First-Time Buyer? How To Secure Your New Home This Winter With Webbers

Buying your first home can feel like a mix of excitement and information overload. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone.

Across our branches in North Devon, Exmoor, Somerset, Cornwall and Park Lane, London, we work with first-time buyers every day – helping them understand the process, avoid common mistakes and secure the right home with confidence.

Here’s a clear, no-nonsense guide to getting from “thinking about it” to holding the keys.

1. Get clear on your budget (before you fall in love)

Start with your numbers, not the portals.

• Talk to a reputable mortgage adviser to understand what you can borrow
• Factor in deposit, legal fees, moving costs and ongoing bills
• Be honest about your monthly comfort zone lenders will stress-test your affordability
• Knowing your true budget means you can view homes with confidence and move quickly when the right one appears.

Webbers tip: If you’re flexible on area, compare prices between places like Barnstaple, Bideford, Taunton, Wellington, Bude and Bodmin small shifts in location can make a big difference to what you can buy.

2. Secure an Agreement in Principle

An Agreement in Principle (AIP) shows how much a lender is prepared to offer you, subject to checks.

Why it matters:

• Makes you a credible buyer to sellers and agents
• Puts you in a stronger position if there are multiple interested parties
• Helps you react fast if the perfect home comes up close to Christmas or early in the new year

Webbers tip: Share your AIP with your local Webbers team so we can match you quickly with suitable properties.

3. Shortlist the right locations

Think beyond the property and look at your day-to-day life:

• Commute routes and public transport
• Proximity to shops, gyms, cafés, green spaces and the coast
• Local schools or nurseries if needed (now or in future)
• Parking and traffic at peak times, not just on a quiet viewing day
• Use winter to your advantage: darker evenings and wetter days show how an area really feels. If you like it now, you’ll likely love it in summer.

Areas to explore with us:

• Barnstaple, Bideford, Braunton, Ilfracombe – coastal and town living with strong communities
• Exmoor & Minehead – space, scenery and character homes
• Taunton, Wellington, Wiveliscombe – popular with commuters and families
• Bude, Bodmin, Launceston – Cornish charm, countryside and coast

4. View with a first-time buyer mindset

When you view, don’t just decide if you “like” it. Check:

• Roof, windows, guttering and signs of damp
• Heating and hot water systems (age, service history if available)
• Natural light at different times of day
• Storage – for everyday life, not just now
• Broadband and mobile signal, especially if you work from home
• Take photos, make notes, and ask questions. Your Webbers team are there to help.

5. Making an offer (and making it strong)

A good offer is not always just about price.

• To strengthen your position:
• Have your AIP ready
• Confirm your deposit source
• Be clear you’re a first-time buyer with no chain
• Show you’ve chosen a solicitor (or are ready to do so promptly)

We’ll present your offer clearly to the seller and advise you honestly if there are other interested parties or negotiations to consider.

6. Instruct a good solicitor early

A responsive conveyancer can save weeks.

Look for:

• Clear communication habits
• Transparent fees
• Experience with local searches in your chosen area
• As soon as your offer is agreed, instruct them and return paperwork quickly. Your Webbers office will help keep everyone talking so the process keeps moving.

7. Surveys, searches & the legal bits

Don’t be put off by the paperwork – it’s there to protect you.

Typical steps include:

• Mortgage valuation
• Homebuyer or building survey (especially for older or rural homes)
• Local authority, water and environmental searches
• If something comes up, speak to your surveyor, solicitor and our team. Often it’s about context and negotiation, not a deal-breaker.

8. Exchange, completion & getting the keys

Once all parties are happy:

• Exchange of contracts makes the sale legally binding
• Completion is moving day – your solicitor transfers funds, and we hand you the keys
• We’ll stay closely involved right up to completion so you always know what’s happening next.

FAQs For First-Time Buyers

How much deposit do I need?
Requirements vary, but many first-time buyers purchase with a relatively modest percentage of the purchase price. A broker or lender can confirm what’s realistic for you.

Should I wait for “the perfect” property?
It’s better to buy the right home in a good location within budget than hold out endlessly for perfection. Think three-to-five years: will this home work for that stage of your life?

Can I register with multiple Webbers offices?
Yes – tell one branch your requirements and we can co-ordinate across our network to flag suitable homes early. Sign up for our property alerts here 

How Webbers Helps First-Time Buyers?

• With linked offices across the region and in Park Lane, London, we can:
• Match you with properties that fit your budget and lifestyle
• Talk you through each stage in plain English
• Liaise with solicitors and other parties to keep your move on track
• Support relocations between the capital and the South West