Buying your first home is a huge milestone. It’s exciting, empowering and the start of a brand-new chapter, but if you’re completely new to the process, it can also feel a little overwhelming at first.
From sorting out your budget and understanding mortgages to viewing homes and making an offer, there’s a lot to think about when you’re looking for your first home. The good news? You don’t need to have it all figured out from day one.
With the right preparation and a little guidance, finding the best first home for you can feel much more manageable - and even enjoyable too.
This guide walks you through every stage of the journey, including what to do before buying a house, how to search effectively, what to look for when viewing a house, how to compare properties and what happens when you’re ready to make an offer.
Whether you’re just starting to browse online or already arranging viewings, these practical house hunting tips will help you move forward with confidence.
You can also explore the Persimmon first-time buyer hub for more guidance, tools and support.
Before you dive into property searches and weekend viewings, it’s worth taking a little time to prepare properly first. Getting organised early can help you feel more confident, narrow down your options and make the whole experience feel far less stressful.
One of the first steps in understanding how to start buying a house is getting clear on your finances.
Most first-time buyers will need:
Mortgage lenders will look at things like your income, spending habits and credit history before deciding how much they’re willing to lend. That’s why it’s a good idea to check your credit score early and start building healthy financial habits where possible.
If you’re still saving for a deposit, don’t panic if it feels like a long journey. Small steps can make a big difference over time and having a clear savings goal can help you stay motivated.
You can learn more in our guides to saving for a deposit and mortgages and credit scores.
Understanding your budget before you start viewing homes can save you a lot of time and help you focus on properties that genuinely work for you.
When setting your budget, remember to think beyond the property price itself. You’ll also need to factor in:
This is one of the most important parts of any first home checklist because it helps make sure your home feels affordable and comfortable long term.
While it can be tempting to stretch your budget for your dream home, it’s important to leave yourself some breathing room too. Buying your first home should feel exciting, not financially overwhelming.
Our budget and affordability guide can help you understand what you may be able to afford.
Before you start booking viewings, it helps to think carefully about what you really want from your first home.
Start by splitting your priorities into:
Your must haves could include:
Nice to haves might include:
Having a clear idea of your priorities can make it much easier to find your first home without feeling overwhelmed by endless listings.
It’s also helpful to think about your future plans. Even if this isn’t your forever home, choosing a property that can adapt to your lifestyle over the next few years can make a big difference.
Finding the right home is about more than the property itself. The location you choose can have a huge impact on your day-to-day life too.
When researching areas, think about:
If possible, spend time in the area before making any decisions. Visit during the day, in the evening and at weekends so you can get a proper feel for the neighbourhood.
You might discover hidden gems you hadn’t considered before, or realise somewhere doesn’t quite suit your lifestyle after all.
When thinking about what to do before buying a house, it’s important to understand all the costs involved, not just your deposit.
Additional costs can include:
Planning for these costs early can help you budget more accurately and avoid unexpected surprises later in the process.
You can explore more practical advice in our first-time buyer guides.
Once you’ve prepared financially and know what you’re looking for, the exciting part begins, starting your search.
Understanding how to find your first home effectively can help make the process feel much more manageable and enjoyable.
Most buyers begin by searching online through trusted property websites and developer pages.
Using filters can help narrow down your search based on:
This can make looking for your first home feel far less overwhelming and help you focus on homes that genuinely suit your lifestyle.
The property market can move quickly, especially in popular locations.
Setting up alerts on property websites means you’ll receive notifications whenever homes matching your criteria become available.
It’s a simple step, but it can make a big difference and help you stay one step ahead during your search.
Online research is useful, but nothing beats exploring an area in person.
Spend time walking around local neighbourhoods and getting a feel for what everyday life there could look like. Visit nearby shops, cafés, parks and transport links to see whether the area suits your routine and lifestyle.
Sometimes, a location can surprise you in the best possible way once you experience it properly.
Registering with local estate agents can help you hear about properties before they appear online.
Estate agents may contact you directly if a suitable home becomes available, which can be especially useful in competitive areas where homes sell quickly.
Be clear about your:
The more information you provide, the easier it is for agents to help you narrow down your search.
When comparing a new build vs old home, it’s worth thinking carefully about what matters most to you.
New build homes can offer:
Older homes may offer:
For many first-time buyers, new builds can feel like a simpler and more practical option because there’s often less maintenance to worry about during the first few years.
There are also schemes designed to help eligible buyers onto the property ladder. Explore our first-time buyer schemes to learn more about the support available.
After a few viewings, it’s completely normal for properties to start blending together.
