Buying your first property is one of the most exciting — and nerve-wracking — milestones you’ll ever hit. Between navigating mortgages, viewing homes, and dealing with endless paperwork, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But here’s some good news: with the right approach, you can find amazing property deals that make stepping onto the ladder much easier (and cheaper) than you might think.
If you’re a first-time buyer, here’s your guide to spotting the best deals and making sure your first purchase is a smart one.
1. Get Pre-Approved First
Before you even start looking, speak to a mortgage advisor and get a mortgage agreement in principle. This tells you exactly how much you can afford and shows sellers that you’re a serious buyer — giving you a big advantage when negotiating.
Top tip: A pre-approval can sometimes put you ahead of other buyers when bidding for a great deal.
2. Be Flexible on Location
Everyone dreams of living in their perfect area, but if you’re flexible about location, you’ll find much better deals. Look at up-and-coming neighborhoods, places undergoing regeneration, or areas just outside major hotspots. Often, you’ll get more space and better value for money — and if the area grows in popularity, your home’s value will rise too.
Top tip: Research local plans for new transport links, shopping centers, or schools — these often signal a good investment area.
3. Don’t Overlook “Fixer-Uppers”
Many first-time buyers want a home they can move into immediately. But properties that need a little work often sell at a discount — and with some smart renovations, you can quickly add value.
Top tip: Focus on properties that need cosmetic updates (like new paint, carpets, or kitchens) rather than major structural work, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
4. Watch the Market Carefully
Great deals don’t always stick around for long. Set up property alerts online so you’re notified immediately when new listings come up that match your criteria. The quicker you act, the more likely you are to snag a bargain.
Top tip: Some estate agents offer “off-market” properties to trusted clients before they officially list them — build good relationships with agents to get early access.
5. Know How to Spot Value
Sometimes a property is priced lower because of reasons you can easily fix — like messy décor or poor marketing photos — not because there’s anything wrong with it. Learning to see past bad presentation can open up hidden opportunities.
Top tip: Always compare recent sold prices (not asking prices) of similar properties in the area to work out if you’re getting genuine value.
6. Be Ready to Move Fast
The best deals go quickly. If you find a property you love and it ticks all your boxes, don’t hang around. Have your solicitor and mortgage broker lined up in advance so you can move swiftly and show sellers you’re serious.
7. Stay Calm and Don’t Overstretch
It’s easy to get emotionally attached to a property, but remember: the best deal is one that you can comfortably afford. Don’t stretch your budget too far or ignore red flags just because you’ve fallen in love with a place.
Top tip: Always think with your head — not just your heart.
How Abodes Can Help You Find the Best Deals
At Abodes, we make finding the best property deals easier than ever — especially for first-time buyers.
We specialise in sourcing properties up to 30% below market value, helping you stretch your budget further and get more for your money. Our team works tirelessly to find real opportunities every single day, so you don’t have to spend hours searching and second-guessing.
For a one-time payment, you can get lifetime access to our exclusive platform, where we showcase new property deals every day. No monthly fees, no hidden charges — just a simple, smart investment that keeps delivering value for years to come.
Whether you’re looking for your first home or your first buy-to-let investment, Abodes By PK Urban gives you direct access to the kinds of deals that most buyers never even hear about.
Ready to start your property journey with a real advantage?
Subscribe to our VIP access today and get instant access to below-market-value deals that can make your first purchase smarter and more affordable than ever.
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect first home at a great price isn’t about luck — it’s about preparation, patience, and knowing where to look. Stick to your plan, do your homework, and when the right deal comes along, you’ll be ready to grab it.
And with Abodes By Pk Urban by your side, you’ll have a head start that most first-time buyers can only dream of. Cheap affordable properties that can give you a head start on the property ladder
