FTB - first thing to do after getting the keys to the property

Robin9

Let your fridge / freezer settle before you refill

cannonballdaze

Check all is as was stated on the disclosure form. I found the toilet didn't flush properly and other untruths.

tryingmybest99

I bought my first flat in February. What I did when I got my keys was have a panic attack and lay on the floor of the kitchen for a while. Hope that helps!

dimbo61

The Extra costs will hit you once you move in !
You might have to pay a larger mortgage payment in the first month.
TV licence, Broadband set up fee, Setting up energy account, water bill, Council Tax, buying essential items for your new home, repairs you come across !
Paying rent in your old place till your tenancy is up and maybe Council tax, bills for 2 properties 😭
If you can do so I would go shopping at B and M, Wilko, Home bargain, Toolstation, Screwfix and B and Q and replace Every single bulb with LED bulbs. Save yourself £4-10 per bulb within 12 months.
I would also change the door barrels with FIRE Safe Turnlocks and high security keys ( might reduce the House insurance )
Good luck 

Debt

Change the locks...

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5683179/seriously-scary-situation/p1

TripleH

Check you have all the keys for the property (including window and meter cupboard keys).

Check you know where all meters are (we had a flat and never knew which our water meter was as there were several all together in a hole).

Check you know how to turn off gas/ water /electric etc to property so you don't panic looking for stopcock when tap comes off in your hand, water is spraying everywhere and your FIL who knows where it is one cruise...

theartfullodger

Expect to conclude it wasn't bthe greatest buy.  I. E. buyer's remorse...

Change locks etc

anotheruser

We didn't bother changing the locks.  Still got the same ones on the doors.

For us, it was clean.
The previous owner was un-organised and was still getting stuff out the house when we arrived.  Luckily there was nearly a week before we moved out of our rental property so plenty of time to figure stuff out and move fragile / absolutely irreplacable items ourselves.

Can't echo enough what everyone else has said really:

Check utilities - do all the stove rings work?  Does the oven work?  All taps, showers, toilets, lights.

anotheruser

dimbo61 said:

The Extra costs will hit you once you move in !

TV licence, Broadband set up fee, Setting up energy account, water bill, Council Tax, buying essential items for your new home, repairs you come across !

Paying rent in your old place till your tenancy is up and maybe Council tax, bills for 2 properties 😭

If you can do so I would go shopping at B and M, Wilko, Home bargain, Toolstation, Screwfix and B and Q and replace Every single bulb with LED bulbs. Save yourself £4-10 per bulb within 12 months.

Wow - who says these costs will be extra in the beginning?

TV Licence - transfer from old property / don't buy (you'll have a few months before they start sending letters)

Broadband set up - Most are remote set ups / free.  If you take your service with you, it will be free 9in my experience).  Those that charge are not worth your business.

Energy account - Wait for the current energcy company to send you a letter.  You won't know who currently supplies energy so nothing to do there and doesn't cost anything (just make sure you save money to pay the bills).

Water Bill - find out who the supplier is.  Call them to close your old account and transfer to new - no cost.

Council tax - call the local council and say you've moved in.  No cost there.

Define "essential" - most will have essential items already if moving from rental.

No need to pay loads of rent - make sure your completion date is close to the 30 day end of tenancy notice period.

LED bulbs don't flatly outrigfht save £4 - £10 per bulb per 12 months...  the price for them varies wildly.

Ramouth

Sprinkle carpets with bicarbonate of soda, leave for a day or two, then vacuum to eliminate the smell of previous occupants perfume / dog / feet.