Tips for Buying a House
Buying a home is exciting, but let’s be honest, it can also feel a bit overwhelming.
There are so many options and so much to think about, so where do you even start?
Our house buying guide will help make this process a little easier for you.
At Platinum, we understand that you’re not just selling bricks and mortar — you’re moving on to your next chapter.
Think about how you live day to day. Do you want a detached, semi-detached or terraced property?
Do you need a garden for the kids or the dog? More than one bathroom? An office space so you’re not working from the kitchen table. Or maybe something low maintenance like a flat.
Once you’ve got your must-haves clear, it’s much easier to spot the right property when it comes along.
Where Do I Start?
The first step isn’t browsing property sites at midnight; it’s working out if buying is affordable for you right now.
The first step isn’t browsing property sites at midnight; it’s working out if buying is affordable for you right now.
Ignore the noise about house prices always going up or the idea you’ll miss the boat. This is about your financial security, not what your neighbour says over the fence.
How Much Deposit Do I Need?
The minimum deposit is 5% of the purchase price.
The bigger your deposit, the better the mortgage deals you’ll have access to, which means lower interest rates and smaller monthly payments.
Don’t forget you’ll also need extra set aside for things like solicitors, surveys and moving costs.
First Time Buyer Schemes
If you’re buying your first place, there are a few government schemes worth knowing about.
Lifetime ISA (LISA)
If you’re 18 to 39, you can save up to £4,000 a year and the government tops it up with a 25% bonus. That’s £1,000 free money towards your deposit every year.
Help to Buy ISA
You can’t open a new one anymore, but if you already have one, you can still claim the 25% bonus up to £3,000. Couples can each use one.
Shared Ownership
Also known as “part-buy, part-rent” – this allows you to buy part of a property and pay rent on the rest. It’s designed for households earning under £80,000 and can mean a much smaller deposit.
Getting Mortgage Ready
When it’s time to apply for a mortgage, you’ll need to show proof of income and financial stability.
Usually that means payslips, bank statements, ID and sometimes a few extras if you’re self-employed.
It’s worth checking your credit report early on. If anything doesn’t look right, get it sorted before you apply.
Need support with securing a mortgage?
Speak to our mortgage broker in Worcester
The 8 Stages of Buying a Home
1. Work out your budget
Speak to a mortgage adviser and build in a safety buffer.
2. Find a property
Don’t just trust the photos, view as many as you can.
3. Make an offer
Decide your maximum and stick to it. Start lower if you like, sellers can always counter. An agent can negotiate on your behalf.
4. Offer accepted
Your solicitor will draft the memorandum of sale, and the property usually comes off the market.
5. Instruct your solicitor
They’ll handle legal checks and highlight any red flags.
6. Finalise your mortgage
Your broker sorts the deal and arranges a survey, many buyers choose a more detailed one for peace of mind.
7. Exchange contracts
You pay your deposit, and from this point you’re legally committed. Time to sort buildings insurance too.
8. Completion
The money transfers, you get the keys and it’s officially yours.
Hidden Costs When Buying a Home
Don’t get caught out!
The deposit isn’t the whole story. Here are the extras you’ll want to budget for.
- Mortgage arrangement fees, often around £1,000 but can be higher
- Valuation fees, usually about £300 though sometimes covered by lenders
- Surveys, which range from £400 to £1,500 depending on detail
- Legal fees, from £500 to £1,500
- Broker fees, which vary depending on who you use
- Stamp Duty, with different rules for first time buyers
- Land Registry fees, usually between £200 and £500
- Removal costs, anywhere from £100 to £1,000 or more
- Repairs, furniture and all those moving in essentials
We don’t just sell houses; we guide people through what can be a stressful process.
From helping you figure out your budget and mortgage options to handing over the keys, our Worcestershire based estate agents are here to make buying your next home as straightforward as possible.
My experience as a university student was extremely poor. I felt exploited and unsupported throughout my tenancy, particularly when issues arose with other tenants in the house share. I experienced physical abuse from other tenants and felt that Platinum Properties failed to provide me with the protection and support I reasonably expected from my landlord/agent. I was left feeling unsafe in what should have been my home.
I was also extremely unhappy with how my deposit was handled. I believe deductions were unfair and did not feel that my concerns were dealt with appropriately. The property was already in a poor and tired condition when I moved in, yet I was later charged £50 from my deposit for the condition of the window area. The attached photo shows the dirt and staining around the window frame and sill.
The quality of the furniture was another major issue. Several items felt extremely cheap and poorly made, with furniture breaking during what I consider to be normal, basic use. This created additional frustration and expense during an already difficult tenancy.
Overall, I felt that the company prioritised its own interests rather than the wellbeing and concerns of its tenants. As a university student, I expected a safe and reasonably maintained place to live, along with fair treatment when problems occurred. Unfortunately, that was not my experience.
I would recommend that prospective tenants thoroughly document the condition of the property and furniture when moving in, keep records of all communication, and carefully check the terms surrounding deposits before signing a tenancy.
Response: You very much had the power to remove them, I provided evidence of them breaking multiple sections of the tenancy. Platinum properties values their income over the wellbeing of their tenants.
and he proved to find some really great properties around Worcester. He was friendly, polite and made the house viewings work seamlessly. Would really recommend this company.
on a very cold day and night.
We viewed a property near Worcester. He did not rush us at all. He took extra time to ensure we explored the property fully. He had good knowledge of the property. By far, his attitude and enthusiasm was the best we have experienced to date from any estate agent. We look forward to working with him.
By working with them as a 'partner' with this investment, I know that legally, I am safe as a Landlord and that also my tenants have the peace of mind they also have access to the support and protection of the wonderful team at Platinum. Thanks personally to Helen, Josh, Harry, & Caroline. I highly recommend their services.