What costs do first-time buyers need to budget for?

Beyond your deposit, it's worth budgeting for Stamp Duty Land Tax (first-time buyers often benefit from relief up to a certain property value, though thresholds change periodically), a survey or valuation, solicitor or conveyancer fees, and any mortgage arrangement fees.

It's easy to focus entirely on the deposit and be caught out by the smaller costs around it — most of which fall due in the weeks around exchange and completion.

Always check current Stamp Duty thresholds on gov.uk, or ask us directly, before budgeting around a specific figure.