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What to avoid when buying a property for the first time

Posted on: Thursday, February 5, 2026

For many first-time buyers, purchasing a home is unfamiliar territory. The process comes with big decisions, competing priorities, and plenty of pressure to “get it right.” Without a clear understanding of what should guide those decisions, it’s easy to be distracted by surface-level features and overlook factors that can have long-term financial and lifestyle consequences. 

 

Overlooking resale potential 

It’s easy to fall in love with a property and imagine it as your “forever home”, but life is unpredictable. Career changes, family growth, or shifts in your lifestyle can mean moving sooner than expected. Choosing a property without considering its future resale potential can leave you with a home that’s hard to sell or doesn’t meet the needs of typical buyers. Planning ahead ensures your first home can adapt with you or at least retain its value when the time comes. 

Consider factors like: 

- Transport links 

- Local schooling 

- Location 

- Extra features e.g. parking, garden 

- Property type 

 

Not exploring mortgage options 

Many first-time buyers make the mistake of taking the first mortgage offer they’re given or relying only on what their bank suggests. Failing to compare rates, terms, and products can cost you thousands over the life of your loan. Taking the time to research, get pre-approvals, and explore different lenders ensures you find a mortgage that fits your budget and long-term goals. 

 

Skipping a property survey 

One of the most common, and costly, mistakes first-time buyers make is moving forward without a professional property survey. What looks solid on the surface can hide structural issues, boundary discrepancies, or maintenance problems that only come to light once you’ve moved in. A survey provides an objective assessment of the property’s condition and helps you make an informed decision, negotiate repairs or price adjustments, and avoid unexpected expenses after completion. 

 

Limiting your options 

It’s easy to dismiss a property because it doesn’t match your ideal style, but first-time buyers often forget that they can make a house their own. Focusing too much on paint colors, decor, or minor layout details can mean overlooking a home with great potential. Staying open-minded allows you to imagine how a space could work for you and helps you see possibilities beyond the surface. 

 

Not using all resources 

Relying on a single estate agent can seriously narrow your search. Property portals like Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarket, as well as multiple agents, give you access to a wider range of listings and better market insight. Exploring multiple channels ensures you don’t miss opportunities and helps you make a more informed, unbiased decision. 

 

Are you looking for your first property? Contact one of our Guild agents today. Find your nearest office here.

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I would highly recommend Hardings Estate Agents. They have excellent knowledge of Windsor and the surrounding areas, and are extremely professional, responsive and courteous. I would not hesitate to using them again the future. I recently dealt with Milica who was instrumental in securing us our new home in Windsor as well as the sale of our existing property. She was a fab negotiator and a real pleasure to work with from beginning to end. Thank you!

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Hardings of Windsor managed our purchase with complete professionalism and went over and above in my opinion to manage the transaction and chain, resulting in a really smooth purchase. Milica at Hardings constantly provided timely updates and managed respective solicitors and the chain effectively, always responding quickly to queries. The whole transaction would not have happened without Milicas' focus on making all parties comfortable and satisfying all queries, not only professional but a delightful and welcoming personal approach that was a constant throughout. Thanks Hardings! Thanks Milica!

Stuart Blatch

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I would recommend using Hardings estate agents when buying or selling your property. Dominic (Scully) was always available, helpful and genuinely interested in my purchase and always calm and compassionate. If I ever move again my first choice will be Hardings.

Cath Powell

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Dom and the team at Hardings were so helpful and efficient when I purchased my flat - friendly and professional service and kept us up-to-date the whole way through the process. It was my first time buying and so was very nervous but they helped me feel at ease.

Freppell

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We bought and sold through Hardings and can't recommend their professional service enough. The whole Team are really lovely, we were kept informed throughout the process and never had to chase anything.

Natalie Quint

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I used Hardings when I bought my property as well as when I sold it and the service has been fantastic both times. I very much recommend Hardings!

Therese Jouini

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We recently purchased our new home with Hardings Estate Agents. The whole team there were very helpful and flexible with us, arranging viewings quickly on the same day. They were always quick to respond and if ever our point of contact was not there, the service did not change as they work well together as a team. We received a personalised service, which allowed the sale to proceed quickly. Thank you all and we recommend Hardings Estate Agents without hesitation.

Mike B

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What a pleasure it was to deal with Milica from Hardings. She sourced the perfect property for me and my family (while we were still abroad) and worked endlessly to put the deal together. I would give more than 5 stars if at all possible!

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Eloise Harris

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Thank you, Dominic and Louisa - having not moved for over 30 years you helped me all the way, step by step. You were always polite, communicative, reassuring and very supportive. Would recommend Hardings wholeheartedly.

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