Buying My First Flat: Everything I Wish I Knew Beforehand

When Charlotte first decided to buy a flat, she admits she had ‘no idea what she was getting into’. The jargon, the timelines, the unexpected twists—everything felt overwhelming. Like many first-time buyers, Charlotte stumbled through the process, learning as she went, before launching Fairy Godmover; a platform designed to make this journey smoother for others. Here’s her story, some lessons learned, and advice she wished she’d had when starting out.

Watch: Charlotte’s Tips for First-Time Buyers + Why She Loves Finsbury Park

Charlotte Burton, founder of Fairy Godmover, shares her top tips for first-time buyers—and what makes Finsbury Park such a special place to call home.

Starting My Buying Journey

The first thing I did was jump on Rightmove, curious (and slightly terrified) to see if I could even afford a flat near Finsbury Park. After a reality check with the prices, I got serious about finances. I made a spreadsheet to compare the costs of buying versus renting and asked my mum for advice. She gave me gems like:

• Check the lease length (it should be over 90 years).
• Chat with the current tenants to get their honest opinions about the property.

From there, I set up daily Rightmove alerts and started visiting flats. It was a learning curve—I said “yes” to too many unnecessary property viewings at first, but over time, I got better at focusing on what really mattered to me.

Defining My Non-Negotiables

At the start, I thought outdoor space was a must-have. But I quickly realized before buying my first flat that within my budget, outdoor space often came at the expense of interior quality. Instead, I prioritized:

• Square footage: I wanted enough space for each room to feel comfortable.
• Natural light: Dark flats were an instant no for me.
• Practical layouts: A staircase within the flat made it feel more like a home.

I compromised on things like finish (my flat needed work) and the EPC rating, but I lucked out with a share of freehold property—a bonus I didn’t even think to prioritise at the time.

Learning to Decode Jargon

I relied heavily on Google and my mum to navigate the endless jargon—terms like “leasehold,” “ground rent,” and “Section 20 notices” felt like a foreign language at first. This gap in understanding is what inspired me to co-create Fairy Godmover, a platform that explains the buying process in plain English and helps buyers feel more in control.

*We have a super handy jargon busting guide for buyers and sellers here*.

Lessons From Property Viewings

Visiting flats taught me a lot about what to look for and what to ask:

• Always ask about other offers on the table.
• Don’t let estate agents pressure you into viewings that don’t fit your criteria.
• Check for practical things like lease terms, service charges, and the condition of hidden areas (above cupboards, for example!).

Things I’d Do Differently Next Time

If I could go back, before buying my first flat, I’d do a few things differently:

• Ask more about the shared freehold and how it operates.
• Research professionals—solicitors and surveyors make or break the process.
• Plan my deposit transfers in advance (bank limits can really mess with your timeline).
• Get home buyer’s insurance to cover survey and legal fees in case the seller pulled out.
• Never hand in notice on a rental until after exchanging contracts.

What “Home” Means to Me

For me, home is a sanctuary—a place to unwind, feel safe, and make my own. My flat reflects this: the second bedroom is a home office, the carpets were replaced before moving in, and plants (both real and fake!) give it life. And, of course, it’s a space dominated by my cat, who rules the roost.

Final Tips for First-Time Buyers

• Check the lease: Know the lease length, ground rent, and service charges.
• Plan transfers: Banks limit daily transfers—prep ahead for deposit payments.
• Overlap rent: Don’t risk being homeless; only give notice after exchange.
• Research professionals: A good solicitor can save you stress and money.

Buying a flat isn’t easy, but with the right tools and mindset, it’s absolutely doable. Whether you’re just starting or in the thick of it, remember: preparation is key, and every challenge is a chance to learn. And if you need a little guidance, Fairy Godmover is here to help!

Find out more about the Fairy Godmover tool or follow them on Instagram for timely guidance on all things buying a home!

Contact us:

mark@daviesdavies.co.uk – Sales Director (contact for sales, lettings and new homes)

katrina@daviesdavies.co.uk – Head of Property & Block Management (contact for property and block management)

Davies & Davies Estate Agents, 85 Stroud Green Road, London, N4 3EG

Article & images by Barefaced Studios

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