To buying home?

and speak to a few different solicitors before instructing one, to get an idea of their fees.”

Once you have considered all costs and have a budget in mind, you need to check if the mortgage lender can lend you the amount you need.

Mortgage providers will look at your income and outgoings to see if you can keep up with repayments, as well as taking into account factors such as rising interest rates. If they think you won’t be able to afford your repayments after assessing your circumstances, they might limit how much they can lend you.

According to Meryn, you need to make sure you have spoken to someone about a loan before you make an offer on a house.

She said: “Before making an offer on a property, you should check in advance that you are able to borrow the amount you need to purchase the property. Usually this is done by obtaining an agreement in principle (AIP), or sometimes called a mortgage promise. An AIP is a written estimate from a mortgage lender of how much money you can potentially borrow from them.

“This will give you a good idea about the size of mortgage you’re eligible for, and give you peace of mind that you’ll be able to buy a particular home. You can also show your AIP certificate to estate agents to show you’re a serious buyer and are eligible for a mortgage.

“The process for an AIP also involves a credit check to assess your credit score is adequate to meet the lender’s requirements. Arranging an AIP can be a relatively quick process, but I’d recommend taking the first steps and speaking with a mortgage adviser in advance of viewing any properties to discuss all your available options.”

Taking these initial steps in advance of buying your first house will ensure you’re fully prepared and ready to offer on your dream home, without any surprises down the line.