Want to know what buying a property actually involves? Start here.
If you’re at the stage where you're wondering what to consider before buying a home or what do I need to know before beginning a property search, you’re not alone. Most buyers want a clear, simple starting point – the essentials to get right before diving into listings or lining up viewings.
This guide brings together the key things people usually search for when they’re preparing to buy: budget planning, mortgage options, location considerations, and the lifestyle factors that often shape a long term decision. It’s designed to help you feel informed and confident before you start scrolling properties or booking viewings, so your search begins on solid ground.
Before you book a viewing, do this
You are scrolling listings and suddenly it appears. The one. The flat that’s flooded with sunlight. The house with the exact kitchen you’ve been saving on Pinterest…
Your instinct might be to click straight through and book a viewing. Do that, but only once you have a proper handle on your budget.
Understanding what you can afford before you book a viewing isn’t just about what you want to spend. It’s about getting a full picture of your finances, what lenders may offer and how your plans fit together.
Before you start scheduling viewings, it helps to line up these key steps.
What to do first if you're already a homeowner
“Should I get a valuation before I start viewing?”
Yes – and it’s the most important early step.
Before viewings, before shortlists, before anything else, one thing matters most: a valuation that gives you a realistic sense of what your current home could achieve. This shapes every decision that follows: your budget, your timeline, even the kinds of properties you should be viewing.
Relying on guesswork, online estimates or what you paid for the property will send your plans off course.
“How do I know what my home’s worth?”
It's important to come up with a clear, informed pricing strategy to extract the most value from your sale. London’s market moves fast, and micro markets can shift street by street. Getting your pricing right requires recent comparable sales, local insight and real time knowledge of demand.
That is exactly what a Foxtons valuation is built on.
Why a Foxtons valuation makes the difference
A Foxtons valuation is an expert, on the ground assessment backed by a huge buyer pool and the most up to date market data available.
Our agents can see how buyers are behaving right now. What they are paying, what they are competing for and where expectations are shifting. That knowledge is what allows us to recommend an asking price that attracts the right buyers and supports a smooth onward move.
Once your sale value is clear, you should speak to a mortgage adviser, such as our partner Alexander Hall. With your property value realised, your borrowing options, deposit and timing can all be aligned with confidence.
What to do if you are a first-time buyer
“What should first-time buyers sort out before starting their property search?”
Start with your borrowing options.
• Book a consultation with a mortgage adviser to understand what you could borrow
• They’ll help you secure a Mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP)
• Ask them about deposit requirements, fees and monthly repayments – any financial questions, here’s where you get clarity.
A mortgage adviser can help you move faster and with far more confidence. Alexander Hall, our partner mortgage advisor, specialises in guiding first-time buyers through all their options.
Then, share your search criteria with agents. You can share with us by setting up a My Foxtons account and our offices will keep an eye out for properties that suit:
The smartest way to start your home buying journey
“How do I choose the right area?”
Start by talking to your local Foxtons office – we can help amplify your search.
You’re unlikely to find a property that matches every single thing on your wish list, as well as your budget and timeline. But with a little flexibility, you might just find something even better.
An extra ten minutes on your commute could mean a garden instead of a balcony. A different street might get you more space or better long-term value. This is where local expertise really matters.
Foxtons agents can show you homes across London, not just within the local patch. That means we can help you explore areas and properties that suit your lifestyle, even if they were not on your original wish list.
What should I consider before booking the viewing?
If you're browsing property listings and wondering what it is you're actually meant to be looking for, here's some information that can help:
• Abbreviations and key terms on property listings
• Leasehold vs freehold - what's the difference?
• How to buy a home in a property auction
• What does buying off plan mean?
• What does 'cash buyers only' mean?
Keep exploring
Whether you are just starting out or already thinking about your next move, Foxtons guides will help you go further.
First-time buyer:
• First-time home buyer guide: how to get on the London property ladder
• How can first-time buyers navigate the property market successfully?
• How to find your perfect family-friendly home
Next-step buyer:
• Should I find a new home before I sell?
• How to handle the management pack when selling a leasehold property
• The documents you need to sell a house
• Top tips: juggling your house sale and onward move
Budget:
• How do I budget for a new home?
• The rise of low-deposit mortgages: opportunities at 17-year high
• What different types of mortgages are there?
• How do I price my home correctly?
The property market right now:
•The 2026 London Property Market: monthly trends and insight from Foxtons
Source: This article was reviewed and edited by Foxtons sales experts, drawing on on the ground experience of London buyer behaviour and local market insight. Additional mortgage guidance was informed by our partner advisers at Alexander Hall. If you have any questions on this article, email us to ask a Foxtons expert.
