Getting on the property ladder is a big deal, and getting started can feel like a daunting prospect.
Our estate agents are here to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
Finding out the right information saves time and helps you to work out what you really want. Remember, there’s no such thing as a silly question.
To help you on your way, our experienced agents reveal the most common questions they’ve been asked by first-time buyers.
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1. What’s the area like?
Great transport links, green spaces, bars, restaurants and good schools are all top of the agenda when it comes to location. So this is the first question to put to an agent.
Be sure to carry out your own research, too. Walk around the neighbourhood in the daytime and after dark to get a feel for traffic, atmosphere and security.
Try out your commute from the area, check out the crime statistics and look into the pollution levels too.
All of this information will help you to work out if you're looking in the right place for you.
"There’s a lot of nuances to this as the obvious things like schools and transport links that may stand out can be offset by some things," says Christian Cudd, head of sales at Hamptons in Clapham and Battersea.
"A quiet street may not be all that quiet at on a Saturday night when the pubs kick out. Ask your agent about changes to the area coming up.
"There's an area in Battersea, for example, where prices have been going up and up because of access to the new Northern Line station.
"Walk around the area at night when things can feel very different!”
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2. How long has the property been for sale?
Knowing how long a home has been on the market offers buyers some important clues on how to proceed when it comes to putting in an offer.
If it’s been on sale for a while, the seller might be prepared to accept a lower price.
If your estate agent is aware of any problems with the property – from structural issues to rowdy neighbours – they are legally obliged to tell you. So definitely ask!
“If a home hasn't sold there's likely to be a reason", says Colby Short, CEO of GetAgent.co.uk.
"It could be due to structural issues or other red flags. In any case, the agent has to give you a full rundown, so be sure to ask.
"If a property's been on the market for some time, the chances are the seller might accept a lower offer but don’t always assume so.
"In some cases, problems on the side of the buyer can cause the sale to fall through and bring the seller back to square one. If this is the case, the seller may be unlikely to adjust their price expectations.”
You might also be interested in: How long does it take to sell a house?
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3. Why is the owner selling?
It might feel a bit nosy asking this question. But, don’t worry, many first-time buyers do.
They could be downsizing, upsizing, moving within a school catchment area or getting divorced.
Knowing the answer is likely to give you a better idea of the strength of your position.
“It may seem like an intrusive question but you’re well within your rights to ask and, if anything, it’s advisable to do so," says Alice Bullard, head of commercial at Nested.
"It’s always better to know in case the reason is a negative one. If it’s due to a problem neighbour, the fact the neighbourhood has declined or there’s a mobile telephone mast being erected in the garden, then alarm bells should be ringing.
"Of course, there’s no guarantee that the seller will be 100% honest about any negative influences, so it really is down to you to research thoroughly to avoid any nasty surprises.”
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4. Is the broadband any good?
No self-respecting first-time buyer would be caught out by dodgy internet, which is why this question is among the most common put to our agents.
Keep your phone on during viewings, noting any weak spots as you walk around and check for phone coverage more generally, too.
Ask for details of their current broadband set-up, including the provider, speed and service.
"If there is a particular provider you want to use, contact them to make sure that they cover the area and can transfer your current service," says Cudd.
5. Are the coat hangers included in the sale?
Our estate agents have heard it all. You’d hope the answer to this question would not make or break a deal, but you never know.
It is a good question. You should always be 100% sure of what’s included in the price before making an offer.
After all, there’s no point falling for that cool home office pod in the garden if it isn’t staying.
"Items that are not bolted down or integrated, are not included in the sale price," says estate agent Chris Buckler of KW London Bridge.
"When you make an offer, be detailed and include anything extra you want in the email to your agent.
"I've seen sales fall through over a few hundred pounds on a hallway carpet.“
As a rule, boilers, radiators, fitted carpets and window coverings tend to be included in the sale.
White goods such as washing machines and fridges are often up for negotiation.
"We’ve even seen examples where a thrifty seller has taken all of the lightbulbs with them," says James Forrester of Barrows and Forrester.
"Always ask what will and won’t be left with the house. It can avoid disappointment on moving day, but it can also work in your favour.
"Some sellers may be willing to leave certain items of furniture either as part of the deal or for a little extra on the asking price."
6. How do I make an offer?
While you may have found the home of your dreams, it's probably worth avoiding this question. Maybe play it a bit cooler?
The answer to ‘How do I make an offer?’ is: you will need to put the amount you are prepared to pay in writing (email is fine), and the estate agent will then put this to the seller.
As a first-time buyer, you're in a strong position to negotiate. You have nothing to sell and you're not in a chain. So don’t show your hand too early.
Instead, why not ask if there have been any other offers made on the property and for how much. While the estate agent may not disclose the full details of other offers, you might get a good hint.
Our house prices tool shows you what homes have bought and sold for in any given area.
Use this information to guide you when deciding what to offer.
"The estate agent is your guide through this and should help you all the way through, alongside your solicitor," says Cudd.
"Ask about other offers on the property, this may reveal how flexible the pricing is and what you could potentially negotiate."
7. Can I speak to the seller directly?
You may meet and chat to the owner during a viewing. But the agent's job is to broker the deal between you and the seller.
Once an offer is accepted, you may be able to swap details with the seller if they agree, so you can communicate if needed.
But mostly, any communication over the sale will be between you, your estate agents and your solicitors.
“Communicating with the seller is largely restricted, especially during the negotiation and offer stage, and there’s good reason," says Marc von Grundherr of Benham and Reeves.
"It’s our job to negotiate and advise a seller on their best options and they can sometimes be stubborn when it comes to dropping their asking price.
"An anxious or over-enthusiastic first-time buyer can also hinder the process by over-communicating.
"Hitting the seller with a constant barrage isn’t advisable when they’re going through one of the most stressful processes in life. In fact, it can put them off selling to you.”
8. Do I really need to pay for a full survey?
Although they hear this question a lot, the estate agent can’t answer it on your behalf.
Having a survey is not a legal requirement but, as you are about to make a huge financial commitment, it’s a very good idea.
There are three levels of survey to choose from. But a mortgage lender's ‘valuation survey’ is not one of them. This only confirms the property is worth what you have agreed to pay for it.
New-build homes could be an exception as they are covered by a 10-year NHBC guarantee, although it may still be worth getting a ‘snagging survey' done.
Find out about the options for surveys here.
“Better safe than sorry in most cases!" says Cudd. "The only exceptions is with new builds built within the last 10 years, as everything will generally be under warranty.
"Your valuation survey from the bank is ‘skin deep’ so may not raise anything that needs attention straight away. Better to swallow the cost of a home buyers survey than find something nasty a few days after moving in!”
9. Can I bring my pet?
Not as odd a question as it sounds. Don’t assume that, just because you're buying a home, you'll be able to bring your pet with you.
If you are buying the freehold to a property, then of course you can keep animals.
But if you're buying a leasehold home, there may be covenants within the lease that prevent you from keeping certain types of pets.
Make sure your solicitor checks the terms of the lease thoroughly.
"Never assume!" says Cudd. "Some leasehold properties prohibit pets and this could end up in a sticky situation if you haven’t checked.
"Freehold houses are generally free and clear of any restrictions like this."
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