Our Guide to Buying

Before you start viewing, review your budget and confirm how much you can borrow.

• Mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP): Speak to a lender or broker early to understand your borrowing limit.

• Deposit: Most lenders require at least 5–10% of the purchase price.

• Additional Costs: Budget for solicitors’ fees, searches, surveys, Stamp Duty, removals, and insurance.

Having your finances ready shows sellers you’re a serious buyer.

Register your details with local agents, sign up for alerts, and view properties that meet your needs.

Ask questions about condition, lease terms (if applicable), and any recent improvements.

When you find the right property, contact the agent to make your offer and confirm:

• Offer amount and proposed timescale

• Proof of funds or mortgage AIP

• Your position (e.g. first-time buyer, chain-free, etc.)

Once accepted, the agent will issue a Sales Memorandum to you, the seller, and both solicitors.

Appoint a solicitor as soon as your offer is accepted (or earlier through Ready to Sell) to avoid delays. They’ll handle the legal work, including:

• Reviewing contracts and title documents

• Carrying out property searches

• Managing exchange and completion

They’ll ask for proof of ID and address (passport or driving licence, plus a recent utility bill or statement) and an initial payment for searches.

Estate agents and solicitors must verify your identity and the source of your funds under anti-money-laundering regulations. Provide:

• Photo ID: passport or driving licence

• Proof of address: recent utility bill, council tax bill, or bank statement

• Proof/source of funds: evidence of where your deposit and purchase money comes from (savings, sale proceeds, or gift).

If buying jointly, both purchasers must complete these checks.

Submit your full mortgage application as soon as possible.

Your lender will instruct a valuation to confirm the property’s worth.

Act quickly on any document requests - mortgage delays are one of the most common causes of hold-ups.

If you haven’t heard from your lender or broker about a valuation within ten days of your offer being accepted, chase them up and let your agent know of any delays so the seller can be kept informed.

Your solicitor will carry out local authority, environmental, and water searches to check for planning or legal issues.

They’ll review the Property Information Form and Fixtures and Contents Form from the seller, then raise any necessary enquiries with the seller’s solicitor.

If buying jointly, your solicitor will also ask how you wish to own the property - Joint Tenants or Tenants in Common - and may ask if you’ve made a Will.

Once the valuation and lender checks are complete, you’ll receive a formal mortgage offer.

Your solicitor will review the documents with you and prepare for exchange.

When all searches and enquiries are complete and your solicitor is satisfied, they’ll ask you to sign:

• The Contract

• The Mortgage Deed

• The Transfer Deed

You’ll need to pay a deposit (or transfer your sale deposit if you’re in a chain).

Always send money via CHAPS (same-day) or BACS (three working days) - avoid cheques, as they take up to ten days to clear.

Once everyone in the chain is ready, solicitors will exchange contracts - making the sale legally binding and confirming the completion date (moving day).

Now’s the time to:

• Confirm your removals

• Arrange buildings insurance

• Notify utility suppliers and the council of your move

If you’re also selling, don’t cancel your existing home insurance until your solicitor advises it’s safe to do so.

On completion day, your solicitor transfers the remaining funds to the seller’s solicitor.

Once received, the keys are released, and you can collect them from the agent - your new home is officially yours.

Your solicitor will:

• Register your ownership with the Land Registry

• Pay any Stamp Duty due

• Send you a copy of the title deed once registration is complete

Keep copies of all paperwork safely for your records.