First-Time Buyer Mistakes That Could Delay Your Move
- George Hampson
- Aug 8
- 4 min read
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone – but it also comes with a steep learning curve. From underestimating costs to missing key paperwork deadlines, certain mistakes can delay your move significantly.
As a removals company, we often see the knock-on effects of these errors – last-minute cancellations, rescheduled move dates and avoidable stress. If you're a first-time buyer, here’s how to avoid common pitfalls that could slow down your home buying journey and throw off your moving timeline.
1. Not Getting a Mortgage Agreement in Principle
Before you even start viewing properties, it’s important to get a mortgage agreement in principle (AIP). This is an estimate from a lender confirming how much they may be willing to lend you, based on a quick financial assessment.
Why it matters:
Sellers and estate agents often take buyers more seriously if they have an AIP
It speeds up the offer process
Without one, your offer could be overlooked or delayed
Impact on your move: Not having this sorted can delay the start of your buying journey – which delays everything that comes after.
2. Underestimating Additional Costs
Many first-time buyers focus only on the deposit and forget to budget for legal fees, stamp duty, survey costs, removals and insurance.
Why it matters:
Delays in paying fees can slow down legal and financial processes
You may need to pause proceedings to reassess finances
Impact on your move: Unexpected costs can lead to major hold-ups in exchange and completion dates – affecting when you can book removals.
3. Choosing the Wrong Solicitor
Not all conveyancers are equal. Choosing the cheapest option or one with poor communication can result in slow responses, missed paperwork and general delays.
Why it matters:
You need someone proactive, responsive and experienced in property transactions
A slow solicitor can delay both exchange and completion
Impact on your move: Completion day could be pushed back, potentially impacting your removals slot and other arrangements like storage or rental overlaps.
4. Delaying Paperwork or Not Reading the Fine Print
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the volume of documents, but prompt attention and accuracy are crucial.
Why it matters:
Missing documents or errors can cause legal delays
Delayed responses can stall the process, especially close to exchange
Impact on your move: Your removal company may have to be rescheduled – and last-minute changes often come with extra fees or limited availability.
5. Failing to Book Removals Early Enough
Many buyers leave booking their removals until the last minute – often because they’re waiting on a confirmed completion date.
Why it matters:
Removal slots (especially on Fridays or near school holidays) book up quickly
Delays can leave you scrambling for help on move day
Impact on your move: You risk higher costs or limited availability – and if your date changes, it may cost extra to rearrange.
6. Being Overly Optimistic About Timelines
First-time buyers often assume they’ll be in their new home within a few weeks. In reality, the average UK home purchase takes around 8–12 weeks – sometimes longer if there’s a chain.
Why it matters:
Over-ambitious expectations can lead to disappointment and poor planning
You might make premature commitments (like giving notice on a rental property)
Impact on your move: Poor timing can leave you temporarily homeless or storing your belongings longer than planned.
7. Not Factoring in Survey Results
Once your offer is accepted, you’ll likely arrange a survey. If the report uncovers issues – like damp, roof damage or structural problems – you may need to renegotiate the price or rethink the purchase entirely.
Why it matters:
Negotiations can drag out
You may have to withdraw and start over
Impact on your move: If the deal falls through, you’ll need to cancel or delay your move – potentially losing your removals deposit.
8. Skipping the Final Walkthrough
In the rush to complete, many first-time buyers don’t do a final inspection of the property before moving in.
Why it matters:
You might miss issues like rubbish left behind, incomplete repairs or missing fixtures
Resolving problems post-completion can be harder
Impact on your move: Delays in moving in fully, unexpected cleaning or repair work, and added stress on move day.
9. Not Communicating Regularly with All Parties
A property purchase involves solicitors, estate agents, lenders and often multiple buyers and sellers in a chain. Staying in the loop is key.
Why it matters:
If you're not chasing things up, delays can go unnoticed
Miscommunications can lead to avoidable setbacks
Impact on your move: Stalled communication can push back completion and disrupt removal plans – especially in longer chains.
10. Forgetting to Update Key Contacts
It may not affect the purchase timeline directly, but failing to notify utility providers, banks and councils of your move can lead to service issues or missed correspondence.
Why it matters:
You might miss important documents
You could face delays in setting up your new home
Impact on your move: Disruption after move day, more admin, and a chaotic transition.
Final Thoughts
Being a first-time buyer is a learning experience – but avoiding these common mistakes can make the journey far smoother. Time is one of your most valuable resources when moving, and delays at any stage can have a ripple effect right up to move day.
At Saint Removals, we work with homebuyers at every stage of their property journey. If you're preparing for your first move, speak to our team early – we'll help you align your removal timeline with your completion date, and support you every step of the way.
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