Buying a house for the first time is a huge landmark and can be one of the most exciting periods in your life.
But inevitably, there is the usual stress of finding the right moving in date, hoping the chain does not collapse, and dealing with solicitors, surveyors, and estate agents.
Plus, there is the cost-of-living crisis affecting all of us right now. Indeed, in October 2022 there was a drop in 95% mortgage deals offered compared to January of the same year, with 137 mortgage offers at that rate as opposed to 347 at the start of 2022, with mortgage rates hitting 14-year highs.
When purchasing your first home there is than the larger costs such as the deposit, solicitors’ fees, and surveys to think about. With that in mind, here is a handy guide for what to buy as a first-time homeowner.
The essentials
Purchasing a house is, obviously, already an expensive venture but be ready to have a list of the essentials you will need come move-in time.
There are of course the heavy-duty things to consider, such as beds, settees, wardrobes and dressers, and televisions.
Moreover, it is advisable to have things like broadband and television providers ready to install when you move in as the sooner you do this the sooner it will be ready to use.
And of course, there are the utility bills to think about. Shop around for gas and electric providers, sort out your water bills and council tax, and make sure you get some good contents insurance in case of any accidents around the home.
Kitchen and bathroom
It may be that upgrading the bigger appliances, such as fridges and ovens, are on your long-term to-do list or possibly you are thinking about even larger renovations to the kitchen and bathroom.
But for when you are first in, there are some things to have ready for your first few months.
In the kitchen, you will need cutlery, plate sets, a kettle, toaster, microwave and a pots and pans set – for those who enjoy cooking modernise your cooking methods with an induction pans set.
There are also waste bins, tea towels, knife sets, tin openers, baking trays, oven gloves, and other cooking utensils to think about.
For the bathroom, cabinets and mirrors are on the to-buy list, while towels (including hand towels) and bath or shower mats are musts.
Toilet brushes and toilet roll holders, handwash or soap, a toothbrush holder, and cleaning materials such as bleach will be needed too.
Bedrooms and living room
For first-time buyers, the average cost on additional fees on top of your deposit is just shy of £2,200 according to Which, so there are plenty of expenses to consider before you even purchase anything for the house itself.
But with smart saving and cutbacks on things like takeaways or take-out coffees you can save the pounds to kit out your homes.
In the bedrooms, obviously you will need beds and for those you will require duvets, bed sheets, pillows, duvet covers and pillowcases.
Things like bedside tables, lamps, wardrobes, chest of drawers, curtains or blinds, and a larger mirror are also mainstays.
In the living room, you may want a comfortable chair alongside the settee, while there are wall brackets or a stand needed for the TV.
You may want side lamps for softer evening lighting, cushions and throws for the sofa, while things like rugs and coffee tables are desirable too.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
