First-Time Buyer Hub · Free check
Find out if you're ready to buy your first home
Answer a few simple questions and we'll help you understand your next steps — from mortgage readiness to conveyancing, property checks, insurance and moving support.
- Check if you're mortgage ready
- Understand your buying costs
- Get introduced to trusted property professionals
- Save your buyer journey inside DR Rent
Your details
Takes about 60 seconds · No obligation
Trusted support
Why use DR Rent for your first home journey?
We help you understand the process
Clear, jargon-free guidance from renting to owning.
We introduce you to trusted professionals
Authorised advisers for mortgages, legals and protection.
We keep your journey organised
Save your checklist and track every next step in one place.
We help with property checks
Understand a home's condition before you commit.
We support the move
From renting to owning — we help you settle in.
Your roadmap
From renting to owning in 4 stages
A simple path to your first home — expand it for the full 12-step detail.
Get mortgage ready
Build your deposit, tidy your finances and get an adviser on side.
Find the right property
Shortlist areas, view homes in your budget and make an offer.
Complete the legal process
Instruct a conveyancer, arrange checks and reach completion.
Move in
Set up utilities, arrange removals and settle into your first home.
Buy with confidence
Property checks before you buy
Before you commit to buying, understand what you're walking into.
Survey
EPC
Electrical condition
Gas safety
Damp / mould check
Roof / structure
Leasehold checks
Planning / property data
Trusted professionals
Get the right help for each step
Mortgage support
Speak to an authorised mortgage adviser.
Conveyancing
Get introduced to a solicitor or conveyancer.
Insurance & protection
Speak to a protection adviser.
Property checks
Request property check support.
Move-in support
Plan your move and set up your new home.
DR Rent does not provide mortgage, insurance, investment or financial advice. We provide general information and may introduce you to authorised third-party advisers. Any mortgage or financial advice must be provided by an appropriately authorised adviser.
Get mortgage ready
Speak to a mortgage adviser
We'll introduce you to an authorised mortgage adviser — no obligation.
DR Rent does not provide mortgage, insurance, investment or financial advice. We provide general information and may introduce you to authorised third-party advisers. Any mortgage or financial advice must be provided by an appropriately authorised adviser.
Optional
Want to estimate your buying costs?
Use the buying cost calculator to plan your deposit, mortgage and upfront costs.
First-time buyer — Property tax
England: Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). First-time buyers usually pay no SDLT up to a threshold, with relief tapering above it. Rates change — confirm current thresholds.
⚠️ These figures are estimates only and do not include tax due. Tax rules and thresholds change — always confirm current rates with an authorised adviser or the relevant tax authority.
Be prepared
Your buyer checklist
Get these ready to speed up your mortgage and purchase.
Save your buyer journey
Create a free DR Rent account to save your checklist, track referrals and get next-step reminders.