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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Kala Paul-Worika

Do you need a 20% deposit, and how important is location, really? Experts give their views on seven property myths

Full body of young female in casual clothes with backpack leaving house while standing on doorstep near front door
A mortgage in principle shows that you’re serious, and may make it easier to arrange a viewing. Photograph: Stocksy United

Buying a property can be a brain-boggling process. Once you’ve found the sweet spot where your desires and your budget overlap, there’s the process to contend with – one that begins before you’ve even set foot in a property. And there are myths aplenty, which can make things a whole lot murkier. Getting clear on what’s really important can go a long way, which is why we’ve gathered up-to-date advice from two Rightmove experts on everything from whether location is still king to why a survey is a smart idea.

1 A mortgage in principle is a waste of time
False: While the answer to whether you need a mortgage in principle before finding a home is, no, it’s definitely better to understand what you can borrow in advance.

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