Santander to host free event to stop first time buyer misconceptions derailing home ownership dream

Santander rolls out local in-branch education classes for first time buyers as new research reveals three in five aspiring homeowners think “exchange” is when you hand over keys on moving day and 43 per cent expect to get any fees already paid refunded if a chain collapses

Santander Armada Way welcome would-be first-time buyers in Plymouth on 22nd February for a 90-minute class to help prevent first-time buyer misconceptions and explain the key aspects of the homebuying process 

The branch will be hosting a free in-branch event for people considering buying a home for the first time or those who simply want to know more about the homebuying process. The event forms part of a national drive by Santander to support first-time buyers as research shows the striking misconceptions and knowledge gaps among aspiring first-time buyers as they prepare to make the biggest purchase of their lives.

The 90-minute class, which is free to attend and open to all, will be hosted by staff and will cover all the key aspects of buying a first home including budgeting, first-time buyer schemes, the role of a solicitor and what happens at exchange and on completion. The lesson also provides tips on things to watch out for, such as how to avoid solicitor scams and getting your insurance in place in time.

Attendees will be able to ask questions throughout the event, as well as have the option to speak to an advisor on a one-on-one basis at the end of the class.  The easily accessible content will be delivered by specially trained Santander employees, and will guide participants through key milestones and things to consider as they embark on their home-owning journey.

Elaine Bleazard, Community Hub Director, commented:“Buying a home is likely to be the biggest purchase most people will make in their lifetime, and for many, it can all be rather daunting.  That’s why we’ve created a specially designed class to answer all those niggling questions and equip would-be buyers with the knowledge and confidence they need to take their first step towards owning their own home.

“Santander has been helping people to buy their first home for more than 160 years, and we want to ensure that as many people as possible are able to realise their dreams of homeownership.” 

The research undertaken by the bank – which surveyed more than 2,000 non-homeowners – suggests first-time buyers need some help to be better informed about the homebuying process to protect themselves from stress, legal headaches, and disappointment.

The series of national in-branch events is part of the bank’s ongoing work to support first-time buyers, with the launch of the ‘Santander First-Time Buyer Study: The Future of the Homeownership Dream’, which examines whether the ‘Homeownership Dream’ is at risk of becoming out of reach for middle-income Britain, individual buyers and those unable to draw on family wealth within the decade.  The bank also offers a range of products specifically designed to assist those looking to buy their first home, from allowing gifted deposits from family members, to offering cashback and a free home condition report on selected first-time buyer products. 

To find out more information about the event and to register:https://www.santanderevents.co.uk/