The main cost will be the purchase price of the property and mortgage repayments.

Other costs are:

• Your Deposit
• Valuation Fee to determine the value of the property
• Legal Fees solicitors fees and other monies he/she will have to pay on your behalf i.e. land registry fees, search fees etc.
• Stamp Duty - a government fee on the purchase of second hand homes and new homes not owner occupier

Study the plans and site map carefully when buying from drawings.

• Who is/was the builder?
• Can you view other work that he has done?
• Organise a surveyors report, especially on older houses.
• Does it have features that you value as most important in a home?
• Is there the possibility for expansion/garage etc?

The area in which you choose to purchase a property is one of the most important factors, ensuring it will be suitable to all your needs, for the length of time you expect to remain there.

• Are there shops, schools, churches etc. convenient to this residence?
• Are there adequate transport services?
• And most importantly, what are the plans for future development?

• Life Assurance
• Home Insurance
• Payments Protection Policy - covers mortgage repayments in the event of accident, illness or redundancy
• Any other service charges by local authority etc. if in an estate or apartment building