ESL WORKSHEET - Buying a new home

LESSON PLAN FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS

BUYING A HOME

(Updated Lesson)

LinguaHouse

Apr. 8, 2025

Level: Upper-intermediate (B2-C1)
Type of language: General English
Tags: Homes and Buildings; Situation Based; Vocabulary Lesson; 16-18 Years Old; 18+ Years Old
Publication date: 04/08/2025

In this updated lesson plan, students work with the topic of buying a new home. They read a text about the basic process and listen to an interview to get some expert tips. They will also define vocabulary in context and discuss relevant issues. There is an optional extension related to the differences in terminology between British and American English.
Note that the American and British English versions of this lesson reflect different practices in these countries. (by Stephanie Hirschman)

• CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in British English.

AUDIO TRANSCRIPT

Host: Welcome to Money Talk! You’ve sent in your questions about buying a home and we’ve got our expert Jemima Lang here to answer them and share some tips. Let’s get started. Jemima, Aaron has written in with a question about arranging a mortgage. How much should he be aiming to save as a deposit?
Jemima: Excellent question. Aaron, I’d say try to have as large a deposit as your budget allows. Most lenders require you to have 10% of the value of the property you are buying, but if you have more that’s even better as you won’t have such a big mortgage.
Host: OK. Now Martin has written in to say that he’s been viewing properties and he feels quite a lot of pressure from estate agents to make an offer as quickly as possible. Are they just trying to make money or is it important to act fast?
Jemima: I’m so glad you raised that point, Martin. You need to consider the state of the market. If similar properties in an area are selling fast, it’s best to move quickly to make an offer as other buyers may beat you to it. However, in a slower market, take as much time as you need; don’t be rushed.
Host: Here’s a question from Georgia about surveys. She says she’s got a property in mind, but she’s on a tight budget and doesn’t think she needs one. But her parents say she does. What do you think?
Jemima: Georgia, listen to me carefully. You definitely need a survey. There may be some invisible but significant issues with the property which will cost you lots of money later on. If you discover problems at this stage, you can renegotiate the price or pull out of the deal. Disappointing as that would be, it will save you a lot of problems in the long run.
Host: Right. Very clear advice there! And we have a similar question from David, this time about conveyancing searches. Is his solicitor just trying to add to their charges or does he really need to have one?
Jemima: David, the whole process of buying a property is full of hidden expenses and I’m afraid this is another one you can’t avoid. These searches are required by banks and building societies as they confirm the legal status of the property and reassure them that the property will still hold its value in the future. No one will lend you any money if there’s a risk of the property decreasing in price.
Host: Ok, so we do need to pay for these important surveys and searches. And here’s a message from Rex, who’s worried about taking on such a big commitment as a mortgage – he wonders what will happen if he gets ill or loses his job. Any advice for him?
Jemima: What I always tell everyone is to buy insurance to cover your mortgage payments in case of sickness or long-term unemployment. Talk to a specialist adviser or broker to get some quotes. I know it’s another expense but it’s worth it for your peace of mind.
Host: Words of wisdom, Jemima. Now, we’ve got time for one more question. This one’s from Bethany and she’s actually just about to complete her purchase and wants to know if you have any top tips for moving day.
Jemima: I certainly do. This is something that you can easily forget about on such a busy day, but it’s a good idea to take meter readings for the electricity and gas before you move out. Better yet, take photos. That way, you won’t have to pay for the new people’s bills as well as your own. I’d also like to say that most removals firms have a really useful list of things to remember to do before, during and after the move on their website, so have a look.
Host: Thanks Jemima, and good luck to Bethany and indeed to everyone who wrote in. Now, in the next part of the show we’re going to...

Adapted from: https://www.linguahouse.com/esl-lesson-plans/general-english/buying-a-home. Accessed on April 11, 2025. LinguaHouse.com © 2008–2025. All rights reserved.