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Buying your first home

What it means to be a first time buyer

Buying your first home is a big moment — exciting, rewarding and full of possibility. But it can also feel overwhelming at times. At St. Modwen Homes, we’re here to make things feel clearer and simpler from the very beginning. Whether you’re searching for the right home, saving for a deposit or exploring mortgage options, our team will guide you every step of the way.

Why buy new

There are plenty of advantages to buying a brand-new home, especially if it’s your first. From lower running costs to modern layouts designed around everyday life, a new build home gives you the confidence to focus on settling in and making it your own.

1.

Thoughtfully designed homes in great locations - Our homes are built for modern living, in well-connected communities close to schools, green spaces, transport links and everyday essentials. Register your interest and be first to hear about homes near you.

2.

Reserve early for more choice - Buying off plan can give you access to a wider choice of home styles, locations and finishes. With online pre-reservation available on selected developments, you can secure your chosen home quickly and conveniently before visiting us in person to formalise your reservation.

3.

Offers to help you move - We offer a range of offers and incentives on selected homes to help your move. From deposit contributions to flooring packages, our Development Sales Managers can talk you through the latest offers available.

4.

Selections designed for you - The earlier you reserve, the more opportunity you may have to personalise your home. You can choose from a range of themes, styled by interior experts, to make it easy to choose every detail to reflect your style.

5.

Support from start to finish - Buying your first home can feel unfamiliar, but you won’t do it alone. Our friendly teams are here to answer questions, explain the process and support you throughout your journey — from first enquiry through to move-in day and beyond.

6.

Modern selections and appliances - Everything in your new home is brand new and ready to enjoy. Many homes include integrated appliances, contemporary fittings and smart design features that make everyday living easier from the moment you move in.

7.

Energy-efficient living - New build homes are designed to modern energy standards, helping you save on running costs compared to many older properties. Many of our homes include features such as efficient heating systems, EV chargers and solar panels on selected homes. 

8.

A smoother move - With no upward chain and no previous owners, moving into a new build home can feel much more straightforward. You can plan with confidence and move in as soon as your home is ready.

9.

Less maintenance, more peace of mind - As the first owner, everything is fresh, unused and built to modern standards — meaning less time spent on repairs and more time enjoying your new home.

10.

Built for the future - All St. Modwen homes come with a 10-year NHBC warranty for added reassurance. Our homes are designed with quality, sustainability and modern living in mind, giving you confidence for years to come.

Can you afford to buy?

One of the biggest costs when buying your first home is your deposit. Typically, this starts from 5% of the property price, although many buyers aim for more, around 10-20%, depending on their mortgage.

For example, a 10% deposit on a £250,000 home would be £25,000.

Alongside your deposit, there are a few other costs to plan for when buying a home. Understanding these early can help you budget with confidence and feel more prepared for your move. Use our helpful Mortgage Calculator to find out what you could afford and our Stamp Duty Calculator to work out how much tax you'll pay. 

St. Modwen Homes also have a selection of offers, that could help make buying your first home more achievable, including Deposit Boost where we could match the deposit you’ve saved, up to 5% of the homes total price.

Other costs to consider include:

Mortgage repayments – Your monthly payments will depend on how much you borrow and your mortgage rate.

Stamp Duty, LBTT or Help to Buy Wales – Depending on the property price and current government rules, first-time buyers may benefit from reduced rates or relief.

Solicitor and legal fees – A solicitor will manage contracts, searches and legal checks throughout the purchase process.

Surveys and inspections – Even with a new build home, checks may still be recommended for added reassurance.

Moving costs – Including removals, packing and setting up your new home.

Ongoing household bills – Utilities, council tax, broadband and home insurance are all worth factoring into your monthly budget.

What to expecting in your first time buyer journey

Here is additional information that will help you understand more about buying your first home.

Online Pre-reservation

Buying a new home should feel exciting and straightforward. With online pre-reservation available on selected developments, you can reserve your chosen home online at a time that suits you, before completing the next steps with our sales team.

Mortgage Calculator

Our easy-to-use, free online mortgage calculator is perfect for anyone who is interested to find out how much their monthly mortgage repayments might be. It should help you to work out your options when it comes to buying a new home, giving you an idea of what you can realistically afford. 

Legal and finances

The legal side of buying a home can feel complicated at first. From mortgages and contracts to Stamp Duty and timelines, our helpful FAQs and sales teams are here to explain the process clearly.

Our recommended solicitors

We can also recommend independent solicitors who are experienced in new build purchases and can help guide you through the legal process from reservation through to completion.

Why first-time buyers choose St. Modwen Homes

At St. Modwen Homes, we build homes designed around the way people live today — combining thoughtful design, energy efficiency and well-connected locations to create places people love to call home.

We believe buying your first home should feel exciting, not overwhelming. That’s why we focus on making the experience straightforward, supportive and customer-first from the moment you start your search.

Our homes are designed with modern lifestyles in mind, featuring flexible living spaces, contemporary finishes and energy-efficient features that can help reduce running costs. 
Most importantly, our people are here to support you throughout your journey. From helping you find the right home to guiding you through the buying process, we’re committed to making your first move feel simple.

Discover more about St. Modwen Homes and explore our latest new homes across the UK.