Navigate the High Wycombe property market with confidence. Our comprehensive guide covers everything from understanding local market trends and choosing the right neighbourhood to budgeting, securing financing, and navigating legal processes. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or seasoned investor, you’ll find practical tips, checklists, and expert insights to make your property purchase smooth, informed, and successful.
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone — but we know it can feel overwhelming too. Every purchase is different, and there’s a lot to think about along the way. That’s why we’ve put together this First-Time Buyers Guide — designed to help you plan, prepare, and make your journey onto the property ladder as smooth as possible.
If you’d like tailored advice or a friendly chat with one of our local property experts, simply give us a call or visit our High Wycombe branch.
Your first home is a big decision. While it’s tempting to create a dream checklist, it’s rare to find a property that ticks every single box. We recommend splitting your wish list into:
Essentials — non-negotiables like number of bedrooms, parking, or outdoor space.
Nice-to-haves — features you’d love but can compromise on.
Don’t forget to consider the area itself — think schools, travel routes, local amenities, medical facilities, and lifestyle. Our ThompsonWilson Area Guides are a great starting point.
Before you start viewing properties, get a clear idea of what you can afford. Your budget should include:
Your deposit
Legal fees and surveys
Moving costs and removals
Stamp Duty (if applicable)
💡 Tip: We work closely with trusted mortgage advisers who can help you calculate your budget and secure a mortgage in principle — making you a more attractive buyer.
The deposit you’ll need depends on the property price. For example:
£300,000 home → 10% deposit = £30,000
£600,000 home → 10% deposit = £60,000
Some first-time buyers can get started with just a 5% deposit through schemes like Help to Buy. The more deposit you can put down, the better mortgage rates you may be able to access.
Building a deposit takes planning and discipline:
Use a high-interest savings account to grow your funds.
Track your spending using an app or spreadsheet.
Reduce non-essentials — unused subscriptions, frequent takeaways, or impulse buys.
Consider extra income streams, such as part-time work, but avoid burnout.
Set realistic savings goals so you can stick to them.
A mortgage is a loan secured against your property, repaid in monthly instalments. There are many types available, from fixed-rate to tracker mortgages.
Some lenders offer special first-time buyer deals with lower deposits, and Government-backed schemes can also help. Our mortgage partners can compare the market for you and recommend the most suitable deal.
Start by narrowing down areas you’d like to live in. Register for ThompsonWilson property alerts so you’re the first to know when new homes become available. Properties are listed across portals, our website, and even social media, so staying connected is key.
When you view a home:
Consider both the feel and the practicality.
Ask questions about the property’s condition and what’s included in the sale.
On a second viewing, check windows, heating, walls, floors, and storage space.
Our Property Viewing Checklist can help you spot the details that matter.
Knowing what to offer can be tricky. The seller’s expectations, market demand, and how long the property has been listed will all play a role.
💡 Pro tip: As a first-time buyer, you have no chain, which is attractive to sellers — it could help you negotiate a better price.
Choosing your new home is both an emotional and practical decision — so it’s important to use both your heart and your head. Viewings often last only a short time compared to the size of the investment you’re making, so making the most of every minute is essential.
Here are our top tips to help you view with confidence:
Drive or walk past the property at different times of day.
Check parking availability and traffic levels — a quiet street at lunchtime could be very different at rush hour.
Look at the distance to work, school, shops, and other amenities.
Many agents (including ThompsonWilson) offer virtual viewings via video tours or 3D walkthroughs.
Use Google Street View or Google Earth to explore the area from home before committing to an in-person visit.
Identify your must-haves and nice-to-haves in a property.
Prepare a list of questions to ask during the viewing so you don’t forget the important details.
A friend or family member can offer a second opinion, spot things you might miss, and help you think through your options.
Look at the curb appeal, brickwork, guttering, roof, garden, and boundaries.
Ask if there are any Tree Preservation Orders or flooding issues.
Consider the layout and whether it suits your lifestyle.
Assess the condition of kitchens, bathrooms, windows, and heating.
Look for signs of damp and ask about maintenance history (boiler servicing, window replacements, etc.).
If possible, view the loft, cellar, or outbuildings.
Plumbing: Boiler age, efficiency, and service records.
Planning: Any work requiring permission? Are certificates and guarantees available?
Bills: Average costs for council tax, utilities, and water.
Fixtures & Fittings: What’s included in the sale (appliances, carpets, curtain poles, etc.)?
