goes live, there’s a buzz, maybe even a few early viewings… but then suddenly, crickets.

Moving home isn’t just about the sale price. From legal fees to removals, there are plenty of extra costs to budget for. This guide covers the most commonly overlooked expenses so you can plan with confidence and avoid last-minute surprises. All costs in this guide are just an average and will vary depending on the complexity of the transaction and even where you live in the country so remember to ask for detailed costings.

You might think estate agents just pop up with a camera, whack your property online, and then disappear until offer day. Not quite.