First-Time Buyer Support

Your Complete Guide to Buying Your First Home With Confidence

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Buying your first home is an exciting milestone — but it can also feel overwhelming. From mortgages and deposits to surveys, solicitors and searches, many first-time buyers don’t know where to start or who to trust.

At Bates & Co Estate & Letting Agents, we specialise in supporting first-time buyers across Hailsham, Eastbourne, Polegate, and East Sussex, helping you navigate every step with confidence, clarity and expert guidance.

Our downloadable First Time Buyers Pack explains the full process in simple, practical terms, so you can avoid common mistakes and make informed decisions

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What It Really Means to Be a First-Time Buyer

Understanding Your Strength in the Market

First-time buyers often have an advantage because they are chain-free, making them more attractive to sellers.

However, our pack outlines the importance of preparation:

• Understanding your finances
• Knowing your borrowing limits
• Getting a mortgage in principle
• Acting quickly when the right property appears

Being prepared can mean securing a property ahead of competing buyers.

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Deposits, Mortgages & Affordability

One of the Highest-Searched Property Topics

Many new buyers misunderstand affordability — your deposit is only one part of the equation. Lenders also consider:

• Income
• Monthly outgoings
• Credit history
• Debt-to-income ratios
• Long-term affordability

Speaking to a mortgage advisor early helps you understand your realistic price range and prevents disappointment later.

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The True Costs of Buying a Home

What First-Time Buyers Often Forget to Budget For

Buying a property is more than saving a deposit. There are several additional costs:

• Solicitor / conveyancing fees
• Surveys
• Mortgage arrangement fees
• Local authority searches
• Moving / removal costs
• Buildings insurance
• Furnishings & setup costs

Planning these costs in advance avoids stress and keeps your purchase affordable.

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The Buying Process Explained Step-by-Step

What Happens Once Your Offer Is Accepted?

• Surveys
• Searches
• Mortgage formalities
• Contracts
• Exchange
• Completion

Delays can happen, but with the right estate agent managing communication between solicitors, mortgage lenders and sellers, the process becomes much smoother.

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Surveys, Searches & Why They Matter

Protecting You From Expensive Surprises

Surveys and searches are vital because they can reveal:

• Structural issues
• Legal restrictions
• Planning concerns
• Environmental risks
• Rights of way

Understanding your survey results — and acting on professional advice — ensures you make a safe and informed decision.

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Common First-Time Buyer Mistakes

Learn From Others Before You Commit

The most common mistakes include:

• Overstretching financially
• Rushing into decisions
• Not planning for future needs
• Ignoring survey findings
• Not understanding the full buying process

Our downloadable pack is designed to help buyers avoid all of these pitfalls.

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How Bates & Co Support First-Time Buyers

More Than Just Showing You Properties

How a good estate agent supports buyers by:

• Providing honest guidance
• Managing communication between all parties
• Reccomending reliable Mortgage Brokers, Surveryors and Solicotors
• Explaining each stage of the process
• Reducing delays
• Helping avoid costly mistakes
• Giving balanced, professional advice

We take pride in doing exactly that for every first-time buyer across East Sussex.

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Download the First-Time Buyers Information Pack

Your Clear, Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Your First Home

Inside the pack, you’ll find:

• Mortgage & deposit guidance
• Cost planning
• How to choose the right property
• How to make an offer
• Full buying process explained
• Mistakes to avoid
• Support and tips from property professionals

Download your FREE First Time Buyers Support Pack HERE.