Everything first time buyers need in one guide, how long buying a house takes from start to finish, every step of the buying process, the questions to ask when viewing a property, questions to ask when making an offer, and a complete checklist to take you from mortgage in principle to keys in hand.
Buying a house as a first time buyer typically takes 3 to 6 months from searching to completion. Once an offer is accepted, the legal process takes 8 to 12 weeks. Getting a mortgage in principle before you start viewing is the single most impactful thing you can do to speed up the process and strengthen your offers.
The total time to buy a house as a first time buyer depends on how quickly you find the right property and the complexity of the transaction once an offer is accepted. The property search phase is entirely in your control; the legal process is largely not.
| Phase | What happens | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Mortgage in principle, savings in place, solicitor instructed | 1 to 4 weeks |
| Property search | Viewing properties, making offers | 1 to 12 weeks, highly variable |
| Offer to mortgage offer | Full mortgage application, lender valuation, offer issued | 2 to 5 weeks |
| Conveyancing | Searches, enquiries, exchange of contracts | 6 to 10 weeks |
| Exchange to completion | Final preparations, moving day, keys released | 1 to 4 weeks |
| Total (offer to completion) | Full legal process | 8 to 12 weeks |
| Total (start to finish) | Search through to keys | 3 to 6 months |
The biggest variable in how long it takes to buy a house is how long the property search takes. Some first time buyers find the right home in two weeks; others take six months. Having a mortgage in principle ready before viewing means you can act immediately when you find it.
Getting a mortgage in principle before viewing; instructing a solicitor before your offer is accepted; being responsive to solicitor requests for documents; choosing a property with a short or no chain; and having your deposit funds readily available rather than in fixed-term savings accounts.
These are the ten steps every first time buyer goes through, in order. Each step feeds the next, being prepared at each stage prevents delays at the one that follows.
| Step | What to do | Key action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sort your deposit | Calculate how much you have saved. Check whether a Lifetime ISA, gifted deposit or Right to Buy applies to your situation. |
| 2 | Get a mortgage in principle | Speak to a whole-of-market mortgage broker before serious viewings. Get a mortgage in principle to confirm your maximum borrowing and strengthen your offers. |
| 3 | Find a property | Use Rightmove and Zoopla. Register with local estate agents. Be ready to view quickly, good properties sell fast. |
| 4 | Make an offer | Make your offer through the estate agent. Reference your mortgage in principle and confirm you are a first time buyer with no chain to strengthen your position. |
| 5 | Instruct a solicitor | Instruct a conveyancing solicitor as soon as your offer is accepted. Have one chosen in advance. Delays at this stage are avoidable. |
| 6 | Submit full mortgage application | Your broker submits the full application to the chosen lender. Provide all documents requested promptly to avoid delays to the mortgage offer. |
| 7 | Commission a survey | Do not rely on the lender's valuation. Commission a homebuyer survey or full structural survey to identify any issues before you exchange. |
| 8 | Conveyancing | Your solicitor conducts searches, raises enquiries and reviews the title. Chase promptly if you hear nothing for more than a week at any stage. |
| 9 | Exchange of contracts | Both parties sign and exchange contracts. You pay the deposit (usually 10%). The completion date is agreed. You are now legally committed. |
| 10 | Completion | Remaining funds transfer. Ownership legally changes hands. You collect the keys. Your solicitor pays stamp duty and registers the property at the Land Registry. |
A viewing is your opportunity to find out information that is not in the listing and that your solicitor cannot discover for you. These questions separate a thorough buyer from one who relies entirely on what the estate agent tells them.
Why is the seller moving?
Reveals motivation and urgency. A seller who needs to move quickly may accept a lower offer.How long has it been on the market?
If it has been listed for months, there may be negotiating room on price or undisclosed issues.Has the price been reduced?
A price reduction suggests the original asking price was too high or early interest was low.Have there been any previous offers?
Knowing offers fell through, and why, can reveal issues with surveys or the seller's situation.What is included in the sale?
Fixtures, fittings, white goods and carpets are negotiable. Clarify early to avoid disputes.What is the seller's preferred timescale?
If you can match their preferred completion date, your offer is stronger even if not the highest.Is the property freehold or leasehold?
Leasehold means you own the property but not the land. Check lease length, below 80 years can cause mortgage and resale problems.How old is the boiler and when was it last serviced?
Boiler replacement costs £2,000 to £5,000. Ask for the service history and Gas Safety Certificate.Has there been any subsidence, flooding or structural issues?
Sellers must disclose known material defects. Environmental searches will check flood risk independently.What are the utility bills approximately?
High energy costs can significantly affect monthly running costs. Check the EPC rating too.Is there any damp, mould or condensation?
Check corners, behind furniture and under windows. Damp can be expensive to remediate and affect mortgage lending.What is the broadband speed available?
Important for remote workers. Check Ofcom's broadband checker rather than relying on the estate agent's answer.A first viewing during a weekday morning gives a different impression from an evening or weekend visit. Noise levels, parking availability, and the character of the street can all change significantly. Any property you are seriously considering making an offer on should be viewed at least twice.
Beyond the viewings, there are key questions to ask your mortgage broker, solicitor and the estate agent before you exchange contracts.
How much can I borrow and what is the monthly payment?
Get the maximum figure and a realistic figure based on your comfortable monthly budget, these are often different.Should I fix for 2 or 5 years?
Depends on your view of rates, plans to move, and whether you want payment certainty. Your broker models both scenarios.What are the total costs of buying, mortgage fees, survey, solicitor?
The true cost of buying includes arrangement fees, legal fees, survey, stamp duty and moving costs.What documents do I need to provide for the application?
Gather payslips, P60, bank statements and ID in advance. Having them ready prevents application delays.Are there any first time buyer schemes I qualify for?
Lifetime ISA bonus, Mortgage Guarantee Scheme. Your broker identifies which products are available to you.How long will the mortgage offer be valid?
Most mortgage offers are valid for 3 to 6 months. New build purchases may need extended validity.What does the title show about the property?
The title register reveals restrictions, covenants and rights affecting the property, ask for a plain English summary.What did the searches show?
Local authority, environmental and drainage searches can reveal planning issues, flood risk or ground instability.Are there any outstanding disputes or planning applications nearby?
A proposed development or neighbour dispute will not necessarily appear in searches but can affect your enjoyment.What is the stamp duty payable on this property?
Your solicitor calculates the exact SDLT amount. Confirm whether first time buyer relief applies to your purchase.Call 01422 354011 or use the form below. We help first time buyers get mortgage-ready before their first viewing, so they can move quickly when the right property comes along.
Get First-Time Buyer Mortgage AdviceUse this checklist to track your progress from the first steps through to collecting the keys. Each group corresponds to a stage in the buying process.
As a whole-of-market mortgage broker, we help first time buyers understand their maximum borrowing, total buying costs, and the right mortgage product before they start viewing, so they can move quickly when the right property comes along.
Initial discussion free. A broker fee of £299 is payable if you choose to proceed following a formal mortgage offer. This fee is non-refundable once charged. We may also receive commission from the lender. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Get First-Time Buyer Mortgage AdviceGeneral information: This article is for general guidance only and does not constitute regulated mortgage or legal advice. Buying timescales are indicative and vary by transaction, chain length and market conditions.
Regulatory status: Woodhall Mortgages is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 762513). Whole-of-market mortgage broker. Not all lenders or products may be included.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Buying a home or reviewing your mortgage can feel complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. A quick conversation can give you clarity on your options, your budget, and the next realistic steps. There is no obligation and no pressure, just straightforward guidance tailored to you. Complete the short form below and we will be in touch to help you move forward with confidence.
