A viewing is not a survey, and you are not expected to diagnose every defect. Your job is to notice what needs a closer look, ask sensible questions and compare each property on the same basis. Bring a notebook or use your mobile phone, take photographs if the agent allows it, and avoid making a decision solely because another buyer is waiting outside.

Before you arrive, check the basics

Read the property details carefully before the appointment. Confirm the asking price, tenure, number of years remaining on the lease if it is a flat, council tax band, EPC rating and whether there is a service charge or ground rent. These costs can affect what you can afford each month just as much as the mortgage repayment.

For flats in particular, ask for the most recent service-charge figure and whether any major works are planned. A well-run block with a realistic service charge can be better value than a cheaper flat facing a large, unexpected bill. Equally, a low charge is not automatically good news if it means essential maintenance has been put off.

Check the route at the time you would usually travel. In SE18, SE28 and SE2, a few streets can make a meaningful difference to walking distance for a station, bus route, school run or local shops. Map apps are useful, but walking the route tells you more about lighting, traffic, gradients and how the area feels after work.

First time buyer viewing checklist: start outside

Give the outside of the building proper attention before you step through the door. Look at the roofline, brickwork, gutters, windows, communal entrance and any external walls. You are not looking for perfection, especially in an older London property, but you are looking for signs of poor upkeep: cracked render, blocked gutters, deteriorating window frames or staining that could indicate water run-off.

If there is allocated parking, establish exactly where it is and whether it is included in the title or licence. If on-street parking matters, visit at a busier time too. A quiet weekday morning can give a very different impression from an evening when residents are home.

For a house, look at boundaries, shared access paths and the garden. Clarify who is responsible for fences, drains and any shared driveway. For a flat, ask how secure the entrance is, whether post and parcels are handled safely, and what the communal areas are like in practice.

Look for condition, not just presentation

Fresh décor can be a positive, but it should not distract from the condition of the home. Open and close windows, internal doors and cupboards. Notice whether floors slope, whether doors stick and whether there are cracks around window openings or ceilings. Minor settlement cracks are common, while wider or diagonal cracks may need professional advice.

Pay particular attention to damp. Look behind furniture where possible, around external walls, under windows and near the bathroom. A musty smell, peeling paint, tide marks or mould can point to condensation, leaks or a more persistent problem. Condensation can often be managed with ventilation and heating changes, but a recurring leak or penetrating damp requires a clearer explanation.

Ask when the boiler was installed and serviced, whether the radiators heat evenly and what the current owners typically pay for gas and electricity. You may not be able to test everything during a short viewing, but asking the question creates a useful record. Check the consumer unit too, particularly if you see old-style fittings or loose wiring.

Test the rooms against everyday life

Stand quietly in each main room for a moment. Can you hear neighbours, traffic, trains, aircraft or commercial activity? Noise is subjective, and some buyers will happily trade a little street noise for a convenient location. The key is knowing what you are accepting before you commit.

Look at natural light at the time of your visit and ask which direction the main rooms face. A bright south-facing living room may suit you, while someone working from home might prefer a cooler workspace. Do not assume that a room shown in listing photos receives the same light throughout the day.

In the kitchen, check storage, worktop space and where appliances would go. In the bathroom, look at water pressure if it is possible to run a tap, check extractor ventilation and ask if there have been leaks. Measure the spaces that matter, such as the main bedroom wall for a wardrobe, the living room for a sofa or the hallway for a buggy.

Ask about alterations and paperwork

An extension, loft conversion or removed wall can add real value, but it should also prompt questions. Ask when the work was done and whether building regulations approval, planning consent or other relevant paperwork is available. Your solicitor will investigate the legal position later, but it is better to understand potential gaps before you spend money on searches and surveys.

If the home is leasehold, ask whether the seller has received notices about proposed works, disputes or changes to charges. Find out who manages the building, whether there is a residents’ management company and whether pets, subletting or alterations require consent. These details shape daily life and future flexibility, not just legal paperwork.

For newer homes or conversions, ask about warranties and any remaining defects period. For older homes, enquire about past roof works, rewiring, drainage repairs and timber treatment. A seller who has cared for a property will often have invoices, certificates and practical knowledge to share.

Check the area beyond the front door

A property is only part of the purchase. Walk one or two streets in each direction, ideally before and after the viewing. Look for shops, green space, schools, building sites and nearby commercial premises. Planning activity does not always mean a problem, but a major development can change views, traffic and construction noise.

