Buyers

Buying a Property – We're Here to Help You Every Step of the Way

Finding your next home should be exciting, not overwhelming.

Whether you're buying your very first home, moving up the property ladder or looking for your next investment, we're here to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

At Benburys, we believe buying a property should be about finding somewhere you'll love calling home. Our friendly and experienced team will guide you through every stage, answer your questions and keep you informed along the way.

Here's what you can expect when buying a property with us.

1. Let's Find Your Perfect Property

The first step is to tell us a little about yourself and what you're looking for.

We'll ask about:

• Your preferred location and areas.

• Your budget and how you plan to fund your purchase.

• The type of property you're looking for.

• Your ideal number of bedrooms and any must-have features.

Once we have your details, we'll match you with suitable properties and keep you updated when new homes become available.

Top tip: Register with us early. Sometimes the right property comes along before you've even started looking!

2. Time to Arrange a Viewing!

Found somewhere that catches your eye? Great!

We'll arrange a viewing at a time that works for you. We understand that life is busy, so we offer flexible appointments, including Saturdays.

When viewing a property, take your time. Look around, ask questions and imagine yourself living there.

Things worth considering include:

• The condition of the property.

• Storage and available space.

• Parking and outside areas.

• Transport links, schools and local amenities.

• Any work or improvements you might want to make.

Not sure what to look for? Just ask us. We're happy to help.

3. Getting Your Mortgage in Place

If you're buying with a mortgage, it's a good idea to speak to a mortgage adviser before making an offer.

They can help you understand how much you may be able to borrow and what your monthly repayments could look like.

An Agreement in Principle (AIP), sometimes called a Decision in Principle (DIP), gives you an indication of how much a lender may be prepared to lend.

It also shows sellers that you're a serious buyer.

Remember: Don't forget to budget for additional costs such as solicitor's fees, surveys, mortgage fees, removals and any Stamp Duty Land Tax that may apply.

4. Found the One? Let's Make an Offer!

When you've found a property you love, it's time to make an offer.

We'll discuss your offer with you and present it to the seller on your behalf. We'll keep you updated and help communicate between both parties throughout negotiations.

Once your offer has been accepted, congratulations! You're one step closer to your new home.

Your offer is normally accepted subject to contract, which means neither party is legally committed until contracts have been exchanged.

5. Getting Everything Ready

Once your offer has been accepted, there are a few important things to organise.

We'll help you understand what's needed and keep the process moving.

You'll generally need to:

• Provide proof of identity and address.

• Provide proof of funds, including deposit arrangements.

• Supply your mortgage Agreement in Principle, if applicable.

• Instruct a solicitor or licensed conveyancer.

• Progress your full mortgage application, if required.

Why do we need these documents?

Estate agents and other property professionals have legal responsibilities under anti-money laundering regulations. This means we'll need to carry out identity and financial checks.

If someone is helping you with a gifted deposit, they'll also need to provide relevant documentation.

Don't worry if you're unsure what to provide. We'll explain exactly what's needed.

6. Solicitors, Searches and Surveys

This is where the legal side of your purchase really gets underway.

Your solicitor or conveyancer will handle the legal work, check the property's title and arrange the necessary searches.

These may include:

Local Authority Searches
Check planning permissions, building regulations and other matters affecting the property.

Environmental Searches
Look for potential issues such as flood risk and contaminated land.

Water and Drainage Searches
Confirm how the property connects to water supplies, drains and sewers.

Do I need a property survey?

We strongly recommend considering an independent property survey before committing to your purchase.

A mortgage valuation is primarily for the lender and is not a detailed inspection of the property's condition.

Depending on the property, you may wish to consider:

RICS Level 2 Home Survey

Suitable for many conventional properties in reasonable condition. It highlights defects and potential issues that may need attention.

RICS Level 3 Building Survey

A more detailed inspection, particularly useful for older, unusual or substantially altered properties.

Your surveyor can advise which option is most appropriate.

7. Understanding Freehold and Leasehold

You may hear these terms when looking at properties. Here's what they mean.

Freehold

You own the property and the land it stands on outright, without a time-limited lease.

Leasehold

You own the right to occupy the property for the remaining term of a lease. The freeholder owns the land or building, and there may be ground rent, service charges and other obligations depending on the lease.

Lease lengths, service charges and lease conditions are particularly important when buying a flat.

Always ask your solicitor to explain the terms and any ongoing costs before proceeding.

8. Exchange of Contracts – Nearly There!

Once your solicitor has completed the necessary legal checks, your mortgage offer is in place and all parties are happy, you're getting close to the finish line.

Your solicitor will arrange the exchange of contracts.

At this stage:

• Both parties sign the contracts.

• Contracts are formally exchanged.

• Your deposit is paid.

• A completion date is agreed.

Important: Once contracts have been exchanged, the purchase becomes legally binding.

9. Completion Day – It's Time to Get Your Keys!

This is the exciting bit!

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

Once the money has been received and completion is confirmed, the keys can be released.

And just like that, your new home is yours!

Time to put the kettle on, unpack and start making memories.

Congratulations from everyone at Benburys!

Need a Little Help Along the Way?

Buying a property can feel like a lot to take in, particularly if it's your first time.

That's why we're here.

Whether you have a question about a property, need advice on making an offer or simply want to understand what happens next, our friendly team is always happy to help.

Let's get you moving!