First Time Buyer Moving Checklist UK (2026) — Everything You Need to Do

Buying your first home is one of the biggest things you'll ever do. It's also one of the most complicated. Most first time buyers underestimate how much is involved — and how easy it is to miss something important at exactly the wrong moment.

This checklist covers every stage in order, from getting your mortgage sorted to settling into your new home.

Stage 1: Before You Start Viewing

Get a mortgage in principle first.

Before you fall in love with a property, know what you can borrow. A mortgage in principle is a written estimate from a lender confirming how much they'd be willing to lend you. Estate agents take you more seriously when you have one, and it prevents you wasting time viewing homes you can't afford.

Work out your full budget.

Your budget isn't just the mortgage. Factor in all of the following upfront costs:

• Stamp duty (see current rates below)
• Solicitor / conveyancing fees: £800–£2,000
• Survey costs: £400–£1,500
• Removal costs: £300–£1,500
• Mortgage arrangement fee: £0–£2,000 depending on lender

Stamp duty for first time buyers in England and Northern Ireland (2026):

Choose an area and start viewing.

Set up Rightmove and Zoopla alerts for your target area. Visit properties at different times of day to check noise and traffic. Don't rush — the right property is worth waiting for.

Stage 2: Once Your Offer Is Accepted

Instruct a solicitor immediately.

The conveyancing process starts the moment you instruct a solicitor — every day you wait adds to your timeline. How long does conveyancing take? Typically 12 to 16 weeks from offer accepted to completion. Get at least two or three quotes before choosing.

Submit your full mortgage application.

A mortgage in principle becomes a mortgage offer only after a full application and property valuation. Your solicitor needs a formal mortgage offer before they can set an exchange date.

Sort buildings insurance from exchange — not completion.

Once you exchange contracts you're usually responsible for the property, and most mortgage lenders require buildings insurance to be in place from exchange. Many first time buyers don't realise this, so arrange cover to start on your exchange date.

Get a survey done.

A mortgage valuation is not a survey — it only protects the lender, not you. A HomeBuyer Report (£400–£900) or Full Structural Survey (£800–£1,500) could save you thousands by identifying problems before you are legally committed.

Review your property searches carefully.

Your solicitor will order local authority, water, and environmental searches. Read them — flood risk, planning issues, and mining subsidence are common and easy to miss.

Sort life assurance and income protection.

If you're taking on a mortgage, it's worth deciding whether you want life insurance or income protection in place from completion. Lenders don't usually require it, but many buyers arrange it so the mortgage could be covered if something happened to them. A regulated adviser can help you weigh up whether it suits you.

Confirm your deposit funds are ready.

Your deposit must be in your solicitor's client account at least a week before completion. Anti-money laundering checks on large transfers can cause delays — plan well ahead.

Stage 3: Before Moving Day

Book your removal company early.

Good removal companies fill up weeks in advance, especially around month-end and school holidays. Book as soon as you have an estimated completion date.

Order broadband at your new address now.

Broadband installation takes 2–4 weeks. This is the most commonly forgotten task in any move — don't arrive with no internet.

Set up Royal Mail redirection.

Takes 5 working days to activate. Redirect for 12 months to catch anything sent to your old address.

Switch energy at your new address.

Take meter readings at both properties on completion day and photograph them with a timestamp. Switch to the best deal at your new address straight away — don't get stuck on the previous owner's expensive tariff.

Stage 4: Moving Day

• Pack an essentials box that travels with you — not in the van. Kettle, charger, toilet roll, bedding, medication, documents, snacks. You will need these before anything is unpacked.
• Take final meter readings at your old property with a timestamped photo.
• Take meter readings at your new property immediately on arrival and email them to your new energy supplier.
• Walk through your old property one last time — every room, cupboard, loft, shed, garage.
• Test all keys at your new property and consider changing the locks. You do not know how many copies exist.
• Locate the stopcock and fuse box and photograph their locations.
• Walk through the removal van before it leaves — check for damage and document with photos before signing anything.

Stage 5: After You Move In

• Update your address everywhere — bank, HMRC, DVLA (V5C logbook), electoral register, GP, dentist, car insurance (you must notify within 14 days or your policy could be invalid), loyalty schemes, subscriptions.
• Update your vehicle registration (V5C). Failure to update can result in a £1,000 fine.
• Register with a new GP and dentist. Use nhs.uk/service-search to find practices accepting new patients.
• Update the electoral register at gov.uk/register-to-vote. This also helps improve your credit score.
• Review all direct debits and cancel any that no longer apply.
• Get your new home clean and stocked from day one.

Information correct as of 15 June 2026. Stamp duty rates apply to England and Northern Ireland. Scotland (LBTT) and Wales (LTT) have separate systems. This guide is general information, not financial or legal advice. BandBack Move is an introducer only and does not provide financial or legal advice. BandBack Move earns a referral fee when you use partner services — this never affects the price you pay.