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QI have been saving to buy my first house and am ready to start my search, but I don’t know where to start. Where should I begin?

Tom Crosby, Tottenham

AWhen looking to buy your first home, there are a lot of different things that you should consider so that you can find the right property for you. It can be useful to create a list of your essentials and things that you would like, but would also be prepared to compromise on, so that you can begin to narrow down your search.

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Location is crucial when looking to buy a property. You may have an idea of the area you would like to live, but it can be useful to consider what details are important to you. Do you want easy access to green spaces? Are there any particular local amenities that you want to have close by, such as shops, a gym or schools? It is also important to think about how you are likely to travel around and whether you want safe cycle routes into the city centre or want to enjoy a short stroll to a railway station.

When looking for a new home, you also need to think about the property itself. There are lots of different homes on the market so determining your “must-have” criteria before beginning to search can be useful to avoid being overwhelmed. From studios and apartments to spacious family homes, it is important to consider what type of property you are looking for, how many bedrooms you require and whether there are any design or layout considerations you want such as open-plan living. Communal spaces at developments or apartments can also be extremely valuable, with many properties offering added extras exclusively for residents, such as roof-top gardens, concierge services, private gym access or even cinema rooms.

Affordability is a big factor when looking to get on to the property ladder. In addition to your deposit, you may also need to cover other costs including Stamp Duty, removal services and legal fees. Beyond the initial costs, think about what can you afford to pay monthly in terms of service charges, mortgage payments and commuter costs. As a first time buyer, there may also be schemes that you can use that are designed to help you get on to the property ladder. Shared ownership, for example, is a partbuy-part scheme that may allow you to take your first steps on to the property ladder with a smaller deposit.

Once you have a good idea of what you want from your new home, online portals can be a great place to start your search. At SiteSales, we have a dedicated Property Search on our website with a wide range of properties across London and the South East. With everything from family homes such as Bury Street West in Enfield to stunning shared ownership apartments and duplexes at Makers Yard. To start your home search through SiteSales, visit site-sales.co.uk/developments.

I wish you the best of luck with your search.

Ellie Gannicott