The first-time buyer's checklist (that agents actually use)

Buying your first home is mostly paperwork with a few moments of joy in between. Here is the list we hand to every first-time buyer who walks into the office on Quay Street.

Before you start viewing

• Get a mortgage agreement in principle. It tells you, and sellers, what you can really borrow. It takes a day and costs nothing.
• Work out your real budget. Add taxes, legal fees, a survey and moving costs to the deposit. Then add 5% for surprises.
• Decide your three non-negotiables. Commute time, outdoor space, number of bedrooms — whatever matters. Everything else is a nice-to-have.

When you view

1. Visit twice, once in daylight and once in the evening.
2. Open every window and run every tap.
3. Look at the ceiling in the top-floor rooms for stains.
4. Ask how long the seller has lived there and why they are moving.

The best question to ask an agent is "What would you worry about if you were buying this?" A good one will tell you.

Before you offer

• Ask for the energy rating and the last two years of utility bills.
• For apartments, read the building's recent meeting minutes. Planned roof repairs show up there long before they show up on your bill.
• Check the price history. Our listing pages show any reductions right under the price.

After the offer is accepted

Book the survey straight away, keep your finances steady (no new car loans), and reply to your lawyer quickly. Most delays happen in the inbox.

When you are ready, browse homes for sale or book a call with one of our buyer's agents.