From the initial financial foundations to the final legal steps that make a new Kellen home officially yours, this first-time buyer checklist has everything you need for a well-prepared start.
Getting started
Before you start to look at our range of new homes in Manchester, first you’ll want to get your paperwork and budget sorted. This will make your initial conversations with mortgage advisors easier and help you understand exactly how much you can borrow. You should start by:
- Checking your credit score and correcting any inaccuracies
- Saving for a deposit (typically,5-10% minimum)
- Exploring saving support options, like a Lifetime ISA
- Pulling together your last three months of pay slips, bank statements, and your latest P60
- Ensuring your passport, driving licence and recent utility bills or council tax statements are readily available
- Budgeting for additional costs like Stamp Duty, solicitor fees and moving fees
- Obtaininga Mortgage in Principle
Searching for your new home
Before you start house hunting for your new home, make sure to understand what to look for when visiting developments. This is one of our top home buying tips because it ensures you don’t fall for a property outside of your budget.
- Explorepreferred locations and commute options
- Research local amenities (schools, shops, transport, green space)
- Look into new home buying schemes such as 5% Deposit Match.
- Decide on property size and layout requirements
- Visit show homes and new build developments in your preferred area
- Speak to our sales consultants for information on plots, build timelines and upcoming releases
Mortgage and legal set up
Once you’ve found your perfect home, choose a reliable mortgage advisor and solicitor to handle the bulk of the paperwork and ensure the legal transaction proceeds without unnecessary delays.
- Chose a mortgage advisor
- Instruct a solicitor to handle contracts and property searches
- Complete the reservation form and pay the reservation fee
- Submit a full mortgage application
- Arrange lender property valuation
- Organise searches with your solicitor
- Ask for expected exchange and completion timeliness so you can plan ahead
You can learn more about the legal and mortgage part of buying a new home here.
Finalising the purchase
Between your formal mortgage offer and the day you get the keys to your new Kellen home, check off the following to ensure you are ready to move in:
- Review and sign any documents provided by your solicitor
- Attend your home demonstration visit
- Transfer deposit funds to your solicitor
- Arrange building insurance to start on the day you exchange contracts
- Confirm your final completion date with the sales team and your solicitor
Moving preparation
To help you prepare for moving into your new home, you should complete a few key tasks in advance, from arranging utilities and updating your address details to organising removals and preparing your moving day essentials.
- Book a moving van (or arrange for help)
- Organise utilities and broadband set up
- Pack a moving day essentials kit, including a kettle, mugs, snacks, cleaning supplies, toiletries, and chargers
- Plan personalisation and furnishing of your new home
Completion and moving day
On the day you move into your Kellen home, you should:
- Confirm moving funds have been transferred
- Collect your keys from the development sales office
- Take meter readings for water, gas, and electricity upon arrival
- Update your bank, employer, HMRC and local council
- Set up your new utility bills and broadband accounts
Ready to buy your first home?
Every checkbox marked off this first home buying checklist brings you closer to the moment you step through your new front door.
Not found your dream new build home in Manchester yet? Explore our available homes across our new build developments here.
FAQ: Your first-time buyer checklist
Is buying a new build home a good option for first-time buyers?
Yes, buying a new build home is a good option for first-time buyers. New build properties are typically more energy efficient, often require less maintenance, and are chain-free, helping to make the moving process smoother.
What additional costs should I budget for when buying a home?
Alongside your deposit, you'll need to budget for costs such as conveyancing fees, survey costs, mortgage arrangement fees, removals, and insurance. Factoring these expenses into your homebuying checklist early can help you avoid unexpected costs during the homebuying process.
What documents do I need to hand over to my mortgage advisor?
To turn your Mortgage in Principle into a formal mortgage application, you need to provide your passport or driving license for identification, your latest P60, your last three consecutive months of pay slips, and three months of complete bank statements to verify your income and monthly outgoings.
