Moving home

At first direct we know that everyone's needs are different - which is why we offer a range of fixed and tracker rates, available as both offset and repayment mortgages.

For all our mortgage products, the greater the equity in your property, the lower your Loan to Value (LTV) will be - which allow us to offer better rates.

Repayment Mortgages

Our Repayment Mortgage is a straightforward Capital Repayment Mortgage. Your monthly payments cover both interest and part of the capital, which means that as long as you make your payments, the mortgage will be repaid in full at the end of the term.

Key features:

• gives you security that, as long as you make your monthly payments, your mortgage will be repaid in full at the end of the term
• you can make unlimited overpayments, however early repayment charges may apply, depending on the type of rate chosen and if you choose to fully repay your mortgage
• you can borrow over terms of between 2 and 40 years
• minimum mortgage amount £10,000.

Things to bear in mind:

• the maximum age for the repayment mortgage is 75 at the end of the mortgage term (subject to status). For joint applications this will be the maximum age of the eldest party
• we do not lend for business purposes or buy to let
• you must hold or open a first direct 1st Account to qualify.

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Offset Mortgages

Our Offset Mortgage is an interest only mortgage designed to help you get more from your money. You can link your qualifying savings and current account balances to your mortgage so you only pay interest on the difference.

Key features:

• an interest only mortgage where your monthly payments will cover only the interest charged on your mortgage. You are responsible for making your own arrangements to repay your mortgage at the end of the mortgage term. You must demonstrate that you have an acceptable repayment vehicle in place, for example you may choose to use an endowment policy, another investment or savings plan
• you can make unlimited overpayments, however early repayment charges may apply, depending on the type of rate chosen and if you choose to fully repay your mortgage
• you can borrow over terms of between 2 and 25 years
• minimum Offset Mortgage amount is £30,000
• you can redraw capital up to your mortgage account limit - this will increase your interest payments and could increase the time it takes for you to pay off your mortgage. If you take advantage of the redraw facility, you must review your repayment plan regularly to make sure you are still on track to repay any outstanding capital by the end of the mortgage term. Any borrowing linked to your Offset Mortgage will be secured against your property.

Things to bear in mind:

• the maximum age for the Offset Mortgage is 65 at the end of the mortgage term (subject to status). For joint applications this will be the maximum age of the eldest party
• sole applicants must have a minimum salary of £30,000. Joint applicants must either have a minimum combined salary of £50,000, or one party have an individual salary of £30,000 or more
• we do not lend for business purposes or buy to let
• you must hold or open a first direct 1st Account to qualify.

You've made an offer, it's been accepted, you've applied for your mortgage and the legal work is in progress - it's time to think about moving! We've put together this list as a general guide to help you think about some of the things you need to do when you move.

The more you can get done at this stage, the better - inevitably you'll have a lot to do in the days running up to the move. A few initial thoughts:

• confirm the date of your move
• if you're renting, check the terms of your contract to ensure that you give the required notice period and notify your landlord of your moving date
• check your buildings insurance starts from the date of exchange
• get written quotes from several removal firms. Obtain references and check the limits of their insurance
• book extra storage space if required
• notify the relevant utility companies of your departure.

Start packing. It's never too early - chances are you'll have far more than you think to get boxed up.

One of the more useful tools for any home mover is the Post Office Redirection Service (opens in a new window) - they'll make sure your post is forwarded to your new address for a small charge. After that, it's time to start making calls. Think about contacting financial, service, health and utilities providers to let them know you're moving - and to where. This list isn't exhaustive, but it'll get you started.

Moving home checklist (opens in a new window)

If you're using movers, it's worth confirming their arrival the day before - and make sure they know where they're parking beforehand.

Pack a bag with a few essentials in it - wallet, phone, address book, toothbrush, toilet paper - just in case they get buried in a stack of boxes when you move in.

Have a list of essential phone numbers to hand - solicitor, estate agent, movers - especially if you're completing on the moving day itself. And if you haven't already picked up the keys to your new house, this would be the day to do it!

While the move's underway, check the meters and take any final readings - you'll need to do this at your new home as well. Before you leave for the last time, make sure everything's locked up.

Buying a home is a big decision - so you may want to do a bit of research before you make any commitments. We've put together a list of contacts that might help.

Links to external websites are not reflective of first direct's ability to offer a mortgage, nor do we accept any liability for the accuracy of the information provided by these websites.

Selling your property is almost entirely a question of preparation - and the more you do, the easier it'll seem. We've put together this list to give you a head start on the competition.

If you're planning on selling your home you will need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). You will need to have commissioned this before putting your home on the market, but you don't need to have received it before putting your home on the market. They give prospective buyers a glimpse of your home's energy use and carbon dioxide emissions along with a recommendation report with suggestions to reduce energy use and carbon dioxide emissions. You can find out more about EPCs EPCs here (opens in a new window).

Before you place your property on the market, you'll want to make sure it looks as inviting as possible to prospective buyers - even minor repairs and a lick of paint or two can be surprisingly effective.

• finish off small DIY jobs - touch up chipped woodwork and replace washers on dripping taps
• a well-kept garden and tidy pathway can be crucial for those vital first impressions
• check your roof and guttering and replace broken tiles. It's worth looking over the drains too
• a fresh coat of paint looks good and a newly painted front door always creates a good impression
• if your kitchen units look worn, paint or varnish the doors. If the units just look dated, replace doors, handles or doorknobs. Another economical tip is to fit good, solid worktops on to existing units
• depersonalise your rooms by removing personal items which may distract buyers. Keep things tidy and clutter free until your property is sold
• if gardening isn't your strong point, invest in some ready made flower-filled plant pots, to brighten up your garden
• place flowers or a bowl of fresh fruit in your living room or kitchen
• revitalise your bathroom with a houseplant, new taps or a shower curtain.

If you choose an estate agent to help sell your property, make sure you shop around and find the right company for you. Ask friends and family for recommendations.

• If you're at home for a viewing, offer tea or coffee and take the time to chat to potential buyers about local amenities
• avoid cooking any food with strong odours before a viewing
• fresh flowers always add a homely feel
• ask friends or family to look after pets during viewings, as pets can be off putting for potential buyers.

Think beforehand about what you'd be prepared to accept instead of the asking price before you receive any offers - it could help you when you eventually do.

Your estate agent will contact you as soon as they've received an offer from a prospective buyer. Take as much time to think about the offer as you need.

As a rule, first time buyers can work to your advantage as they're not part of a property chain. Naturally, it's also an advantage if your potential buyer is paying cash.

Gazumping is what happens if, after you've accepted an offer on your property, you receive another, higher offer. It's naturally up to you whether you want to accept it, but bear in mind you'll be at the very least inconveniencing your original buyers.

If all goes according to plan, once you ve accepted an offer, and following any valuations that take place, your buyer will pay a deposit to secure the purchase through your solicitor. The deposit is normally paid once you and the buyer have signed the contract, which counts as a legally binding agreement between you and the buyer. You will then agree a completion date, when the buyers will pay the remaining balance and you hand over the keys.

You should have vacated your property completely and handed your keys to your estate agent by the completion date. At the point of completion, you will receive the remaining balance of the agreed purchase price in your chosen account, and you or your solicitor will hand over the keys to the new owner.