Mobile signal is worth checking inside the property, particularly if you rely on calls for work. Ask about broadband availability rather than assuming every street has the same service. If you have children now or may do later, research school admissions separately: being near a school does not guarantee a place.

It is also reasonable to ask about flooding, drainage and insurance history. Homes near water, low-lying areas or locations with previous surface-water issues are not automatically unsuitable, but you should understand the insurance position and seek advice if anything is unclear.

Compare the numbers, then arrange a second viewing

After each viewing, score the home while your impressions are fresh. Compare price, likely monthly costs, condition, location, storage, light, noise and the amount of work required. A property needing cosmetic changes may be manageable; one needing a new roof, extensive damp treatment and a new kitchen can quickly stretch a first-time buyer budget.

If you remain interested, arrange a second viewing at a different time of day. Take someone whose judgement you trust, but make sure their priorities do not replace your own. This is also the moment to revisit the questions that were rushed or unanswered first time round.

Before offering, speak with your mortgage adviser about affordability, including service charges and planned improvements. Once an offer is accepted, instruct a solicitor promptly and choose a survey that matches the age and condition of the property. A mortgage valuation is for the lender’s benefit and is not a substitute for an independent survey.

The right home rarely answers every wish list item. A careful viewing lets you decide which compromises are comfortable, which costs are realistic and which warning signs deserve a pause before you make an offer.

For sellers in South East London, where buyers often compare several homes in one afternoon, small details can make a real difference. A well-prepared viewing gives people space to focus on the layout, condition and potential of the property rather than the jobs they think they will need to tackle immediately.

Start with the buyer’s first impression

The approach to your home sets the tone before a viewer has crossed the threshold. Stand across the road or at the end of the path and look at the property as if you were seeing it for the first time. Is the house number easy to find? Is the front door clean? Are bins, bikes, parcels or overgrown plants making the entrance feel cramped?

You do not need an expensive redesign. Sweep the path, clear the porch, remove dead leaves and make sure exterior lights work if viewings may take place later in the day. For flats, pay attention to the communal entrance too. You may not control every aspect of it, but a tidy doorway and clear route to your front door make the arrival easier.

If there is a parking space, driveway or permit arrangement, make it clear. Parking is a practical concern for many buyers, particularly families and commuters, and it is worth ensuring they understand what is available.

Clean thoroughly, then simplify

A clean home signals that it has been cared for. Viewers do not expect a lived-in property to be empty or perfect, but they will notice grime around taps, cooking smells in the kitchen and dusty skirting boards. Focus on the areas that receive the closest inspection: kitchens, bathrooms, windows, flooring and door handles.

Once the cleaning is done, reduce visual clutter. Clear kitchen worktops as far as practical, put away laundry, remove piles of paperwork and make space around entrances and stairs. This is not about stripping your home of personality. A few well-chosen photographs, books or plants can make rooms feel welcoming. The aim is to prevent viewers from being distracted by belongings rather than seeing the size and shape of the room.

Storage deserves particular attention. Buyers commonly open fitted cupboards, airing cupboards and wardrobes. You do not need to empty them, but organising them makes storage feel useful rather than overwhelmed. If a cupboard is packed tightly, remove a few non-essential items before the viewing.

Make every room easy to understand

People should be able to identify a room’s purpose at a glance. A dining room that has become a dumping ground, or a box room filled wall-to-wall with storage, can make a property feel less flexible than it really is.

Where possible, return each space to its clearest function. Set up the spare room as a bedroom, home office or nursery depending on its most realistic use. If you work from the dining table, tidy away cables, paperwork and equipment before appointments. This helps viewers see how the space could work for them without asking them to use too much imagination.

Be honest about scale. Oversized furniture can make a room appear smaller, while an almost empty room may feel cold and difficult to judge. If you are preparing a vacant property, simple furniture placement can help buyers understand proportions, especially in open-plan living areas.

Let in the light

Natural light is one of the first things buyers respond to, particularly during darker months. Open curtains and blinds fully, clean the inside of windows and move anything that blocks the glass. Replace failed bulbs and use matching warm-white bulbs in lamps and ceiling fittings where possible.

Avoid relying on harsh overhead lighting alone. Lamps can make a lounge or bedroom feel more comfortable, while a bright kitchen and bathroom suggest cleanliness. For an evening viewing, switch lights on before the appointment begins so that the home feels inviting from arrival.

