Buying Your First Home in Manchester: A Legal Checklist for First-Time Buyers

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone. Whether you are moving into a city-centre apartment, a new build development or a first house in South Manchester or Cheshire, the legal process can feel unfamiliar and, at times, overwhelming.

Understanding what to expect and preparing early can help you move forward with confidence. This legal checklist is designed to guide first-time buyers through the conveyancing process, highlight common pitfalls and give a realistic idea of timescales and costs.

Step 1: Instruct a Conveyancing Solicitor Early

Once you start viewing properties, it is sensible to instruct a conveyancing solicitor straight away. Having a solicitor lined up means you can move quickly when your offer is accepted and avoid unnecessary delays.

A local Manchester solicitor with experience in first-time buyer transactions and new build developments can also flag potential issues early, particularly where leasehold or shared ownership arrangements are involved.

Step 2: Budget for the Full Cost of Buying

Many first-time buyers focus on their deposit, but legal and associated costs should also be planned for.

Typical costs include:

• Conveyancing fees

• Search fees

• Stamp Duty Land Tax (if applicable)

• Land Registry fees

• Mortgage arrangement and valuation fees

  
  

Some other costs to factor in, include: surveys, moving companies, furniture and white goods.

Your solicitor will provide a clear estimate on all the legal costs at the outset so there are no surprises later on.

Step 3: Understand the Conveyancing Process

The legal process of buying a home, known as conveyancing, usually follows these stages:

• Offer accepted and solicitor instructed

• Contract pack received and reviewed

• Property searches ordered

• Mortgage offer issued

• Enquiries raised and resolved

• Exchange of contracts

• Completion and moving day

  
  

For first-time buyers, the process typically takes between 8 and 12 weeks, although this can vary depending on the property type and whether you are buying a new build.

Step 4: Searches and Enquiries Explained

Your solicitor will carry out searches to identify any legal or environmental issues affecting the property. These include local authority searches, drainage searches and environmental checks.

Enquiries are then raised with the seller’s solicitor to clarify matters such as planning permissions, alterations or access rights. This stage is crucial for protecting you as a buyer, even though it can feel slow at times.

Step 5: Exchange of Contracts and Completion

Once all legal checks are complete and your mortgage offer is in place, you will exchange contracts. At this point, the purchase becomes legally binding and a completion date is agreed.

Completion usually takes place one to two weeks later, when the remaining funds are transferred and you receive the keys to your first home.

Be Aware of Common First-Time Buyer Pitfalls

Certain issues tend to catch first-time buyers off guard.

Leasehold properties

Many Manchester apartments are leasehold. Your solicitor will check the lease length, ground rent, service charges and any restrictions, which can affect both affordability and future resale.

New build purchases

New build developments often involve tight deadlines, developer incentives and complex contracts. A solicitor with experience of Manchester’s new build market can ensure you understand what you are committing to and that protections are in place.

Survey assumptions

Mortgage valuations are not full surveys. Arranging an independent survey can help identify issues before you are legally committed.

Delays caused by incomplete paperwork

Responding promptly to requests for information and documents helps keep your purchase on track.

Why Local Knowledge Matters

Buying your first home in Manchester comes with local nuances, from city-centre leaseholds to suburban developments and new build estates across South Manchester and Cheshire.

Salehs Solicitors have extensive experience acting for first-time buyers and understand the local market, developers and lenders. Their residential property team provides clear, practical advice and keeps communication straightforward throughout the process, helping buyers feel informed and supported from start to finish.

Take the First Step with Confidence

Your first home purchase should be exciting, not stressful. Having the right legal support in place makes all the difference.

If you are buying your first home, you can get a clear, no-obligation estimate from Salehs Solicitors and take the next step towards getting on the property ladder with confidence.