With so many options available, knowing where to begin your home search can make all the difference. From property websites to local estate agents, the choices can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re buying for the first time. Whether you’re stepping onto the ladder or making your next move, this step-by-step guide will help you navigate the process and make informed choices from day one.
Related: Find Your Dream Home with Nicholas Humphreys
Step 1: Be clear on what you need (and what you don’t)
Before you start scrolling through listings, take a moment to define what really matters. This will help you filter the noise and focus on the homes that genuinely suit your lifestyle.
Consider:
- How many bedrooms do you need – now and in the future?
- Do you want a garden, parking, or a home office?
- Are you looking for a low-maintenance flat or a family-sized semi?
Make two lists: one for must-haves, and one for features you’d like but can live without. This small step keeps your search focused and avoids decision fatigue.
Step 2: Know your numbers early
Your budget isn’t just about what you’d like to spend, it’s what you can afford. That means looking beyond the asking price and factoring in everything from deposits to solicitor fees.
Start with:
- Speaking to a mortgage broker
- Securing a Mortgage in Principle (MIP)
- Accounting for Stamp Duty, surveys, and removals
- Setting a clear upper limit and sticking to it
Being financially prepared puts you in a stronger position when the right property appears.
Step 3: Choose a location that fits your lifestyle
Where you live matters just as much as what you buy. Think about how the area will support your everyday life and longer-term plans.
Ask yourself:
- How long is the commute, and are there good transport links?
- What are the local schools like?
- Do you want a quiet street, a busy high street, or somewhere in between?
- Is there green space nearby?
- Will this area still suit you in five years?
Spend time in the area at different times of day. Visit parks, shops, and local cafes. Get a feel for the community, it’s the only way to really know if it’s right for you.
Related: Five signs you’ve outgrown your home
Step 4: Start browsing smart
Property websites like Rightmove, Zoopla and OnTheMarket are a great starting point, offering instant access to listings nationwide. Use filters, save your searches, and set up alerts to stay ahead. You can also browse listings directly on the Nicholas Humphreys website for the latest homes in your area.
Related: Why Buy with Nicholas Humphreys
Step 5: Work with a local expert (and get ahead of the market)
While online searches are helpful, a trusted estate agent is your most valuable asset. We understand local trends, know which areas are on the up, and often hear about homes before they’re publicly listed.
That means we can offer insight no website can, like which streets offer the best value, or which school catchments are most in demand. And when we know what you’re looking for, we’ll contact you directly with early opportunities that match.
Step 6: Take your time to check the details
Found a property that ticks your boxes? Great. But don’t rush in without doing your homework.
Make sure to:
- Book a professional survey
- Review local planning applications
- Visit the property at different times of day
- Speak to neighbours to understand the street dynamic
These checks give you peace of mind and help you avoid unwanted surprises.
Related: How to buy an abandoned property
Step 7: Making an offer and moving things forward
Once you’ve found the right home, it’s time to negotiate. Be confident, especially if you have your MIP ready and a solicitor lined up. The steps from offer to completion include:
- Offer acceptance
- Instructing solicitors
- Survey and mortgage finalisation
- Exchange of contracts and deposit payment
- Completion and key collection
A local agent can keep the process smooth and help you navigate any bumps along the way.
Step 8: Explore help-to-buy schemes if you’re eligible
Buying for the first time? Government-backed schemes might offer a helping hand. Popular options include:
- Shared Ownership – buy a portion, pay rent on the rest
- First Homes – discounted homes for local buyers
- Lifetime ISA (LISA) – savings boosted with a government top-up
Not all schemes are available in every area, but if you qualify, they could help you buy sooner than you think.
Start your search with Nicholas Humphreys
The right home is closer than you think, if you know where to look. By combining smart search tools with local insight, you can avoid the noise and focus on what really matters.
At Nicholas Humphreys, we’re here to help you navigate every step, from your first search to picking up the keys. Whether you’re buying your first home or your next, our local experts are ready to support your move.
View available properties or get in touch with our local branch.