Keep the temperature comfortable

A home that is too cold can make viewers rush through, while one that is overly warm can feel stuffy. Aim for a comfortable, ordinary living temperature. In winter, heating the property beforehand also reassures buyers that the system is functioning as expected. In warmer weather, open windows briefly beforehand to freshen the air, then judge whether traffic noise or outdoor smells mean they should be closed for the viewing.

Deal with smells and sounds

Smell is powerful because it is immediate. Empty kitchen and bathroom bins, avoid cooking strong food shortly before viewings and deal with damp, pet or smoke odours at their source. Air freshener can help lightly, but heavy fragrances often make buyers wonder what they are meant to cover up.

Fresh air, clean textiles and a clean kitchen usually do more than scented products. If you have pets, wash bedding, vacuum thoroughly and, if possible, arrange for them to be elsewhere during the appointment. Even animal-loving buyers may find it easier to concentrate without a nervous dog barking at the door or a cat weaving between their feet.

Sound matters too. Turn off the television and pause loud appliances such as washing machines, tumble dryers and extractor fans. If the property is near a busy road, railway or school, there is no value in pretending that noise does not exist. A good viewing allows a buyer to understand the home honestly, while still experiencing it in its best everyday state.

Prepare the practical details buyers ask about

Presentation gets people through the door, but confident answers help them move forward. Before viewings begin, gather the information you are likely to be asked for. This may include your council tax band, approximate utility costs, tenure details, service charges and ground rent for a leasehold flat, parking arrangements, recent improvements and any warranties or guarantees.

If you have had work carried out, keep relevant certificates accessible. Buyers may ask about boiler servicing, electrical work, windows, roofing, extensions or planning permissions. You do not need to hand over a full file during the viewing, but knowing what documentation exists avoids uncertainty later.

For leasehold properties, be ready to explain the practical side of living there: the remaining lease term, management arrangements, planned major works if known and what the regular charges cover. Clear information is far more useful than vague reassurance.

Make the viewing easy, not crowded

Most people view more comfortably when they have room to look around and discuss the property privately. If an agent is conducting the appointment, it is usually best for sellers, children and pets to be out during the viewing. Buyers can be more candid, and the agent can answer questions without either side feeling awkward.

If you need to stay, offer a warm greeting, then give viewers space. Avoid following them from room to room or explaining every decorating choice. It is helpful to mention genuinely useful features, such as underfloor heating, a recent boiler or a garden that catches the afternoon sun, but let the property do most of the talking.

An open house needs a little more preparation. Remove valuables, secure medicines and personal documents, and ensure doors, windows and side access points can be monitored. Keep a clear route through the home and consider where visitors should leave shoes if the weather is poor.

Don’t hide issues that will return later

Preparing a home for viewings is not the same as concealing defects. Covering a stain without addressing a leak, masking damp with paint or avoiding questions about known problems can damage trust and slow the sale once surveys begin.

Some issues are worth fixing before marketing, especially small, visible repairs such as loose handles, cracked sealant, dripping taps, broken tiles or peeling paint. They can create an impression of neglect disproportionate to their cost. Larger matters need a more considered decision. It may be sensible to obtain quotes, gather paperwork or discuss likely buyer expectations with your estate agent rather than rushing into work that will not add equivalent value.

The right level of preparation depends on the property and the likely audience. A first-time buyer may value a move-in-ready flat, while a buyer seeking a period house in SE18 may be more accepting of decorative work if the location, layout and potential are right. Honest presentation helps attract the buyer who is best suited to your home.

Create a simple viewing-day routine

The day of the appointment should not feel like a panic. Make beds, wipe down the bathroom, put away breakfast items and open curtains. Check that lights work, rooms are comfortable and the hallway is clear. Then take one final look from the entrance, because that is the perspective your buyer will have first.

A well-prepared home does not need to be flawless. It needs to feel cared for, straightforward to assess and pleasant to spend time in. Give buyers the chance to imagine an ordinary Tuesday evening there, and you give your property its strongest opportunity to stay in their mind after the viewing.

For a managed property, maintenance is a shared process. The landlord remains ultimately responsible for most repairs and safety obligations. The managing agent handles the day-to-day organisation agreed in the management contract, while tenants need to report issues promptly and take reasonable care of the home.

