The comments follow a poll of 1,000 first-time buyers, which found facing multiple upfront costs in a short space of time was the number one part of the homebuying process they wished they could avoid. Other major frustrations included the physical act of moving, the long gap between exchange and completion, and overlapping rent and mortgage payments. “Everyone’s route onto the property ladder is different, and offering fairer options that reflect those individual circumstances can help make the move into homeownership feel far more manageable.”TOP TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME BUYERS TO AVOID COSTLY HOMEBUYING MISTAKES:1. Look beyond the mortgage repaymentFocusing solely on the monthly mortgage figure can give a false sense of affordability. Having payslips, bank statements, ID and proof of deposit organised from day one can speed up the process and give buyers a competitive edge.

Source: The Times February 27, 2026 21:01 UTC