Steps to Buying

Step 1

Contact us to ascertain what property price you can look up to. We will go through how much you can borrow, a cost of moving analysis (stamp duty, legal fees, survey reports, etc) and an indication of monthly payments. We will provide you an agreement in principle after this if required.

Step 2

Start searching for a property and arrange viewings. Sometimes it’s the first one you see, sometimes it takes a while. When you find the one, make an offer and let us know. We can contact the estate agent/seller to verify and strengthen your position.

Step 3

Once the sale is agreed, the estate agent will request details of your mortgage broker and solicitor if they haven’t already done so. They will then produce a memorandum of sale.

Step 4

Instruct a conveyancer (solicitor specialising in properties) to act on your behalf. The seller will be doing the same.

The sellers solicitor will obtain the title deeds and draw up a contract. Meanwhile, your solicitor will also perform searches. This includes land registry searches, local authority searches, planning history, potential developments locally, near by drains and so forth. If you do not have a solicitor, we will put you in touch with one.

Step 5

We will begin your mortgage application at the same time.

Step 6

Mortgage valuation. The mortgage lender will conduct a valuation to ensure they agree with the price offered and that they are happy to take on the property as their form of security.

At the same time, your case will be underwritten by the lender. They will go back and forth with us with queries till everything is satisfied.

Step 7

Upon this being satisfactory, you will receive your mortgage offer. This normally takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks depending on your position.

Step 8

Once you have received your mortgage offer, you may want to get a detailed survey carried out – called homebuyers report or full structural report. This will be from a qualified surveyor that will tell you more about the property, such as any damp, subsidence issues.

Step 9

You should now be close to exchanging on the property. Prior to this, a legal requirement is to have relevant insurance policies in place. This includes buildings and contents insurance (buildings insurance will likely be included in your service charge if buying a flat) and protection in the form of life insurance. As part of our service to you, we will contact you and discuss your needs.

Step 10

Agree move in date and sign the contract and Exchange! Your solicitor will request your deposit to be transferred over. You are now legally bound to the purchase as is the seller. All relevant insurance contracts should now be put in force. 

Step 11

Advise everyone of your change of address. You’ll need to inform all your utility companies and take meter readings. And don’t forget everyone else who needs to know – the bank, your employer. If necessary, the Royal Mail can organise a mail redirection.

Step 12

Removals. It’s time to contact your chosen removal company to confirm your move..

Step 13

Completion. Your solicitor will obtain the remainder funds from the lender and pay the balance of the purchase price to the seller’s solicitor. Once the money is received, the seller’s solicitor will inform the estate agent and the keys will be released. The property is now yours. High five!