The cost of furnishing their new home is a major expense that many first-time home buyers don’t take into account in their budgeting. Along with mortgage fees and stamp duty, this is one of their biggest one-off costs. Here are some of our top tips for saving money when it comes to furnishing your new home.
Freecycling
You’d be amazed at how many people are happy to part with their pre-loved items for little or no money. Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree have become treasure-troves for local finds, while Freecycle.org is dedicated to local giveaways.
eBay
eBay is now a giant in the retail world, and is enormously useful for finding that great looking, quirky wardrobe, or ex-John Lewis deluxe bed at a bargain price. You can bid for items or buy immediately.
Look out for quirky cottage industry providers of great-looking, quality pieces such as chaise lounges and coffee tables, at a fraction of the price of high street retailers.
Reclamation centres
Reclamation centres have sprung up all over the country in the last decade. Gone are the disorganised scrap heaps of old and many are highly organised places, staffed by enthusiasts, where you can find genuine bargains and unique items.
Online price comparison
If you’re intent on buying ‘new’, using online ‘shopbots’ can help you save hundreds of pounds. The price of fridges, washing machines, cookers and light fixtures can vary hugely and ‘Shopbot’ sites such as Kelkoo, Pricerunner and DooYoo help ensure you pay the minimum.
Factory outlets
From fabrics to designer furniture, factory outlets bring you products at prices closer to those manufacturers charge at the factory gates. One online search engine designed to help you locate your nearest such outlet is shoppingvillages.com.
Car boot sales
These have become a great part of British life all over the country. You’ll find homeowners having big clear out sales and could bag a bargain. It can take some time to sift through the tat, but compared with buying new the savings are often huge.
Auction houses
Unlike with many online stores and sellers, auctions allow you to see and touch the items you’re buying. Auctions aren’t just for clued-up, professional bargain hunters, and many auction houses now host what are essentially highly organised car boot sales. Goods from private sellers as well as government organisations such as the police are on offer – everything from stereo systems to kitchen bins.
How much does it cost to kit out your first home
The cost of furnishing their new home is a major expense that many first-time home buyers don’t take into account in their budgeting. Along with mortgage fees and stamp duty, this is one of their biggest one-off costs. Here are some of our top tips for saving money when it comes to furnishing your new home.
Freecycling
You’d be amazed at how many people are happy to part with their pre-loved items for little or no money. Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree have become treasure-troves for local finds, while Freecycle.org is dedicated to local giveaways.
eBay
eBay is now a giant in the retail world, and is enormously useful for finding that great looking, quirky wardrobe, or ex-John Lewis deluxe bed at a bargain price. You can bid for items or buy immediately.
Look out for quirky cottage industry providers of great-looking, quality pieces such as chaise lounges and coffee tables, at a fraction of the price of high street retailers.
Reclamation centres
Reclamation centres have sprung up all over the country in the last decade. Gone are the disorganised scrap heaps of old and many are highly organised places, staffed by enthusiasts, where you can find genuine bargains and unique items.
Online price comparison
If you’re intent on buying ‘new’, using online ‘shopbots’ can help you save hundreds of pounds. The price of fridges, washing machines, cookers and light fixtures can vary hugely and ‘Shopbot’ sites such as Kelkoo, Pricerunner and DooYoo help ensure you pay the minimum.
Factory outlets
From fabrics to designer furniture, factory outlets bring you products at prices closer to those manufacturers charge at the factory gates. One online search engine designed to help you locate your nearest such outlet is shoppingvillages.com.
Car boot sales
These have become a great part of British life all over the country. You’ll find homeowners having big clear out sales and could bag a bargain. It can take some time to sift through the tat, but compared with buying new the savings are often huge.
Auction houses
Unlike with many online stores and sellers, auctions allow you to see and touch the items you’re buying. Auctions aren’t just for clued-up, professional bargain hunters, and many auction houses now host what are essentially highly organised car boot sales. Goods from private sellers as well as government organisations such as the police are on offer – everything from stereo systems to kitchen bins.
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