Stop renting, start buying at Waterside Quarter

It's time for a change!

We know buying your fist home is a big step, so we have some notes to help you get on your way to your dream home.

Save for a deposit -Saving for a deposit is one of the most challenging parts of buying your first property.

  • Find a savings account or ISA that allows you to earn interest while you're saving.
  • Set up a regular payment to automatically transfer a set amount into your savings.
  • Reduce your bills. Are there cheaper mobile phone or broadband deals out there? Maybe you can change energy suppliers for more affordable bills as well.

Check Your Credit Score- When applying for a mortgage, the lender will run a credit check on you, and this is a big factor in determining if they'll lend you money. Before doing this, ensure your credit score is as high as possible. Get a copy of your credit report and take the time to look at it carefully. If you previously defaulted on payments, clear what you can so this won't have a negative impact on your score.

Take Advantage of Government Schemes -A Lifetime ISA provides a tax-free way to save up for a deposit for first-time buyers aged between 18 and 39 years old.

There are other schemes available for first-time buyers like Help to Buy schemes, including Help to Buy: Equity Loan can be helpful for first-time buyers. The government will top up your savings by 25% (up to £3,000) when you buy your first home and if you are buying with someone who also has a Help to Buy ISA , both of you will get the 25% bonus.

For the Equity Loan scheme, the government lends you up to 20% of the cost of a new-build home. To buy the house, you'll only need a 5% deposit and a 75% mortgage to make up the difference. For the 20% loan from the government, you won't be charged any loan fees for the first five years.

Research and find the perfect home - Browsing online will make looking for your dream home all the more easier. Using portals like Right Move, Zoopla, New Homes For Sale and of course the Help to Buy search engine.

You should also consider what the surrounding area is like. Do you want somewhere with a good nightlife? What about the commute to work?

Get a better feel for your potential new home and look at the finer details.

  • Floor plans
  • The age of the house
  • Storage space
  • Energy efficiency rating
  • Double glazing#
  • Council tax.

Get an agreement in principle- Before you start viewing any homes in person, it's worth speaking to your lender about a mortgage agreement in principle.

Think of this as a mortgage estimate. You'll get a better idea of what kind of mortgage suits you. For example, what you can afford to borrow and how much you'll pay each month.

Book your viewing -When you find a home you want to see, it's time to book your appointment!

Make an offer -This is the part where you finalise the mortgage with your lender to pay for your potential new home.

First off, ring the sales consultant or book another viewing and make an offer. If they accept then you're set. But remember, nothing is final at this point. If they don't accept, you may have to go back to the drawing board and reassess your finances.

Shanly Homes sales consultant will guide your through the rest of the process and make buying your new home as easy as possible.

Maidenhead has everything you need from supermarkets, pharmacies and banks, to a range of high street names including H&M and Marks & Spencer. There are also a number of fantastic restaurants, cafés, bars and pubs as well as open green spaces such as Guards Club Park, The Moor, Riverside Gardens and Taplow Lake.

Why not contact us today to find out more about our stunning collection of one and two bedrooms apartments. Call us on 01628 673046 or email waterside.quarter@shanlyhomes.com and book your appointment to view our beautiful new show home.

We look forward to welcoming you to Waterside Quarter.