×

The Essentials You Need For Your First Home as a First Time Buyer

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, and now that you have the keys in hand, the journey truly begins! If you’re not bringing much from your rental property, you’ll need to furnish your new home with all the essentials. But where do you start? This guide will take you through everything you need to make your first home feel complete.

What do I need if I’ve bought a pre-owned home?

It’s important to consider what the previous owners have left behind. White goods, such as a washing machine, fridge/freezers, and even a dishwasher, are frequently included in home sales, and if these are left in the property, you will save a significant amount of money. The previous owners should have filled this out on the fixtures and fixings documentation, so you’ll know ahead of time.

If your new home has a garden, keep in mind that while the previous owners may have left a lovely well-maintained garden behind they may have also taken expensive garden maintenance items along with them. A lawnmower, a shovel, a rake, a weeding trowel, gardening gloves, are a few of the essential tools for upkeep. We would advise you to inquire about what kind of upkeep the garden takes and what tools you’ll need for the job from the previous owners.

It is also recommended to have key services checked when purchasing your new property. Although it is not something you must ‘purchase,’ it is critical to have fundamental systems such as the boiler, electrics, central heating, and windows inspected by a professional. This will ensure your home is safe and up to standard.

If you’re in a situation where the previous owners have left you with piles of unwanted furniture the best thing to do would be to call into a local charity shop, they may even pop down and pick up all the items for you! Alternatively, you can always hire a skip and get rid of the furniture you don’t want!

What do I need if I just bought a new build house/apartment?

New builds tend to come furnished with a set of basic features. This will have been discussed with the builder at the time of contract signing. Integrated white goods in the kitchen, such as a fridge/freezer, dishwasher as well as a washing machine or dryer, showers, sinks, baths, tiling in the bathroom, light fittings and flooring throughout the house, are usually what’s included.

Don’t forget to confirm exactly what your new property comes with before purchasing anything for it. That way you can focus on buying the items you need.

What if I am furnishing my new home from scratch?

Don’t worry – with this first time buyer essentials inventory you will have everything you need for your new home! And, to help you prioritise what you need and where you need it, we’ve separated your basics checklist into rooms.

What Should I Consider for Ongoing Maintenance and Upkeep in My First Home?

As a first-time homeowner, staying on top of maintenance is just as essential as furnishing your new space. Here are a few key things to keep in mind to help you protect your investment and keep your home running smoothly:

Annual Service Checks

Essentials like the boiler, central heating, and electrical systems need yearly checks to ensure they’re functioning safely and efficiently. This can help you avoid costly breakdowns and ensure your home stays warm and comfortable.

Gutter and Roof Care

Regularly cleaning gutters and checking your roof for missing tiles or leaks can prevent water damage, especially in winter. These small tasks can save you from bigger problems later.

Home security

We’ve already recommended checking windows, but you could also consider upgrading locks on doors and windows, especially in a pre-owned home, for added peace of mind. Adding an alarm system or outdoor lighting can enhance security.

Pest Prevention

Keep an eye out for signs of pests, especially in older homes. Taking early preventative measures, like sealing any gaps and cracks, can keep unwanted critters at bay.

Avoid common pitfalls when buying your first home! Read our guide on the five mistakes first-time buyers should avoid and make your home-buying journey smoother.

Ready to Move into Your New House? Let Miller Metcalfe Help You with First-Time Buyer Home Essentials!

As a first-time buyer, making sure your new house is fully equipped with all the home essentials is key to starting your journey on the right foot. At Miller Metcalfe, we’re here to guide you through every step of the home-buying process, ensuring your experience of purchasing your first home is smooth and stress-free. Contact us today to learn how we can support you in making your first home purchase a success!

Related Post

Updates: 3 Mins Read

First Time Buyers | The Essentials You Need For Your Firs...

Purchasing your first home is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Finally, you have the keys! So, what’s next? Unless you plan on moving the

Updates: 2 Mins Read

How To Style a Larger Room | A Simple Guide

Furniture If you’re decorating a larger space, you should arrange your furniture to create different zones that work together as a whole.

Updates: 2 Mins Read

Wall Panelling | Adding Another Dimension To Your Home

Because walls make up the majority of a room’s surfaces, finding the perfect way to utilise wall panelling is so important. Wall pane...