READY TO MOVE ON UP? G

etting on the first rung of the property ladder can be a struggle – however worth it. You have to scrimp, save and decide to go without that daily coffee shop drink (up to £600 a year). And you probably need to beg and borrow for the deposit.

But it can be even tougher getting to that next stage – the second home you need because you have a growing family or because you want to be nearer to work or want a change of scenery change. For some, it’s getting a garden.

According to Lloyds Bank – which owns the Halifax and Bank of Scotland – around a third of second steppers find it harder to move up the property ladder than get on it in the first place. Many have put off adding to the family or having children at all as a result.

For some, it’s because they reckon selling the starter home is now more difficult than a year ago – or at least they won’t get enough for it to move upwards to what they want.

Affordability is an issue. They may have borrowed all they can from the Bank of Mum and Dad – parents may need the cash or they simply don’t have any more to lend.

In many cases, earnings have not kept pace with larger home prices – maybe one person has stopped or cut back on work for childcare duties.

The typical first time buyer wants to move on after three and a half years – but estimate they will take 18 months to sort out the next move.

Most wannabe second steppers are married or in a long term relationship.

Around one in four expect the second home to be where they settle for the next 20 or more years. But most see it as a further step to the dream property and intend staying for about five years.

But getting the follow-on mortgage can be problematic.

“Together”, a specialist loan company, believes automated lenders are increasingly rejecting people – especially those under 35 – whose lifestyle does not conform to their computer generated patterns.

Typical reasons include self-employment – many lenders want at least three years’ worth of audited figures which cuts out those starting up – non-standard housing such When your first home gets too small for your needs that second step on the property ladder can actually be a problem as flats over shops, converted office space or even moving into former pubs, or where friends, rather than a couple, want a loan.

When you buy your first home, think of who you might sell it to in a few years time. Will it still attract buyers? Will there be a “new you”?

Selling and buying is expensive – stamp duty, legal costs and moving are major money drains – so try not to do it often.

It can be better to rent rather than buy an unsuitable first home and then have to try and sell it a few years later when you’ve grown out of it.

Check your credit score before you apply for a home loan – you’ll get a low mark if you are not on the voting register. CreditWise, Equifax, and Experian are amongst those offering free access to this vital number.