Learn why they’re moving and how quickly they want to sell — it can help in negotiations.
Speak with neighbours for honest insights about the area.
Our ThompsonWilson team knows the High Wycombe market inside out.
We can provide insights into the property, similar homes, and local demand.
Avoid rushing into an offer.
Review your priority list and ensure the property meets your needs.
Only proceed when you’re confident it’s the right home for you.
Moving home is exciting — but we know it can also be one of life’s most stressful experiences. Between packing, paperwork, and logistics, there’s a lot to think about. That’s why we’ve created this Moving House Guide to help you stay organised and make your move as smooth as possible.
Throughout the process, our ThompsonWilson team will keep you updated and on track, so you can focus on the excitement of starting your new chapter.
You’ll agree a completion date with your conveyancers once contracts are ready to exchange.
Avoid peak times if possible — such as Fridays, bank holidays, or end-of-term weeks — to make your move easier and potentially save on costs.
Get quotes from reputable removal firms (check if insurance and packing are included).
Ensure the removal company is a member of the National Guild of Removers and Storers.
Read your contract so you know your rights if items are damaged.
Make an inventory list for the removal firm.
Start decluttering — donate, sell, or dispose of items you no longer need.
Notify utility companies of your move.
Consider mail redirection with the Post Office.
Begin packing items you won’t need before the move.
Get boxes if your movers aren’t providing them.
Plan furniture placement in your new home.
Clearly label all boxes with their contents and destination room.
Arrange final bills or number transfers for your landline.
Cancel regular deliveries (milk, newspapers, etc.).
Send out change of address notifications to friends, family, and important contacts.
Defrost freezers at least 48 hours before moving.
Arrange final meter readings (give utility companies at least 72 hours’ notice).
Switch off all appliances.
Keep an essentials kit with you (tea, coffee, plates, cutlery, toiletries, cleaning supplies, bed linen, important documents, keys, and children’s favourite toys).
Take final meter readings.
Do a last sweep of your old home to make sure nothing is left behind.
On completion day, your buyer’s conveyancer will transfer funds to the seller’s conveyancer.
Once funds are received, the estate agent will release your keys.
Congratulations — you can now move in and make your new house a home!
Buying a new build home comes with a range of benefits — from modern design and energy efficiency to reduced maintenance, long warranties, and often a simpler buying chain.
The process is slightly different from purchasing an older property, so here’s our step-by-step guide to help you know what to expect.
New build developments are available across the UK.
Research the area and think about local amenities, transport links, schools, and green spaces.
Our ThompsonWilson team can help you find the right development for your needs.
Many developers host open days and offer incentives such as:
Contribution towards moving costs
Paid stamp duty
Part-funding your deposit
Ask the sales consultant about any offers available — they could save you thousands.
Even if your plot isn’t built yet, you’ll usually be able to tour a show home.
Ask which features are standard and which are optional upgrades.
Take time to explore the wider development to get a sense of the community and layout.
If you reserve early enough, you may be able to personalise your home with choices like:
Kitchen tiles
Worktops
Flooring options
Confirm with the developer what is included and by when you need to make your selections.
Once you’ve chosen your plot, you’ll be asked to pay a reservation deposit (amounts vary by developer).
The property will then be taken off the market.
You’ll be given an estimated completion date, with regular updates along the way.
Most new builds come with a structural warranty of 5–10 years (e.g., NHBC or similar).
Confirm exactly what’s covered — this can give you valuable peace of mind.
Fraud remains a significant threat, especially in the property market. Criminals use deception to gain access to money, data, or even the property itself.
Here are two of the most common types of property fraud — and how you can protect yourself.
What it is:
Usually happens on the day of completion.
Fraudsters send fake emails pretending to be your solicitor or another party in the transaction.
They trick you into sending funds to different bank details — which belong to the criminal.
How to protect yourself:
Never rely solely on email for payment instructions.
Call your solicitor directly using a verified phone number before making any transfer.
Confirm both the amount and the bank details verbally.
Be suspicious of last-minute changes to payment details.
What it is:
Criminals steal a property owner’s identity or use fake documents to transfer ownership at the HM Land Registry.
Once in their name, they may try to sell the property or take out a mortgage against it.
Empty properties, second homes, or holiday lets are particularly at risk.
How to protect yourself:
Sign up for HM Land Registry property alerts — you’ll be notified of any activity on your property.
Place a restriction on your title to stop it being sold or mortgaged without your consent.
Keep your contact details up to date with HM Land Registry.