First-time buyer guide
First-time buyer guide — use real sold-price data to plan your purchase
Buying your first home in the UK is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make. Unlike generic guides, this page uses HM Land Registry sold-price data — the same data used by professionals — to help you answer the questions that matter most: how much will it cost, where can I afford to buy, and what is a fair price?
Data from HM Land Registry · Updated August 2026
Calculate your costs
The two biggest upfront costs are your deposit and stamp duty. While deposit requirements depend on your mortgage, stamp duty is a predictable tax you can estimate right now.
First-time buyer stamp duty relief (England & NI)
- £0 tax on properties up to £300,000
- 5% on the portion from £300,001 to £500,000
- Property must cost £500,000 or less to qualify
Find where you can afford to buy
Your budget determines which areas are realistic. Using real sold-price data from HM Land Registry, you can see exactly what properties have actually sold for — not just what estate agents are asking.
Typical first-time buyer budgets range from £200,000 to £280,000. The report below ranks towns with average prices under £250,000 — a realistic entry point for most FTBs.
Check whether the asking price is fair
Estate agents set asking prices — but what has the market actually paid for similar properties? The Asking Price Checker compares a listing against HM Land Registry sold-price evidence for the same area and property type.
Understanding the gap between asking price and sold price is one of the most valuable skills a first-time buyer can develop. Our dedicated guides explain how to use sold-price data when making an offer.
Other costs to budget for
Beyond the deposit and stamp duty, first-time buyers should factor in:
- Solicitor/conveyancer fees — typically £800–£1,500
- Survey costs — £300–£1,500 depending on the level of survey
- Mortgage arrangement fee — often £0–£1,500 (some lenders waive it)
- Valuation fee — usually £150–£1,500 (some lenders cover this)
- Removal costs — £300–£1,000 depending on distance and volume
- Buildings insurance — required from exchange of contracts
💡 Tip: These costs can add £3,000–£6,000 to your upfront total. Make sure you have savings beyond your deposit to cover them.
Why sold-price data matters — and what we do differently
Most first-time buyer guides tell you how to buy a house — the process, the mortgage types, the legal steps. They rarely help with the three questions that actually keep FTBs up at night:
- How much will it actually cost? — answered with real SDLT rates and our stamp duty calculator
- Where can I afford to buy? — answered with HM Land Registry sold prices across 686 postcode areas
- Is the asking price fair? — answered with sold-price evidence, not asking-price guesses
Every price on this site is a completed sale recorded by HM Land Registry — not an asking price, not a valuation, not a listing. This is the same data used by surveyors, economists and property professionals.
Frequently asked questions
How much do I need for a first home deposit in the UK?
Most UK lenders require a deposit of 5-20% of the property price. For a typical first-time buyer purchase around £220,000, that means £11,000 at 5% or £44,000 at 20%. The exact amount depends on your mortgage product, credit history and the property price. Use the Mortgage Calculator to estimate monthly payments at different deposit levels.
Do first-time buyers pay stamp duty?
First-time buyers in England and Northern Ireland pay no SDLT on purchases up to £300,000 (property must cost £500,000 or less). On properties between £300,001 and £500,000, you pay 5% on the portion above £300,000. Scotland and Wales have their own relief schemes. Check the Stamp Duty Calculator with the FTB option selected for an accurate estimate.
What is the average price a first-time buyer pays in the UK?
Typical first-time buyer budgets range from £200,000 to £280,000, though this varies significantly by region. In London the average first purchase is higher, while northern England and Wales offer more affordable entry points. The best-areas report shows towns with average sold prices under £250,000 and active housing markets.
How do I know if an asking price is fair?
Use the Asking Price Checker to compare a listing price against HM Land Registry sold-price evidence for similar properties in the same area. The difference between asking prices and actual sold prices can be significant — our asking-vs-sold guide explains why and how to interpret the gap.
Which UK areas are most affordable for first-time buyers?
Towns with average sold prices under £250,000 and active housing markets are typically the most accessible for first-time buyers. These include many towns in northern England, the Midlands, Wales and Scotland. The reports page lists towns sorted by affordability using real sold-price data, not asking prices or estate agent listings.
Should I use asking prices or sold prices to research an area?
Sold prices — the actual amount paid for a property — are more reliable than asking prices for understanding what a home is worth. Estate agent asking prices are initial marketing figures and can be set above or below the expected sale price. HM Land Registry sold-price data shows completed transactions and is the industry standard for market analysis.
Related guides
Stamp Duty UK Guide
Complete SDLT, LTT and LBTT guide with FTB relief details.
How to Use Sold Prices When Making an Offer
Use sold-price evidence to prepare for a UK property offer.
Asking Price vs Sold Price in the UK
Understand the difference between asking prices and actual sold prices.
Best Areas for First-Time Buyers
Find affordable UK towns using real sold-price data.
Stamp Duty Calculator
Calculate SDLT, LTT or LBTT for your property.
Mortgage Calculator
Estimate monthly mortgage payments.