What property management maintenance responsibilities cover

Maintenance covers far more than arranging a tradesperson after a tenant calls. It includes responding to repairs, planning preventive work, keeping accurate records, managing contractor access, checking the condition of the property and communicating clearly with everyone involved.

The exact scope depends on the service a landlord has chosen. A tenant-find service may end once the tenancy begins. A fully managed service will usually handle repair reports, arrange contractors, carry out inspections and keep the landlord updated. It is worth checking the management agreement carefully, particularly the spending limit an agent can approve without prior authority and whether out-of-hours emergency cover is included.

A good system also separates genuine emergencies from repairs that can safely wait until the next working day. No heating during freezing weather, an active water leak, an insecure external door, electrical danger and a suspected gas issue require urgent action. A dripping tap or a damaged cupboard door usually does not, although small faults should still be logged and addressed before they become larger ones.

The landlord’s repair and safety duties

In England, landlords have legal obligations that cannot simply be passed to a managing agent. For most residential tenancies, landlords are responsible for the structure and exterior of the home, including the roof, walls, windows, drains, gutters and external pipes. They must also keep installations for water, gas, electricity, sanitation, space heating and hot water in repair and proper working order.

This does not mean every issue is automatically a landlord cost. If damage has been caused by tenant misuse or neglect, the facts need to be established fairly before deciding liability. A tenant who reports a blocked sink caused by a build-up of food waste may be responsible for the call-out, while a recurring blockage caused by defective pipework is likely to sit with the landlord.

Safety compliance needs just as much attention as repairs. Gas appliances require the appropriate annual safety check. Electrical installations must be inspected and tested at the required intervals, with remedial work completed where necessary. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms must be supplied, positioned correctly and tested at the start of a tenancy. Landlords must also make sure the property is fit for human habitation, which can involve issues such as serious damp, mould, ventilation, sanitation and heating.

A managing agent can organise these tasks, chase certificates and retain records, but the legal responsibility remains with the landlord. That is why landlords should keep copies of reports, invoices, certificates and communications rather than treating maintenance as a black box.

The tenant’s role: report early and look after the home

Tenants are not expected to repair a boiler or investigate a leaking roof. They should, however, report maintenance concerns as soon as they notice them. A photo, short video and clear description can help an agent assess urgency and send the right contractor first time.

They are also expected to use the property in a tenant-like manner. In practical terms, that means changing ordinary consumables where agreed, such as light bulbs or batteries, keeping the home reasonably clean, using extractor fans, ventilating rooms and taking sensible steps to prevent avoidable damage. If a tenant leaves a leak unreported for weeks and it damages flooring or ceilings, that delay may affect responsibility for the resulting cost.

Damp and mould need a particularly balanced approach. Condensation can be made worse by drying clothes indoors without ventilation or never opening windows, but persistent mould may point to poor insulation, failed heating, water ingress or inadequate extraction. It should be investigated rather than dismissed with a standard instruction to open a window.

How a managing agent should deal with repair reports

A reliable repair process starts with triage. The agent should establish what has happened, whether anyone is at risk, whether the property can still be occupied safely and whether a temporary measure is needed. For example, isolating a water supply may limit damage while a plumber is arranged.

The next step is to appoint an appropriately qualified contractor. The cheapest quote is not always the best choice, particularly for gas, electrical or water-damage work. Availability, competence, insurance, workmanship and the ability to communicate clearly with tenants all matter. For non-urgent, higher-value work, obtaining further quotes may be sensible. For an emergency that is actively damaging the home, delaying action to compare prices can be a false economy.

Tenants should be told who is attending, when to expect them and what access is required. Landlords should receive a concise update explaining the issue, the proposed work, likely cost and any approval needed. Once the work is complete, the agent should confirm the outcome, retain the invoice and monitor any recurring fault.

This level of communication matters in busy London lettings. A tenant who does not know whether someone is coming may take time off work unnecessarily, while a landlord who receives an unexplained invoice can lose confidence in the management service.

Planned maintenance protects the value of the property

Reactive repairs are unavoidable, but planned maintenance is where landlords can control cost and reduce disruption. Regular inspections can identify early signs of leaks, loose sealant, poor ventilation, damaged flooring, failing appliances and overgrown gardens before they develop into significant claims or void-period work.

