Planning to buy your first home can be daunting, but it is not impossible. Buying a home can allow you a lot more freedom for choice in regard to building works and even decorations than renting may give you. When you start saving for your deposit, or even looking into what mortgage options may be available to you, there are other considerations that you might need to make. These can help you to come up with a saving and payment plan that is feasible for you, both now and in the future.
Pensions
Depending on your age right now, there is a chance that you might still be paying off your mortgage when you reach retirement age. If this is the case, you will need to consider how these payments will be made, especially if you no longer have your usual monthly income. Online sources, such as wealthify.com, can give you information regarding pensions, allowing you to make more of an informed decision on whether you opt for a longer mortgage period, or instead choose one with higher monthly payments over a reduced length of time so that, once you retire from work, you will not have to worry about payments for your place of residence.
Repairs
Generally, when renting a property, maintenance and repairs for the property, including maintaining the electrics and servicing the boiler, may be administered by your landlord. When you own your own home, you will be responsible for its upkeep. This cost will need to be factored into your monthly budget, along with your mortgage payments, which could lead to the total exceeding what you currently pay for rent.
By looking at your income and continuous outgoings, such as fuel costs and grocery bills, as well as gaining potential quotes for services that you currently do not need to pay for, you could get an estimated figure of the living costs associated with owning your own home, allowing you to work out whether it is currently feasible.
Unexpected Circumstances
At times, there may be circumstances outside of your control that require immediate payment. Something as simple as a problem with your vehicle can result in a hefty bill. By creating an additional savings pot, alongside the savings you have for your deposit, you can help yourself in times of need, without requiring you to dip into your house fund. Shopping around for the accounts (savings or ISAs) with the highest levels of interest can help your money to grow, which can be genuinely beneficial as a rainy day reserve.
Buying and owning your own home is a life goal shared with many people. By considering your financial situations, as well as factoring in any lifestyle changes or issues that may crop up in the future, you can create a plan for buying your home. When you consider that things may not run smoothly, you can be better prepared for these times, thus reducing the risk of losing your home or failing to make payments elsewhere.