Buying a home for the first time is a joyful experience - but newcomers to homeownership can often feel a little overwhelmed by what's involved.
As a first time buyer you'll need to hire a solicitor who can help you remove any stress from the legal process and ensure it goes as seamless as possible.
We'll support you through each stage of your transaction, ensuring you secure a property that aligns perfectly with your needs and preferences.
Expert solicitors to support you through your first property buying process
Navigating the house-buying process can be confusing, particularly for first-time buyers.
Even after your offer is accepted, numerous steps and checks must be completed before contracts are exchanged and the sale becomes final.
Our solicitors can help you with the different steps of the conveyancing process which include:
- Securing a mortgage
- Conducting essential property searches and surveys
- Drafting, reviewing, and exchanging contracts
- Calculating and paying applicable taxes like the Stamp Duty Land Tax
- Registering ownership of the property at the Land Registry
How much are solicitor fees for a first time buyer?
How much are solicitor fees for a first time buyer?
For a first-time buyer, conveyancing fees will vary depending on a number of things, including the value of the property. Unfortunately, that means there is no simple answer to this question. However, to give you an idea, these are some of the charges you might expect to see:
- Solicitors' fees
- Surveyors' fees
- Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)
- Land Registry fees
- Local authority searches
- Electronic bank transfer fee
- VAT
How much deposit does a first time buyer need?
How much deposit does a first time buyer need?
For first-time buyers, the biggest expense is the deposit and securing a mortgage. Deposits typically range from 5% to 25% of the property price.
Larger deposits often secure better mortgage rates, as they reduce the lender's risk. While a 5% deposit is common, saving more can unlock better deals and lower monthly repayments.
Are there any schemes for first time buyers?
If you're buying your first home, several schemes can help make the process more affordable.
Lifetime Individual Savings Account (LISA)
A Lifetime ISA (LISA) allows first-time buyers to save for a home (up to £450,000) or for retirement.
You must be between 18-39 to open one. You can contribute up to £4,000 annually until you turn 50, and the government adds a 25% bonus, up to £1,000 per year.
If purchasing with another first-time buyer who also has a LISA, both can use it for the same property.
Note: Withdrawals for anything other than a first home or after age 60 incur a penalty.
First Homes Scheme
First-time buyers in England can benefit from the First Homes Scheme, offering properties at 30-50% below market value to make homeownership more affordable.
This initiative replaces the previous Help to Buy scheme and is tailored for eligible buyers who meet specific criteria.
In Wales, homebuyers can explore similar government-backed schemes still modeled on the original Help to Buy program.
Learn more about first time buyers governement schemes in our guide.
Why choose Homeward Legal for buying your first property?
We've established an excellent reputation you can trust and helped over 30,000 customers in the past 13 years.
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Fixed Legal Fee policy
No hidden costs - the legal fee you get quoted is definitive.
No-Completion, No-Fee policy
You won't pay any legal fees if your move falls through for any reason.
Search & survey protection
You won't pay for your next search and survey if your transaction falls through.
Complete support
Dedicated customer service from start to finish. We are open 6 days a week.
Local knowledge
Solicitors with offices across England and Wales.
Simple & straightforward
No confusion with legal jargon - just plain and simple English.
Our conveyancing solicitors are regulated under the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC).
Get in touch for your first property purchase
If you're looking to buy your first property and need a solicitor, get in touch with us today.
Call us on and our friendly team will be happy to help.
Alternatively, you can fill the form below to get an instant quote.
Frequently asked questions...
Yes, you can be part of a shared ownership scheme, which allows you to purchase a share of a property and pay rent on the remaining portion.
However, you can also buy property jointly with another person (such as a partner or family member) without participating in shared ownership. In this case, you both contribute to the deposit and mortgage and own the property together, with no government schemes involved.
After agreeing on the sale price and conditions, the solicitor prepares contracts. Once both parties sign, the contracts are exchanged. At this point, a deposit is usually paid, and both sides are legally bound to the transaction.
While surveys are not legally required, it's highly recommended to conduct one to identify any potential issues with the property. A survey can help you avoid costly repairs after purchasing.
If the chain breaks, it can delay or cancel the sale. You may need to renegotiate or find a new property, depending on your position in the chain.
Learn more about delaying factors during conveyancing.
It's possible to get a mortgage with bad credit, but your options may be limited. Some lenders specialize in providing mortgages for buyers with a history of bad credit, though they may come with higher interest rates.
No. With Homeward Legal's panel of conveyancing solicitors, when you get a quote for conveyancing services from us, the legal price we quote you is the price you'll pay.
You should be aware, however, that some property solicitors do not give accurate quotes, only estimates, often putting standard conveyancing fees in the small print, possibly to make the headline offer seem far more attractive. The final bill you receive may then be much more than you budgeted for as a result. With Homeward Legal, we offer Fixed Legal Fee conveyancing quote with no hidden charges and with our No-Completion No Fee.
If in the unfortunate event that your property transaction falls-through you will not be liable for any of the conveyancer's fixed legal fees for the work completed.
