Keys to beating the stress of buying property in 2025

FROM NASTY HIDDEN COSTS TO CHANGES IN STAMP DUTY, EXPERTS SHARE THEIR TOP TIPS

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The start of a new year is often the kick needed to put house-buying plans into action. And there's a bumper load of home transactions set to complete in the early months of 2025, according to research from Zoopla. The property website has just seen the biggest pipeline of sales at the end of the year for four years. This could be a reflection of buyers and sellers returning to the market, having previously put off moving decisions in the face of higher mortgage rates. But when you're starting out looking for a new property, it can be easy to overlook things that later become stumbling blocks. But going ginto the process with your eyes wide open, and wise to the many pitfalls and recent changes, will help ensure smoother sailing for many would-be buyers.

Here are some expert tips to help house hunters navigate those potential obstacles along the way:

1 Get your paperwork and costs together

Self-employed borrowers may need to make particular plans when showing proof of income.

Ryan Etchells, chief operations officer at specialist mortgage lender Together, says high street lenders might want to see proof of income running back over the long-term.

"This can prove tricky for people who, for example, may have just started up their own business or for people such as freelancers, company directors or consultants, whose income may not be paid into their bank account on the exact same day every month," he says.

As well as other documents, borrowers may also need to show their operating and travel costs as well as spending on office rental and supplies.

"Having all of your documents ready will help with a smooth and stress-free mortgage application process," Ryan adds.