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Your first year Every task you complete, every repair you EXPERT ADVICE

as a homeowner make, is an investment in your home
and your future.

Kelly Annabelle, from McEwan Fraser Legal, explains what you should
expect as a new homeowner.
Months 5-6 Months 10-12
Looking after the outside Planning ahead
uying your first property is one of life’s biggest milestones. After the excitement As the seasons change, your focus may shift As you approach the end of your first year, it’s
of viewings, offers, and paperwork, the moment you finally collect the keys is to the exterior. For those with gardens or the perfect time to:
Bunforgettable. But while it’s tempting to think the hard work is over, the first year in outdoor space, now’s the time to:
your new home often comes with a fresh set of surprises, from unexpected admin to hidden • Schedule annual servicing for your boiler,
costs and ongoing upkeep. • Clear gutters and drains, tidy fences, and alarm systems, or chimney.
trim back plants. • Create a budget for routine maintenance and
To make the transition smoother, here’s a practical timeline of what you can expect in your improvements in the year ahead.
first year as a homeowner. • Check for roof damage or chimney wear
after the winter months. • Think about cosmetic updates, such as
redecorating, updating flooring, or replacing
It’s also a sensible point to review your furniture.
Months 1-2 Months 3-4 home insurance. Now that you’ve moved in
properly, you’ll know what items you want
Settling in and tackling the admin Spotting snags and building a buffer covered – and whether extra protection like The reality of year one
The first weeks after moving in are busy, and Once the dust has settled, little problems may accidental damage or home emergency
while it’s exciting to get your boxes unpacked, start to reveal themselves, from dripping taps cover would bring peace of mind. While your mortgage will likely be the largest
there’s also plenty of paperwork to handle. Key to temperamental radiators. At this stage: expense, the truth is that homeownership
tasks include: involves a range of smaller, often unexpected
• Deal with minor repairs quickly to stop them Months 7-9 costs. The key is preparation: keep a running list of
• Setting up or transferring your utility accounts turning into bigger jobs. tasks, put aside money for emergencies, and try
(gas, electricity, broadband, and water). • Consider setting aside a small emergency Comfort and energy efficiency to address small problems before they escalate.
• Registering for council tax and checking if fund (around £500 is a good start) for By mid-year, most people start thinking
you qualify for any discounts. unexpected repairs. about improvements that make life easier The first year of owning a home is a mix of joy,
(and cheaper). Consider: responsibility, and the occasional surprise bill,
• Updating your address with your bank, This is all part of learning the quirks of your but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Every task
insurance providers, workplace, and DVLA. new home. • Adding insulation or draft-proofing to cut you complete, every repair you make, is an
down on bills.
• Familiarising yourself with your property’s investment in your home and your future.
essentials: the boiler, fuse box, and water • Installing a smart thermostat to make your
stopcock. heating more efficient. You’ve worked hard to get here. Now it’s time to
make your home truly yours.
• Booking a boiler service if one hasn’t been • Upgrading older appliances that may be
carried out recently. driving up energy costs.
It’s also a good idea to give the property a deep If you’ve moved from a smaller flat to a house, If you’re considering buying your first home and would
clean and keep an eye out for any issues that you may notice energy bills are higher than like expert guidance along the way, get in touch
weren’t obvious on the viewing, such as leaks expected. Submitting regular meter readings with McEwan Fraser Legal on 0131 524 9797 or
or draughts. can help you avoid overpaying on estimates. email@mcewanfraserlegal.co.uk

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