By Lucy Williams – Mortgage & Protection Adviser, Sturgess Mortgage Solutions
Buying your first home is one of the most exciting milestones in life, but it can also feel overwhelming. As a Mortgage & Protection Adviser at Sturgess Mortgage Solutions, I speak with first-time buyers every week who are unsure where to start.
The good news is that with the right guidance, the process can be much smoother than you might expect.
Here are five of the most common mistakes first-time buyers make – and how you can avoid them.
1. Not Speaking to a Mortgage Adviser Early Enough
One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is starting their property search before understanding what they can actually borrow.
A mortgage adviser can arrange an Agreement in Principle (AIP), which gives you a clear idea of your borrowing power and shows estate agents that you’re a serious buyer.
This helps you:
• Search within the right price range
• Strengthen your position when making an offer
• Avoid disappointment later in the process
2. Forgetting About Additional Costs
Saving a deposit is only part of the picture.
Many first-time buyers forget about the other costs involved, such as:
• Solicitor fees
• Survey costs
• Mortgage product fees
• Moving expenses
Planning for these early helps avoid financial stress later on.
3. Making Big Financial Changes Before Completion
Once your mortgage application is underway, it’s important to keep your finances stable.
We always advise clients not to:
• Take out new credit
• Change jobs without discussing it first
• Make large purchases on finance
Lenders may carry out final checks before completion, so maintaining consistency is key.
4. Focusing Only on the Interest Rate
It’s natural to look for the lowest interest rate, but the overall cost of the mortgage is what really matters.
Sometimes a slightly higher rate with lower fees or cashback can actually work out cheaper.
This is where independent advice is valuable — we compare the whole market to find the right deal for your circumstances, not just the lowest headline rate.
5. Trying to Do Everything Alone
Buying your first home involves several moving parts: estate agents, solicitors, lenders, and surveys.
Having someone guide you through the process can make a huge difference.
At Sturgess Mortgage Solutions, we work closely with clients from the initial conversation all the way through to completion, helping keep everything on track and removing as much stress as possible.
Final Thoughts
Buying your first home should be an exciting journey, not a confusing one.
If you're thinking about purchasing in the near future, starting with a simple conversation can make all the difference.
Lucy Williams
Mortgage & Protection Adviser
Sturgess Mortgage Solutions
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