First Time Buyer Guide

How LPL can help you buy your first home

Becoming a first time buyer is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. At LPL, we know just how important it is to get the right support from day one. From helping you understand your finances to completing your legal paperwork, our team ensures you’re guided every step of the way.

“At LPL, we specialise in taking the stress out of buying your first home. Our mission is to make sure every first time buyer feels confident and supported.” – Louise Stephens-Pantoja, Head of Operations at LPL

Why LPL is trusted by first time buyers nationwide

We’ve helped thousands of first time buyers. Whether you’re buying through a government scheme or diving into the property market solo, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Here’s what sets LPL apart:

• Experienced in new builds and first time buyer schemes
• 24/7 online case access via the LPL portal
• One of the UK’s largest first time buyer legal teams
• Personalised legal advice and transparent pricing

“We were clueless about conveyancing. LPL kept us in the loop, answered all our questions, and helped us move in quicker than expected!” – Danielle & Reece, First Time Buyers in Liverpool

Case study: How LPL helped Grace get on the property ladder

Grace, a first time buyer from Sheffield, wanted to purchase a 2-bedroom flat using the First Homes Scheme. She contacted LPL after a friend recommended our first-time buyer service.

“I was overwhelmed at first, but LPL explained everything in simple terms. The app was a lifesaver, I could upload documents while on my lunch break at work.” – Grace

Grace completed her purchase in just under 9 weeks, with real-time updates through the LPL Portal and full support from her dedicated conveyancer.

The step-by-step process for first time buyers

If you’re a first time buyer, here’s how to make the journey as smooth as possible:

1. Get your finances in order
2. Speak to a mortgage advisor or broker
3. Plan your deposit, especially if it’s gifted
4. Don’t forget to budget for legal fees, stamp duty and moving costs
5. Find the right property
6. Use online platforms and local agents
7. Consider help-to-buy options like Shared Ownership or the First Homes Scheme
8. Make an offer
9. Offers don’t need to be the asking price, negotiate
10. Once accepted, LPL gets started on your legal work
11. Conveyancing made simple
12. LPL reviews contracts, raises enquiries, and coordinates with your lender
13. We keep you updated via the LPL Portal (available on PC, tablet and smartphone)
14. Exchange and completion
15. Once your mortgage is approved and contracts are ready, we exchange
16. Completion usually follows within a few days, and just like that, the keys are yours

“We’ve built our conveyancing process with the first time buyer in mind – fast, friendly and fully online.” – Louise Stephens-Pantoja, LPL

What every first time buyer should know 💡

Here are some helpful tips gathered from recent first time buyer clients:

✅ “Speak to a mortgage advisor early, it helped us understand our limits.”
✅ “Check what schemes you qualify for. We saved £40k through First Homes.”
✅ “Use LPL’s portal. It made document signing so easy and fast.”
✅ “Budget for the little things. Legal fees, surveys and removals, it all adds up!”

Budgeting basics: What will it cost?

As a first time buyer, you’re not just paying for the property, there are other important costs to plan for:

• Legal fees – LPL offers fixed prices so you’re never surprised
• Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) – many first time buyers benefit from reduced rates
• Land Registry and search fees
• Mortgage-related costs – valuation, product fees and arrangement charges
• Moving costs – removal vans, broadband installation and new furniture, etc.

“Budgeting is key. We make sure every first time buyer knows what to expect right from the start.” – Louise Stephens-Pantoja, LPL

Government schemes for first time buyers

At LPL, we help you make the most of all available options:

First Homes Scheme

• Offers new-build homes at a 30% discount
• Available to first time buyers in England earning under £80,000 (or £90,000 in London)

Shared Ownership

• Buy 25–75% of a property and pay rent on the rest
• Great if you’re struggling to afford full ownership

Ready to become a homeowner?

As a first time buyer, you deserve a conveyancing partner that keeps things simple, clear and stress-free. With decades of experience, a top-rated customer service team, and fully digital processes, LPL is here to help you unlock the door to your very first home.

“Helping first time buyers is one of the most rewarding parts of our work. We’re not just lawyers; we’re your support system.” – Louise Stephens-Pantoja, Head of Operations at LPL

Take the first step today

Get an instant quote on our website or call our friendly Client Services Team on 0333 3055 249 – we’re here to help you every step of the way.