Buying My First Flat: Everything I Wish I Knew Beforehand

When Charlotte first decided to buy a flat, she admits she had ‘no idea what she was getting into’. The jargon, the timelines, the unexpected twists—everything felt overwhelming. Like many first-time buyers, Charlotte stumbled through the process, learning as she went, before launching Fairy Godmover; a platform designed to make this journey smoother for others. Here’s her story, some lessons learned, and advice she wished she’d had when starting out.

Starting My Buying Journey

The first thing I did was jump on Rightmove, curious (and slightly terrified) to see if I could even afford a flat near Finsbury Park. After a reality check with the prices, I got serious about finances. I made a spreadsheet to compare the costs of buying versus renting and asked my mum for advice. She gave me gems like:

• Check the lease length (it should be over 90 years).
• Chat with the current tenants to get their honest opinions about the property.

From there, I set up daily Rightmove alerts and started visiting flats. It was a learning curve—I said “yes” to too many unnecessary property viewings at first, but over time, I got better at focusing on what really mattered to me.

Defining My Non-Negotiables

At the start, I thought outdoor space was a must-have. But I quickly realized before buying my first flat that within my budget, outdoor space often came at the expense of interior quality. Instead, I prioritized:

• Square footage: I wanted enough space for each room to feel comfortable.
• Natural light: Dark flats were an instant no for me.
• Practical layouts: A staircase within the flat made it feel more like a home.

I compromised on things like finish (my flat needed work) and the EPC rating, but I lucked out with a share of freehold property—a bonus I didn’t even think to prioritise at the time.

Learning to Decode Jargon

I relied heavily on Google and my mum to navigate the endless jargon—terms like “leasehold,” “ground rent,” and “Section 20 notices” felt like a foreign language at first. This gap in understanding is what inspired me to co-create Fairy Godmover, a platform that explains the buying process in plain English and helps buyers feel more in control.

*We have a super handy jargon busting guide for buyers and sellers here*.

Lessons From Property Viewings

Visiting flats taught me a lot about what to look for and what to ask:

• Always ask about other offers on the table.
• Don’t let estate agents pressure you into viewings that don’t fit your criteria.
• Check for practical things like lease terms, service charges, and the condition of hidden areas (above cupboards, for example!).

Things I’d Do Differently Next Time

If I could go back, before buying my first flat, I’d do a few things differently:

• Ask more about the shared freehold and how it operates.
• Research professionals—solicitors and surveyors make or break the process.
• Plan my deposit transfers in advance (bank limits can really mess with your timeline).
• Get home buyer’s insurance to cover survey and legal fees in case the seller pulled out.
• Never hand in notice on a rental until after exchanging contracts.

What “Home” Means to Me

For me, home is a sanctuary—a place to unwind, feel safe, and make my own. My flat reflects this: the second bedroom is a home office, the carpets were replaced before moving in, and plants (both real and fake!) give it life. And, of course, it’s a space dominated by my cat, who rules the roost.

Final Tips for First-Time Buyers

• Check the lease: Know the lease length, ground rent, and service charges.
• Plan transfers: Banks limit daily transfers—prep ahead for deposit payments.
• Overlap rent: Don’t risk being homeless; only give notice after exchange.
• Research professionals: A good solicitor can save you stress and money.

Buying a flat isn’t easy, but with the right tools and mindset, it’s absolutely doable. Whether you’re just starting or in the thick of it, remember: preparation is key, and every challenge is a chance to learn. And if you need a little guidance, Fairy Godmover is here to help!

Find out more about the Fairy Godmover tool or follow them on Instagram for timely guidance on all things buying a home!

Contact us:

mark@daviesdavies.co.uk – Sales Director (contact for sales, lettings and new homes)

katrina@daviesdavies.co.uk – Head of Property & Block Management (contact for property and block management)

Davies & Davies Estate Agents, 85 Stroud Green Road, London, N4 3EG

Article & images by Barefaced Studios

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