Buyers

Buying a property is one of the most important—and often one of the biggest—decisions you’ll ever make. Our aim is to guide you every step of the way as you search for the right home.

Here’s a brief guide to the buying process.

Your details

The first step is to register your details and property requirements. This allows us to match you with suitable properties straight away. Once registered, you’ll also receive alerts as soon as new properties come onto the market.

Viewings

Our friendly, professional team is here to arrange viewings at a time that suits you. We also offer evening and Saturday appointments to fit around your schedule.

Need a mortgage?

It’s always a good idea to obtain an agreement in principle from a mortgage lender before making any decisions. This helps confirm what you can afford and shows sellers that you’re a serious buyer.

Making an offer

When you’ve found your ideal property and are ready to make an offer, we’ll present it to the seller on your behalf. All offers are made “subject to contract,” meaning neither party is legally bound until contracts are signed.

Once your offer is accepted, we’ll need to carry out some checks, including proof of funds and your mortgage agreement in principle. You’ll also need to appoint a solicitor to handle the legal side of the purchase, and your mortgage adviser can then proceed with your application if required.

Anti-money laundering regulations

As part of government regulations, we’re required to carry out identity checks for both buyers and sellers. This usually involves providing photographic ID and a recent proof of address. This also applies to anyone gifting funds for your purchase.

Funding

You must be able to provide proof that you have funding in place for your chosen property. This usually involves providing bank statements to show you have the necessary funds for a deposit or the entire purchase if you are a cash buyer (this also applies to anyone gifting funds for your purchase). We also need a copy of an agreement or decision in principle from your mortgage lender, if applicable.

Freehold vs Leasehold – what’s the difference?

Freehold

You own the property and the land it stands on outright, with no time limit.

Leasehold

You own the property for a fixed period under a lease agreement with the freeholder (landlord). Leases can vary in length—sometimes up to 999 years—and outline responsibilities for both you and the freeholder. Shorter leases, often found in older properties, can sometimes affect mortgage options.

In England and Wales, most houses are freehold, while flats are typically leasehold—although there are exceptions.

How do I navigate the conveyancing process?

Find a solicitor

We always recommend using a trusted local solicitor with an office you can visit rather than a firm based in a call centre based miles away. They may cost a little more but it is worth the extra for the peace of mind an established and experienced solicitor can bring to the process. We work with a couple of local firms and can help you get a quote for their services.

Mortgage valuation & surveys

If you’re buying with a mortgage, your lender will arrange for a valuation to be carried out by a Chartered Surveyor. This ensures the property provides suitable security for the loan. A basic condition report will also be completed and submitted to your lender.

As mortgage valuations are quite limited, it’s often recommended not to rely on them alone. For extra peace of mind, you may wish to consider a more detailed survey. There are two main options:

1. HomeBuyer’s Report

This offers more detail than a standard valuation and highlights any issues that could affect the property’s value, as well as potential future repair costs.

2. Full Building Survey

Also known as a Structural Survey, this is the most comprehensive option. It’s particularly suited to older or non-standard properties and provides an in-depth assessment, including any structural issues and recommended repairs.

Your mortgage adviser will be happy to help you decide which survey best suits your needs.

Searches

Your solicitor will carry out a range of searches to gather important information about the property. These include local authority checks for planning history and nearby issues, environmental searches for risks such as flooding or contaminated land, and water searches to confirm connections and responsibilities for drains and sewers.

If you’re buying a leasehold property, your solicitor will also request a “management pack” from the freeholder or the company that manages the freehold. This includes details on how the building is managed, along with any ground rent or service charges.

Draft contracts & enquiries

The seller’s solicitor will prepare a draft contract and send it to your solicitor. This will include details of what’s included in the sale, such as fixtures and fittings.

Your solicitor will then raise any enquiries to make sure everything is in order and there are no unexpected surprises.

Mortgage offer

Once your lender has reviewed the valuation, any additional surveys, and completed their financial checks, they will issue a formal mortgage offer to you and your solicitor. Your solicitor can then begin arranging the funds for your purchase.

Exchange of contracts

Once both parties have signed the contracts, they are formally exchanged. You’ll pay your deposit and agree on a completion date. At this stage, the purchase becomes legally binding.

Completion

Completion usually takes place a few days or weeks after exchange (although sometimes it can happen on the same day). Your solicitor transfers the remaining funds, and once everything is finalised, the keys are released to you.

Congratulations—you’re ready to move into your new home! 🏡