Buying your first home

What it means to be a first time buyer

Buying your first home is an exciting time, filled with opportunities and the adventures. While all this is true, it can also feel daunting, with lots of questions and unknowns. That’s why we’re here to guide you through every step and make your first move feel clear and simple. 

Why buy new

There are real benefits to buying a new home, giving you fewer worries and more security, meaning you can focus on enjoying your home. Here are some of the reasons to buy new when looking for your first home.
1.

Designed with care, in places that matter - New builds are carefully designed to meet the needs of modern living. We always build in desirable places to live, connecting you to local schools, transport links and your new community. Register your interest and be first to hear about the latest homes near you.

2.

Secure your home in advance - Reserve off plan for more choice of home types and locations within the development. Our online pre-reservations allows you to take a home off the market immediately, from anywhere. You can then schedule an in-person visit to our sales centre to proceed with the formal reservation.

3.

A blank canvas to personalise - The sooner you secure your home, the wider selection of customisable options you have available. You can make critical choices on fixtures, fittings and extras that make your home truly yours.

4.

Support every step of your journey - The Miller Homes team will be by your side every step of the way. No matter what stage you’re at, our helpful and friendly teams are there to answer any questions and provide support.

5.

Latest appliances and fittings - All appliances in your home are brand new – from the oven and hob to the shower, bath and WCs, everything is unused. You can also customise your new home, from fixtures, fittings, and appliances you can select preferences that fit with your way of life. Try our Options Visualiser and explore the different ways you could personalise your new home. 

6.

Take advantage of great offers - When you buy a new build home, you can benefit from a range of incentives to help you make your move; from deposit match and cash contributions. Some of our developments offer a First Time Buyer furniture or appliance package, ask our Development Sales Managers about what may be available and explore our latest offers.

7.

Low-cost living - The Home Builders Federation (2026) has revealed that modern, energy-efficient new build homes offer significant cost savings and major reductions in household carbon emissions compared to older properties. Electric vehicle chargers and PV panels are just some of the modern efficiency features found in many of our homes.

8.

Moving made easy - There’s no need to wait for someone to move out. Move into your Miller home as soon as its complete, with no upward property chain, less stress and uncertainty.

9.

Easy maintenance - As you’re the first owner, new build homes are in pristine condition, so you don’t have all the wear and tear or layers of interesting wallpaper choices that come with an older property.

10.

Future peace of mind - All our homes are covered by a 10-year NHBC warranty and insurance policy. As new homes are built to modern construction standards and have new design features and materials, they are viewed as safer and more secure, so you can save on your insurance too.

Why First Time Buyers Choose Miller Homes

At Miller Homes, we make that experience clear, supportive and centred around you. The Miller Difference means we don’t just build high quality, energy efficient homes — we guide you with honesty and care from your first search right through to move in day and beyond.  

With nearly a century of experience, personalised tools like My Miller Home, flexible options to tailor your home to your taste, and a team focused on helping (not pressuring) you at every step, we’re here to make your first home purchase feel exciting and achievable. We’re proud to build not just houses, but communities where you’ll love living — and we’ll be with you long after you’ve settled in.  

Find out more about why you should choose us for your new home journey and The Miller Difference

Can you afford to buy?

One of the main costs to consider when buying a new home is your deposit. Your deposit is typically at least 5% of the property price, though many first-time buyers aim for 10–20%.

For example, on a £250,000 home, a 10% deposit would be £25,000.

But the deposit is just the start. Here are some other costs to consider when buying a new-build home:

Mortgage repayments – The amount you borrow and the interest rate will determine your monthly payments. Make sure these fit comfortably within your budget.

Stamp Duty, LBTT or Help to Buy Wales – This is a tax on the property purchase. First-time buyers may get relief, so it’s worth checking the current rules for your price range. Use our Stamp Duty Calculator to work out how much Stamp Duty, LBTT or Help to buy Wales assistance you could benefit from.   

Solicitor fees, surveys and inspection  – You’ll need a legal professional to handle contracts, searches, and registration of your property. Even on new builds, it’s wise to check the property is in good condition and meets building standards.

Moving costs – Packing, removals, and setting up your new home. 

Furnishing and decorating – You may want to personalise your new space, even if it’s move-in ready.

Ongoing bills and council tax – Don’t forget utilities, insurance, and local council charges once you’re living in your home.

By planning for these costs alongside your deposit, you’ll have a clear picture of what buying your first home will mean financially.

Miller Homes have a range of offers to help with the cost, such as our Deposit Match, where we will match your deposit up to 5% of the total property price, on selected homes.

What to expect in your First Time Buyer journey

Discover the Miller Homes Customer Journey and let us guide you through the exciting experience of buying a brand-new Miller home. Here is additional information that will help you understand more about buying your first home.

Online Pre-reservation

Secure your dream home in just a few clicks. Buying a new home should feel exciting, not stressful — and with Miller Homes’ online pre-reservation process, it does. We’ve pioneered one of the UK’s first digital home reservation systems, giving you the flexibility to reserve your perfect home on our website, at a time that suits you. Our seamless online journey lets you take the first step confidently and conveniently, with support from our team every step of the way. 

Understanding the Mortgage process

As this is the first time you’re getting a mortgage it can feel scary , that’s why we are here to help give you more of an understanding of the process. Here are the answers to some key questions you might be asking. If you have more questions our friendly Sales Team are always available to provide additional guidance. 

Legal and Finances

The legal and financial side of buying a home can feel daunting, but our FAQs are here to guide you every step of the way. With clear answers to common questions about mortgages, contracts, Stamp Duty, and more.

Our recommended Solicitors

Get independent legal support for your new home purchase with our recommended solicitors across the UK. Each firm can guide you through the conveyancing process, helping make the legal side of buying a new Miller home simpler and clearer.

Miller Homes do not provide mortgages and this information is only a guide. More information would be required in a mortgage application and advice should be sought from an Independent Financial Advisor.

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