If buying a home is on your New Year 'to do' list, preparation is key. With competition heating up in the property market, getting mortgage advice and an Agreement in Principle early can give you the confidence and edge to secure the right home.
The New Year has a funny way of making people decisive. Suddenly, the idea of moving home goes from “maybe one day” to “let’s start looking tonight”. And while that motivation is brilliant, the New Year property market can be fast-paced and competitive which means preparation is everything.
Before you book viewings, fall in love with bay windows, or start measuring up for sofas, there’s one vital step you shouldn’t skip: getting mortgage advice and securing an Agreement in Principle (AIP).
Mortgage advice helps you understand what you can realistically afford, not just the top end figure a lender might offer. A good adviser will look at your income, outgoings, future plans, and lifestyle to make sure your mortgage fits comfortably. It removes uncertainty early on and helps you focus your search on properties that truly work for you.
Then there’s the AIP, the unsung hero of the buying process. In simple terms, an AIP confirms how much a lender is likely to lend you, subject to checks. In the busy New Year market, this puts you in a much stronger position. Sellers and estate agents want confidence, and a buyer with an AIP shows they’re serious, organised, and ready to move quickly.
January and February often bring motivated buyers and fresh listings, but that also means competition. Properties can receive multiple offers, and when they do, buyers with their finances already lined up tend to stand out. A valid AIP can quite literally put you at the head of the race.
Being prepared also means less stress. You can view properties with confidence, make offers quickly, and avoid delays that could cost you the home you want.
If you’re planning to buy this year, now is the time to get ahead.
Register with Amos Estates today to receive property alerts, expert guidance, and support throughout your search. Visit
https://amosestates.web.lifesycle.co.uk/properties/register and take the first confident step towards your next home.
The New Year market moves quickly, make sure you’re ready to move with it.