First-Time Buyer Checklist
Our free first-time buyer checklist takes you through every step, from saving your deposit to getting your keys. Print it and tick each box as you go, so nothing gets missed.
- 8 clear stages
- Printable tick boxes
- Checked 29 October 2026
What's inside the first-time buyer checklist
A 3-page PDF you can print or save to your phone, with a notes page at the end.
- Get your finances readyCredit reports, budgeting and the documents lenders ask for
- Save your depositDeposit targets, Lifetime ISA and gifted deposits
- Work out your full budgetBuying costs, Stamp Duty and a monthly payment you're comfortable with
- Get a mortgage in principleWhat it is, credit checks and the paperwork to gather
- Find a home and make an offerSold prices, leasehold questions and making your offer
- Offer acceptedSolicitor, mortgage application and survey
- Exchange and completionBuildings insurance, your deposit and Stamp Duty
- Moving inMeters, Council Tax, changing your address and your deal end date
Get your free checklist
Enter your details and we'll email you the download link. You can also download it straight away.
Your checklist is ready
We've also emailed you the link, so you can find it again later. If it isn't in your inbox in a few minutes, check your junk folder.
Download the PDFCommon questions
Is the checklist free?
Yes, it's completely free. Enter your first name and email, and we'll email you a link to the PDF. You can also download it straight away on this page.
Will you send me other emails?
Only if you tick the separate box to join The Owl's Nest, our free newsletter. Getting the checklist doesn't sign you up to anything else, and you can unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time.
Does it cover Scotland?
The checklist follows the buying process in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland has a different process and its own property tax, Land and Buildings Transaction Tax, though many of the money steps are similar.
Is this financial advice?
No. The checklist is general educational information to help you plan. It doesn't recommend particular mortgages, lenders or deals. For a personal recommendation, you can speak to an FCA-authorised mortgage adviser.
Guides and tools for first-time buyers
Mortgage Owl provides general educational information only, not regulated financial advice, and doesn't recommend particular mortgages, lenders or deals. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
