Renters guide to transition from renting to buying

Moving from renting to buying your own home is an exciting journey. This guide will help you understand the transitional steps and offer practical tips on how to save and prepare for buying a property in Scotland.

1. Understand your Financial Situation

Evaluate your Finances:

• Budget Review: Assess your current income, expenses and savings. Calculate how much you can realistically afford for a property.
• Credit Check: Obtain your credit report and improve your credit score if needed. A higher credit score can help you secure better mortgage terms.

2. Start Saving for your Deposit

Set a Savings Goal:

• Deposit Requirements: Aim to save at least 5% to 20% of the property’s purchase price for your deposit. The more you save, the better your mortgage options may be.
• Savings Plan: Open a dedicated savings account and set up automatic transfers to build your deposit fund steadily.
• Budget for Extras: Besides the deposit, save for additional costs such as legal fees, surveys and home insurance. These can add up, so plan accordingly.

3. Get Mortgage Pre-Approval

Consult a Mortgage Advisor:

Pre-Approval Benefits: Speak with a mortgage advisor to understand how much you can borrow and get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will strengthen your position when you start house hunting. We partner with Mortgage Advice Bureau, so get in touch with them to get started. 

Know Your Budget: Use the pre-approval to set a realistic budget for your property search, ensuring you stay within your financial limits.

4. Plan for Additional Savings

• Financial Cushion: Maintain an emergency fund for unexpected expenses or repairs once you move in. This provides financial stability and peace of mind.
• Adjust Goals: Periodically review your savings goals and adjust your budget as needed to stay on track for your home purchase.

We hope this guidance helps you begin planning for your future. The information provided in this guide is for general informational puposes only and should not be considered as financial advice.