First Time Buyer Mortgage Advice in Derby

A question that we regularly get from customers, is how much will their process actually cost? Generally speaking, first time buyers in Derby are the ones who reach out to ask this question the most.

Because of this, we have put together a handy list of the different fees you can expect to pay throughout your mortgage journey, and the different points at which they become payable.

Estate agency fees

Estate agent fees will generally only be payable if you are selling a home. With general interest in online estate agents on the rise constantly, you can sell your home with much lower fees on a basic Rightmove listing.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a more localised and personal service provided by a dedicated sales negotiator in a local branch, you will be looking at a fee somewhere around 1-2%.

Valuation fees

Your mortgage lender will require that you have a valuation carried out on your new home. This is to determine the value of said property, to confirm that it is worth the amount you’re looking to borrow.

The costs of a valuation can vary from nothing at all (for a basic valuation with some lenders), all the way up to well over £100 for a much more detailed Home Buyers’ Report. A full Building Survey can potentially cost more than that.

Really, being able to choose which report you would like is the key here. The valuation you decide will vary based on the age and type of the property you’re looking to buy, as well as any concerns you have.

If it’s a newer property, you may want a basic valuation. If you are buying a period property, you’ll probably want a more in-depth report.

For more information regarding the different types of property surveys, check out our article here.

Mortgage arrangement fees

Some of the mortgage products that you will find, will have cheaper rates. Occasionally though, the arrangement fee can outweigh how cheap it is.

This isn’t always the case, as there are products that won’t have a fee, meaning they cost nothing. That being said though, some might have a fee and they could be quite costly, depending on your lender or product.

You may have the choice to either add these to your mortgage balance or pay these upfront. If you add these to your mortgage, you may incur additional interest charges.

Solicitor’s fees

You will need to hire the services of a solicitor, and the fees for these can be very different depending on who you speak to. With a local company and a straightforward property purchase, you may find it’ll be around the mid hundreds.

When dealing with a solicitor, you will need to give them your property address. This will apply whether leasehold or freehold. In order to obtain a quotation, they’ll also need to know the purchase price.

The key points to cover when asking for a quote are:

  • Ensure the firm includes VAT
  • Is your Solicitor on your mortgage lenders panel?
  • Ensure the firm includes the cost of any “disbursements.” These are fees such as Land Registry Fees and Local Authority Search Fees.

Stamp duty

You may need to pay an extra tax on your home, which your solicitor will collect on the completion of your purchase of the property. Further details about who this applies to can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax.

Mortgage broker fees

A trusted and experienced mortgage broker in Derby will typically charge their own service fee. The fee amount will vary depending on the case and the mortgage advisor.

Removal fees

The cost of removing your furniture from your home can vary depending on who you use and the service you are looking for. Hiring a van to do it yourself may be a cheaper option than hiring a removal service, though they will be more efficient.

Book a Free Mortgage Appointment

To learn more about your mortgage options or to get started on your mortgage process, book your free mortgage appointment to speak with one of our mortgage advisors in Derby today. We usually have a great selection of appointments available, at times that are convenient for you.

Date Last Edited: December 6, 2023