Buying a house - financial support and advice

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Information on mortgages and paying rent

There are a considerable number of mortgage providers. Shop around to find a mortgage that best suits you.

Mortgage advice is readily available from organisations like banks, building societies and from the Property section of the BBC website.

If you are earning a low income you can apply for housing benefit to help you pay your rent. If you think that you may be eligible for this benefit, you can apply for it 13 weeks before you move into your new house.

If you already claim income support or jobseeker's allowance, then you should have the application form for housing benefit in the pack you received.

Visit the Money Made Clear website to get an independent prospectus on financial advice and support.

Council tax bands

When you are thinking of buying a new home check what your council tax banding is and how much council tax you will be paying for the property.

Additional charges

There are a number of additional charges to consider when moving house. Some of these are detailed below.

• In most cases, you will be charged stamp duty if the house you buy costs more than £120,000. In some areas, you are exempt from paying stamp duty on houses over £120,000. The Directgov website gives further information about stamp duty.
• You'll be charged an arrangement fee that covers the admin expenses involved in setting up your home loan.
• A thorough survey of the property you are going to buy will have to be arranged and you will be charged for this survey.
• You will need a lawyer to help you through the legal aspects of buying a house. You may also want to make a will at this time, if you have not already done so.