Top tips for first-time buyers

MWR solicitor, Grace Morrison shows how to prevent a house purchase headache with five simple tips

The purchase of a first home is likely to be the biggest one-time purchase in your life. There is a huge shift from living with family or renting, to owning a home and it can often be extremely stressful. It is often the fear of the unknown which really creates pressure so before you make any commitments ensure you follow my top tips;

1. Get a full structural survey

2. Have any alternations (extensions/removal of walls) and installations (gas boiler/ electrical work) checked by a suitably qualified person.

3. Check which Fixtures Fittings and Contents are to be included in the sale price, before putting in an offer.

4. Check what area of land is to be included in the sale of the house (if any).

5.  Use a qualified solicitor you can trust.  Even though the Internet gives buyers unprecedented access to information, most new buyers (and many more experienced ones) are better off using a professional solicitor – it will save you money in the long run as trusted legal experts will always have your interests at heart.