First time buyers in Edinburgh

Being a first time buyer in Edinburgh can be a daunting exercise, particularly with the property climate being what it is at the end of 2012. 1234 Property assembled a list of things a first-time buyer should consider before making the leap into mortgages for properties in Edinburgh.

1. Look at the wider marketplace
Whilst there are a limited number of mortgage deals on offer in Scotland at this time, it is vital that you research the options which are available thoroughly and do not simply go for the first mortgage you are offered.

2. Save up as big a deposit as you can manage
There are a number of mortgage types for First Time Buyers, however almost all will require the providing an initial deposit, some as much as 50% to limit the risk to the lender. There are solutions for buyers with no deposit who have family to stand guarantor, as a basic rule, but these come with their own risks. That said, the bigger you can deposit the lower the rate of interest you will be charged on a mortgage in some cases. So the more you can put down, the better. The most important thing is in the next point!

3. Get advice
If you feel lost or completely out of your depth, then it's wise to seek the advice of a mortgage adviser. They are fully qualified professionals who can access a portfolio of mortgage deals and can find you the best first time buyer mortgage for you. Most high street IFAs are by their nature independent and aren't tied to any lender in particular so can shop around on your behalf.

4. If in doubt, Ask!.
If you are getting advice from a bank, building society or an independent broker, make sure you completely happy with the information you are getting told. If there is something which isn't clear or simply don’t understand, it's important to ask. You are a first time buyer and any reputable adviser will take the time to talk you through everything clearly and methodically. As a First Time buyer, a mortgage is a massive financial undertaking and commitment, so make sure you know are happy and clear with all the advice you receive.

5. Read the small print
A necessary evil, again ask if in any doubt, but it is imperative you know what you are getting into and that includes the fine details of your lender’s terms and conditions.

6. Feet on the Ground
Don’t attempt to borrow more than you can afford to pay back. When you buy your first home it is vital that you are able to comfortable meet your monthly repayments, and,bearing in mind that intereste rates are likely to rise again you should budget for that eventuality.  The mortgage lender will undertake their own credit checks and will limit the risk on their lending limts to ensure their loan is safe, but it's up to you to make sure that you don't try to take on too much at this early stage.

7. Be honest to yourself
All lenders these days will limit the scope of the mortgage on your own earnings and any other loans or costs you have. You have a legal obligation to ensure that you disclose all your existing debts and do be tempted to exaggerate your earnings, it could result in you losing your first property!

8. Planning ahead
Even as a first time buyer, it's always an idea to think about how you will move up the property ladder. It's probably the last thing you want to be doing - with furniture, decorating and so forth but well worth consideration at this stage. One thing to consider is how your mortgage lender will try to keep you as a customer - do they have incentives for secondary mortgages when you move to a bigger house or flat in a few years?

If you are daunted by the prospect, give 1234 Property a call to find out how we can help, we have a small and friendly team of advisors who have helped countless first time buyers in Edinburgh and Leith and we are here to help.