For properties in areas such as SE18 and SE28, the maintenance picture can vary considerably. Older houses may need closer attention to roofs, pointing, timber and heating systems, while newer flats can bring communal-system issues, managing-agent rules and appliance warranties. The property type, age and tenancy length should shape the maintenance plan.

Landlords should budget for predictable costs rather than relying entirely on rental income arriving each month. Boilers, white goods, redecoration, flooring and external upkeep all have a working life. Setting aside a maintenance reserve helps avoid rushed decisions when two costs arrive together, such as a boiler repair and end-of-tenancy refresh.

An annual review is a practical time to look at service records, contractor invoices and inspection findings. Repeated call-outs for the same appliance may mean replacement is more cost-effective than another repair. Equally, replacing an item too early can waste money. The right decision depends on reliability, age, repair cost, energy use and how much disruption a failure would cause a tenant.

Access, records and fair decision-making

Repairs cannot be completed without access, but tenants are entitled to quiet enjoyment of their home. Except in a genuine emergency, appointments should be arranged with proper notice and at a reasonable time. Repeated missed appointments are frustrating for everyone, so clear confirmation and realistic time windows are worthwhile.

Good records protect both landlord and tenant. A dated repair log can show when an issue was reported, what action was taken, when the contractor attended and whether the problem was resolved. This is invaluable if there is a dispute about delays, damage or deposit deductions at the end of a tenancy.

Inventory reports and routine inspections also provide context. They help distinguish a long-standing defect from new damage and support fair, evidence-based conversations. Maintenance should never be used as an excuse to enter a property excessively, nor should a valid repair request be ignored because a tenancy relationship has become difficult.

A practical standard for managed homes

The best maintenance arrangements feel organised rather than dramatic. Tenants know how to report an issue, landlords know when they will be consulted, and contractors have the information they need to do the job properly. Hi Residential approaches management with that same focus on clear communication, local knowledge and timely action.

A well-maintained home is easier to let, more comfortable to live in and better protected for the long term. Setting expectations early, keeping a realistic maintenance budget and dealing with faults before they escalate gives landlords and tenants a much better experience throughout the tenancy.

For buyers in South East London, where values can vary sharply between roads and property types, the most useful starting point is not simply saving the biggest deposit possible. It is understanding what each deposit level changes.

How much deposit does a first time buyer need?

In many cases, the minimum deposit is 5% of the purchase price. On a £300,000 home, that is £15,000. A lender then provides the remaining 95% of the price, known as a 95% loan-to-value mortgage, or 95% LTV.

A 5% deposit is not automatically available to every buyer. Lenders will still assess your income, committed spending, credit history, employment position and the property itself. They also apply affordability tests to check whether you could continue to pay the mortgage if interest rates rose.

A larger deposit usually gives you more choice. At 10%, 15% or 20%, you are borrowing a smaller proportion of the property value. That often means a lower interest rate and lower monthly repayments, although the exact gap between deals changes over time.

There is a balance to strike. Putting every available pound into the deposit can leave you without a contingency fund just when you need one. Moving costs, repairs and the first few months of ownership have a habit of arriving together.

What different deposit levels look like

The figures below show the basic deposit required at common levels. They do not include legal fees, survey costs or other buying expenses.

| Purchase price | 5% deposit | 10% deposit | 15% deposit | 20% deposit | |—|—:|—:|—:|—:| | £250,000 | £12,500 | £25,000 | £37,500 | £50,000 | | £300,000 | £15,000 | £30,000 | £45,000 | £60,000 | | £350,000 | £17,500 | £35,000 | £52,500 | £70,000 | | £400,000 | £20,000 | £40,000 | £60,000 | £80,000 |

For a buyer considering a £350,000 two-bedroom flat in Woolwich, Plumstead or Abbey Wood, a 5% deposit is £17,500. That may make ownership possible sooner. But borrowing £332,500 means the monthly payment will be higher than if you borrowed £315,000 with a 10% deposit.

The difference should be assessed against your real monthly life, not a lender’s maximum figure alone. Think about service charges if you are buying a leasehold flat, commuting, childcare, utilities, insurance and the savings you want to retain after completion.

Why 10% is often a useful target

A 10% deposit is not a rule, but it is a practical milestone. It can open up a broader range of mortgage products than 5%, while remaining more achievable than a 20% target for many first-time buyers.

It may also make an offer look more reassuring to a seller. A buyer with a mortgage agreed in principle and a meaningful deposit is not guaranteed to be chosen, but their finances can appear less exposed if a valuation comes in below the agreed price.

