• Buyer Help and Advice

5 Expert Tips to Help First-Time Buyers Get on the Property Ladder in 2025

Buying your first home is often one of life’s biggest milestones, but it can feel both exciting and overwhelming at the same time. With rising costs and a competitive property market, a lot of first-time buyers are asking the same question: what’s the best way to get on the property ladder in 2025?

At Beal Homes, we’ve helped thousands of people move into their first property, and we know the process inside out. To make things easier, we’ve put together our top five expert tips to help you buy your first home.

 

1.   Start Saving As Soon As Possible

For many first-time buyers, the most challenging part is saving for the deposit. Most lenders will ask for at least 5% of the property’s value, but the more you can save, the better mortgage deal you’re likely to get. With that being said, Beal Home’s offers support if saving feels like the biggest hurdle. With the Deposit Unlock scheme, you can buy a brand-new Beal home with just a 5% deposit. It’s designed to make the property ladder more accessible for first-time buyers, helping you secure a home sooner without the pressure of waiting years to save a larger lump sum.

Even small, regular contributions to your savings amounts add up quickly. If you haven’t already, look into government-backed saving options such as Help to Buy ISAs or Lifetime ISAs. Remember to factor in stamp duty relief changes for first-time buyers (properties up to around £300,000 often have relief) to help you plan more precisely.

Also, when you’re cutting back on regular outgoings (subscriptions, eating out, etc.), you can free up more to add to your deposit pot. At Beal Homes, we encourage buyers to think about these smaller savings early, because over time they can make a big difference when you’re looking at low-deposit mortgage options.

 

2.   Take Advantage of Buyer Support Schemes

Getting on the property ladder can be made so much easier by making use of the many schemes designed to support first time buyers. At Beal Homes, we’re proud to offer a range of options tailored to help you make the first step, such as:

  • Deposit Unlock – Buy a new Beal home with just a 5% deposit. Open to both first-time buyers and home movers, allowing you to get on the property ladder sooner without having to wait years to save for a larger deposit. It’s perfect for those who want to start owning their own home sooner and with peace of mind.
  • Launch Pad – Exclusive to first-time buyers, with up to £5,000 to spend in our Design Lounge and £1,000 towards legal fees. You can choose finishes, layouts, and extras, allowing you to create a home that completely reflects your style through our ‘Designed by You’ approach.
  • Key Worker Scheme – For those in essential roles such as NHS staff, teachers, police officers, and firefighters, Beal contributes 5% towards your deposit (up to £12,500). It’s our way of recognising the invaluable work key workers do and helping them secure a modern home.
  • Early Bird – Popular plots sell fast, so Early Bird lets you reserve your dream plot before it goes on general sale. This ensures you get first choice on the development you love, giving you an advantage in competitive areas.

You can explore all of these on our Help for Buyers page. When exploring schemes, always check eligibility, such as local connection, income thresholds, and type of property.

By taking advantage of these support options available to you, as a first-time buyer, you can make your move smoother and enjoy your new home sooner.

 

3.   Focus on Improving Your Financial Health

Before you apply for that mortgage, it’s a good idea to take a moment to review your finances and ensure everything is in order. Lenders want to see that you can manage your money responsibly, so taking a few careful steps now can make the process smoother and may help you access better mortgage options in the future.

Some ways to strengthen your financial position include:

  • Check and improve your credit score
  • Reducing existing debts where possible
  • Avoid taking on new loans or credit cards in the months leading up to your mortgage application.

Look closely at your other monthly commitments, like utilities, subscriptions and car payments to see if there is anything you don’t need to be paying for right now.

Keeping your accounts in good order demonstrates to lenders that you’re a responsible borrower and can improve the deals available to you.

At Beal, our team can help you see the full picture, including estimating running costs like energy bills for energy efficient homes – something many of our developments offer – so you’re not caught off guard.

 

4.   Get Mortgage Ready

Understanding your borrowing options is so important, speaking to a mortgage advisor early in the process can give you clarity on how much you can afford, which products are best for your situation and what to expect during the application process.

We’d recommend exploring fixed vs variable rate mortgages, look at how interest rate changes might affect payments and understand what deposit size gives you better rates.

Having a mortgage agreement in principle can help to give you a clear understanding of what you can borrow and what the repayments may be like. We’d recommend speaking to our nominated panel of Beal advisers to find the best mortgage product to suit your needs, as borrowing can vary significantly from lender to lender.

 

5.   Find the Right Location

Location is just as important as the home itself. Think carefully about your daily commute, local schools, amenities and the type of community you want to be a part of. Picking the right area means your first home won’t just be comfortable but also fit into your day-to-day life.

Beal Homes developments are carefully planned across Hull, East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, offering:

  • Energy-efficient designs to help keep bills down.
  • Low maintenance living, so you can enjoy your home without repairs costing an arm and a leg.
  • 10-year NHBC warranty, giving you that peace of mind and protection for your investment.

Try investigating planned infrastructure such as transport links, schools and green spaces in the areas you’re looking at. At Beal Homes we have a range of new build homes, community amenities, footpaths, cycleways and open spaces. These are all aspects that can improve long-term value, lifestyle, and resale potential.

Some of our current developments with available homes include Ferriby Meadows in North Ferriby, The Greenways in Goole, Highfields in Immingham, and West Hill II in Kirk Ella.

You can explore our latest developments to find a location that fits your needs and lifestyle.

 

Why Choose Beal Homes?

Buying your first home is a big step, so it’s important to choose a builder you can trust. With almost 60 years of experience in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, Beal Homes is known for high-quality construction, award-winning customer service, and attention to detail. Our Design Lounge allows you to personalise your home with finishes, layouts, and extras, making it truly your own.

With our track record, HBF accreditation, and commitment to personalised, high-quality homes, Beal Homes is a trusted choice for first time buyers looking to get on the property ladder.

 

Ready to Take the First Step?

Buying your first home in 2025 is achievable with the right planning, preparation and support. From saving for a deposit to exploring low-deposit schemes and finding the perfect location, Beal Homes is here to guide you through every step.

Contact Us: