20 Jan 2025
When it comes to purchasing your dream home in Lancashire, proper financial planning is the cornerstone of success. At Lancastrian Estates, we’ve guided countless buyers through this journey, and we understand that careful monetary preparation can make all the difference between a stressful experience and a smooth transition to homeownership.
Understanding your financial position is crucial before beginning your property search. We recommend thoroughly reviewing your credit score, current savings, and monthly outgoings. Lancashire’s property market offers diverse opportunities across different price ranges, but knowing your financial boundaries helps narrow down your search to realistic options, saving both time and emotional investment.
Creating a comprehensive budget isn’t just about the purchase price. Our experience in the local market shows that Lancashire homebuyers need to consider various additional costs. These include solicitor fees, surveys, stamp duty (where applicable), and ongoing maintenance costs. We always advise our clients to factor in location-specific costs too, such as higher heating bills in our historic properties or maintenance considerations for properties in coastal areas like Morecambe.
When it comes to mortgages, we’ve built strong relationships with local financial advisors who understand the nuances of the Lancashire property market. They can help you navigate various mortgage options, from fixed-rate to variable, and find the best fit for your circumstances. Remember, a lower interest rate isn’t always the best option if other terms don’t align with your long-term plans.
Building a robust savings plan is essential. While the traditional target is a 20% deposit, we’ve seen successful purchases with lower deposits through schemes like Help to Buy. However, we always emphasise the importance of maintaining an emergency fund beyond your deposit, especially when purchasing older properties which are common in our historic Lancashire towns.
At Lancastrian Estates, we believe that informed buyers make confident decisions. Our team is always ready to provide guidance on the financial aspects of your property purchase, ensuring you’re well-prepared for this exciting journey.