That said, do not delay a sensible purchase solely because 10% sounds like the ideal number. If a 5% deposit mortgage is affordable, the property suits your plans and you have money left for fees and emergencies, it may be the better route for you.

Your deposit is not your full buying budget

One of the most common first-time buyer mistakes is treating the deposit target as the finish line. It is only one part of the cash needed to complete.

You will normally need to budget for a mortgage valuation, a survey, conveyancing fees, searches, mortgage arrangement fees where applicable, removals and buildings insurance from exchange or completion, depending on the property and lender. Leasehold purchases can also involve extra management-pack or notice fees.

Stamp Duty Land Tax may be another cost. In England, first-time buyer relief can mean no stamp duty on a lower-priced purchase, but the rules, thresholds and eligibility conditions can change. It is worth checking the current position based on your expected purchase price rather than relying on an old figure from a friend or social media post.

As a working estimate, keep a separate pot for costs and a small emergency reserve. The amount will vary, but using all your savings for the deposit and hoping nothing needs attention is rarely a comfortable way to start homeownership.

Deposit size affects more than the interest rate

Mortgage rates are usually grouped by LTV bands, such as 95%, 90%, 85%, 80% and 75%. Crossing into a lower LTV band can improve the rate available, but it is worth checking the numbers rather than assuming that saving a little longer always produces a dramatic benefit.

For example, if you are close to a 10% deposit, reaching it may reduce both your loan size and the interest rate. That can have a meaningful effect on monthly payments. If getting there would take another two years of very tight saving while rents rise, buying with 5% could still be reasonable.

Your mortgage term matters too. Extending the term can lower the initial monthly payment, but you may pay more interest overall. You may be able to overpay later, subject to your lender’s conditions, but do not build a plan around overpayments you may not realistically be able to make.

Gifts, schemes and other ways to build a deposit

A deposit does not have to come only from ordinary savings. Some buyers use a combination of a Lifetime ISA, family gifts and savings built over several years.

A Lifetime ISA can be particularly helpful if you qualify and use it within the scheme rules, because the government bonus adds to your contribution. However, there are restrictions on withdrawals and property price limits, so understand those before relying on it as the centre of your plan.

Family support can be a straightforward gifted deposit, but it must be declared to the lender and solicitor. The person giving the money will usually need to confirm it is a gift rather than a loan that must be repaid. Lenders need clarity because undisclosed repayments could affect affordability.

Some households consider a joint purchase or a guarantor-style arrangement. These can help in the right circumstances, but they also create shared legal and financial responsibilities. Get advice before treating either option as a simple shortcut.

Check your mortgage position before viewing seriously

Before arranging a run of viewings, speak with a mortgage adviser and obtain an agreement in principle. This is not a mortgage offer, and the lender will still carry out full checks later, but it gives you a clearer price range and makes you better prepared to offer.

Be honest about all regular commitments. Credit cards, car finance, student loans, childcare and overdrafts can affect what you can borrow. So can a leasehold service charge, which is especially relevant when comparing flats. A home that looks affordable on its asking price may stretch your budget once the full monthly cost is included.

Also avoid large unexplained movements of money before applying. Lenders will commonly ask where your deposit came from, and clear bank statements make the process easier. If you are receiving a gift, start gathering the paperwork early rather than waiting until a sale is agreed.

Do not overlook the valuation risk

Your deposit percentage is calculated against the lender’s valuation, not necessarily the price you have offered. If you agree to buy at £350,000 but the lender values the property at £340,000, a 95% mortgage might be based on £340,000. You may then need to increase your cash contribution, renegotiate the price or reconsider the purchase.

This is one reason a little headroom can be valuable. It also underlines why local pricing knowledge matters. Comparing genuinely similar nearby sales, condition and tenure can help you make an offer that is ambitious without being detached from the market.

Set a target that lets you buy confidently

For many buyers, the sensible target is 5% to 10% of the purchase price, plus enough for buying costs and a reserve after completion. A bigger deposit can improve the mortgage options, but it should not leave you financially exposed or force you into delaying a move that already works for your circumstances.

Start with the monthly payment you can comfortably sustain, then work backwards to the likely mortgage amount, purchase price and deposit needed. When you are ready to understand how that applies to homes in SE18, SE28 or SE2, Hi Residential can help you view the local market with clear expectations and practical next steps.