Please send us your questions, comments and suggestions concerning property, or the articles in First Time Buyer magazine.
Caveat Emptor
I’m buying my first home and keep hearing and reading the term “caveat emptor”. What does it actually mean, and how does it affect me as a first time buyer?
Leon Vintegre
FTB says: “Caveat emptor” is a Latin phrase meaning “let the buyer beware”, and it’s an important principle to understand when buying a property. It means that the responsibility lies with you, the buyer, to investigate the condition and legal status of the property before committing to the purchase. Sellers are not required to disclose every detail about the property, so it’s up to you to ensure everything is in order. This is why it’s crucial to get a proper survey, use a good conveyancing solicitor, and ask thorough questions about the property’s history, structure and any planning issues. Once the sale is complete, you generally can’t hold the seller liable unless they deliberately misled you.
Affordability Check
I’m excited to buy my first home, but I’m not sure how much I can afford. I’ve seen a few places I love, but the mortgage might be a stretch. What should I be thinking about when it comes to affordability?
Rachel White
FTB says: It’s crucial to be realistic about what you can comfortably afford, not just what the bank is willing to lend. An affordability check helps work out what payments you can manage without putting yourself under pressure. It should include not only your mortgage, but council tax, insurance, maintenance, utilities and unexpected expenses. A dream home won’t feel so dreamy if it leaves you stressed about money.
EPC Rating
How important is energy efficiency when choosing a home? Should I be paying attention to things like EPC ratings?
Arjun Mehra
FTB says: Yes – energy efficiency is a key factor that first time buyers often overlook, but it can make a big difference to both your comfort and your long-term costs. The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating gives you a clear idea of how efficiently a property uses energy, which directly affects your heating bills and carbon footprint. A home with a poor EPC rating might seem like a bargain upfront but could end up costing you significantly more in energy bills, or require expensive upgrades like new windows, insulation, or a modern boiler. On the flip side, a well-insulated, energy-efficient home can save you money every month and is often more comfortable to live in. With rising energy prices and growing environmental concerns, it’s wise to factor energy efficiency into your decision-making, not just as a “nice extra” but as a smart, practical priority.
Thinking Long Term
I keep finding places that look amazing on the surface when looking for a property, but I’m not sure if I’m focusing on the right things. What should I be careful not to overlook?
Jamie Porton
FTB says: As a first time buyer, it’s easy to get swept up by cosmetic features like stylish decor, modern kitchens or a freshly painted exterior, but it’s important not to let surface-level appeal cloud your judgement. One of the biggest pitfalls is ignoring the bigger picture: things like the property’s structural condition, location, potential for long-term growth, and whether it truly suits your lifestyle or future plans. Ask yourself: will this home still work for me in five years? Is it near good transport, schools or amenities I’ll need? Don’t let a trendy colour scheme distract you from issues like damp, old electrics or a poor layout. It’s wise to think beyond the present and make sure the home you’re buying supports both your current needs and long-term goals. The best first home isn’t just the one that looks great – it’s the one that works for you in the long run.
First Time Buyer is an exciting bi-monthly glossy which takes a stylish and comprehensive look at all the options available, setting them out in an entertaining and informative way, and helping potential customers navigate their way through what is often a daunting and complex process. We dispel the myths, reinforce the facts and arm the reader with the tools necessary to make their homeownership dreams a reality.
