Brought to you by Savills Ireland.

Have you finally had enough of renting?

Buying your first home is a huge leap into adulthood. Like all the big decisions, it’s best to chat to an expert for some pointers before diving in.

Savills Ireland is hosting a free #savillsbrighterbuyer event in Cork this month, inviting would-be buyers to avail of some (free) face-to-face advice and tips from a range of leading industry experts before taking the leap.

Guests on Thursday, February 28th, 2019 will include MC Angela Keegan, Managing Director of MyHome.ie, Dr. John McCartney, Director of Savills Research, Lisa O’Brien, Quantity Surveyor (Room to Improve) and Hugh Wallace, Architect (Home of the Year).

Registration is free (places are limited so sign up here) and the evening begins with light refreshments at 5.30pm.

In the meantime, here are six things to consider before you start house hunting:

1. Sticking to your budget is vital

It’s easy to get carried away with garden water features, American fridges and mezzanine office nooks but chances are you can probably do without a sauna in the basement. Make a (short) list of must-haves, then keep an open mind and only view properties you can afford.

2. Ask questions

If you’re the shy and retiring type, this is the time to emerge from your comfort zone or enlist the help of your loudest mate. From energy ratings to condensation, building estimates to contracts, make sure you’re fully up to speed with every aspect of the property you’re buying. Don’t be afraid to ask the neighbours what they think about the area too.

3. Buying a house can take time

Just when you want things to proceed at break neck speed, you’re likely to find that everything progresses at a snail’s pace. Between viewing everything that’s on the market, bidding on your favourites and starting the whole process over again if it doesn’t work out, it might be wise to sign up for a yoga class or add a stress-busting morning jog to your routine. Note: All these hold-ups are quickly forgotten when you move into your dream home.

4. Prepare for hidden costs 

As well as stamp duty (1% of the property price up to a maximum of €1m), buyers will need to pay solicitor’s fees, surveyor’s fees, land registry and search fees as well as valuation fees in cases where the bank asks for a second valuation on the property from another estate agent. Build these extras into your budget.

5. Make friends with an engineer

A good engineer is the last defence against having the wool pulled over your eyes when it comes to major issues such as water damage and subsidence. Having an engineer check out your property will help you avoid problems in the future. It could also save you some money on the price of the property.

6. Buyer beware

You’ve found the perfect house in a leafy, Georgian street. It’s ideal in every way… from the outside. Indoors, older properties tend to hide lots of small, dark rooms, odd layouts and charming throwbacks from a simpler time (fireplaces in every room, for example). Before you go running after the auctioneer’s car to place your bid, do the math; how much money will it cost to create a layout that works for your family? A newer home might have less charm, but it could also come with fewer headaches.

In the market for a new home? Register for the Savills Brighter Buyer event here. Follow the action on Twitter using #savillsbrighterbuyer for updates.