Readiness to buy is about more than simply having a deposit saved, though that is certainly an important starting point. A stable income, a clear understanding of your ongoing expenses, and a sense of how long you intend to stay in the area are all part of genuine readiness.
Consider your employment situation honestly, including how secure your current role feels and whether any major changes, such as a career shift or starting a family, are likely in the near future. Buying during a period of uncertainty can work out fine, but it is worth going in with eyes open about the added risk.
Emotional readiness matters as well as financial readiness. If you are buying with a partner, having clear conversations about budget, location priorities and long-term plans before you start inspecting prevents disagreements from surfacing mid-negotiation when stress levels are already high.
Think about your tolerance for the ongoing responsibilities of ownership, from maintenance and repairs through to the discipline of meeting regular mortgage repayments. Renting offers flexibility that ownership does not, so it is worth being honest about whether you are ready to trade that flexibility for the benefits of owning your own home.
If you tick most of these boxes, speaking with a mortgage broker to confirm your actual borrowing position is a sensible next step. If several areas still feel shaky, there is no harm in spending more time preparing before you commit to a purchase you are not fully ready for.
Happy to talk it through — no pressure, no sales pitch.