Creating a shortlist can help you compare homes more clearly and stay focused on your priorities.
Keep notes on:
Taking photos and writing down your first impressions after each viewing can also make it easier when deciding how to choose a home later on.
Understanding what to look for when viewing a house can help you make more informed decisions and spot potential issues before moving forward.
Try to look beyond décor and furniture and focus on how the property actually functions day to day.
When viewing a home, pay close attention to the overall condition of the property.
Things to look out for include:
Don’t feel embarrassed about asking questions during viewings. Buying a home is a major investment and it’s important to understand exactly what you’re walking into.
The area around a property matters just as much as the property itself.
Pay attention to:
If possible, revisit the area at different times of day so you can get a better feel for what it would actually be like to live there.
A home might look great now, but it’s important to think about whether it will still work for you in a few years’ time.
Ask yourself:
Thinking ahead can help you make a more confident decision when deciding how to choose the right home.
Comparing a new build vs old home often comes down to personal preference and lifestyle priorities.
New build homes are designed for modern living and can offer:
Older homes may appeal to buyers looking for:
For many first-time buyers, new builds offer extra reassurance thanks to warranties and fewer immediate repair concerns.
Once you’ve viewed several properties, choosing between them can suddenly feel like the hardest part.
When deciding how to choose the right home, try to focus on:
No property is likely to tick every single box - and that’s completely okay.
One of the best house hunting tips is to focus on how a home makes you feel alongside the practical details. Can you picture yourself living there day to day? Does the space suit your routine and lifestyle?
It’s also important not to rush into a decision because you feel pressured by the market. Take time to compare your options properly and revisit homes if needed.
Remember, your first property doesn’t need to be your forever home. The best first home is one that suits your life right now and helps you take that exciting first step onto the property ladder.
You can also read real experiences from buyers in our customer stories section.
Once you’ve found the property you love, the next step is making an offer on a house.
This stage can feel nerve-racking for first-time buyers, but it’s also one of the most exciting moments in the journey.
Before making an offer, it helps to have:
Sellers and estate agents are often more likely to take your offer seriously if you can show that you’re financially prepared and ready to move forward.
Offers are usually submitted through the estate agent or directly to the developer.
You’ll normally need to provide:
Once submitted, the seller can:
Don’t panic if negotiations happen. This is a completely normal part of the buying process and doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll lose the property.
Many buyers feel nervous about negotiating on a house, especially for the first time.
The good news is that first-time buyers are often attractive to sellers because they’re chain-free, which can help make the process smoother and quicker.
Researching local property prices can help you understand whether a home is fairly priced and give you more confidence during negotiations.
Most importantly, know your maximum budget and try not to overstretch yourself financially, even if emotions are running high.
Once your offer is accepted, the legal and financial process begins.
This stage usually includes:
Your solicitor will guide you through the legal side of the process while your mortgage lender carries out final checks before releasing funds.
This stage can sometimes feel slower than the excitement of house hunting, but staying organised and responding quickly to requests can help keep things moving smoothly.
Before you know it, you could be collecting the keys to your very first home.
You can learn more about the final stages of buying and moving home in our completing and moving guide.
Buying your first home can feel like a big step, but with the right preparation and support, the process becomes much easier to navigate.
From learning what to do before buying a house to understanding what to look for when viewing a house and confidently making an offer on a house, every stage brings you closer to owning your first home.
At Persimmon, we’re here to support you throughout the journey with practical advice, helpful tools and homes designed for modern living.
Explore our first-time buyer hub to discover more guidance, inspiration and support as you begin your journey to home ownership.
These stories explore how couples navigated the buying process and found a home they love that suited both their lifestyle and future plans.
No matter where you are in your home buying journey, we hope that hearing real experiences from other buyers helped you feel informed, inspired and ready to take the next step.
Speak to one of our friendly sales advisors today to see what’s possible.
Choose your ideal location, explore our homes, and find a place you’ll love.
Learn how to set your homebuying budget, from deposits and mortgages to extra costs.
Understand mortgages, credit scores, lender checks and how to get mortgage‑ready as a first‑time buyer.
Find out how much deposit you need, the average first‑time buyer deposit, and the best ways to save faster.
Discover how to buy your first home faster with expert help, flexible options and tailored support.
Learn to budget, search and view homes, compare options, and make an offer on your first home.
Learn what completion day means and what happens between offer acceptance and completion.
First-time buyer guides covering everything you need to buy with confidence.
Explore real stories from first-time buyers using schemes to find their dream home and settle in.
