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When it comes to buying your first home, there are lots of things to consider. When you're searching through listings on property sites like finlaybrewer.co.uk and trying to narrow down your choices you might be wondering whether to buy a new build with all of its guarantees? Or, do you purchase a house that needs a bit of work but might save you some money? There are pros and cons for each, so here is a list of the top things to look out for when you’re buying your first home.
Are the fixtures and fittings included?
If you’re buying a house, you want to get as much included in the sale price as possible. The additional items can soon add up on top of the purchase price. Some sellers will do deals to include the carpets and light fittings, and some may even leave the cooker and fridge freezer behind for a set amount. The more you can get, the better. You can always replace them at a later date, but it’s useful to have when you first move in.
How easy is it to repair structural issues?
Obviously, if your survey of the house throws up any issues, you’ll want to consider if you are up to doing the work. If you enlist the help of a professional, you can get quotes on how much it will cost to fix and what building repairs need doing. You can always use that as a great bargaining tool when it comes to making an offer.
Can we add space to the house?
If it’s your first home, you might not consider how the house will grow with you. However, if you decide to extend your family, you might find the two-bed house that is big enough now starts to feel claustrophobic. You can always get an idea of how easy it is to extend by looking at other properties down the street. If they have loft extensions or big double storey ones, then chances are you’ll be able to do the same.
Can you still get a deal with a new build?
Buying a new home probably leaves less room for deals, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be done. If you are choosing everything from the ground up, try and negotiate some better upgrades such as a luxury flooring or a higher quality kitchen worktop. These are things that save you DIY later on, and also mean you can start out with the house exactly as you want it. The great thing about new homes is you can be one of the first to secure your plot and get exactly what you're after, this way you can have the exact spot on Fenwick Islands beaches in the East Gate subdivision that you desire for your family home.
Is it affordable?
If you find your dream house, you need to make sure you can afford it. There are plenty of mortgage calculators around that help you decide whether or not the repayments will be affordable for you. There is the government’s Help To Buy scheme which can help some first-time buyers with their deposit, so it’s always worth checking that out.
Remember the hidden costs
House buying isn’t just about sorting the mortgage and a new sofa. You’ll have to factor in stamp duty, legal fees and removal costs amongst others. Once you have a budget in place, you’ll feel more confident about covering all of the house buying costs.
