Every stage of buying a home in England and Wales, in the order it usually happens. Each step tells you what’s going on, what to think about and where we can help.
Look at your deposit, income and outgoings, and the costs on top of the price.
A lender gives an early indication of how much it may lend you. It isn’t a guaranteed mortgage.
View homes and ask the questions that matter before you fall in love with one.
You offer through the estate agent, who’ll ask about your position: mortgage, deposit and whether you have a home to sell.
Your solicitor or conveyancer handles the legal work: checks, searches, the contract and moving the money safely.
Your solicitor orders checks on the property and area, usually local authority, drainage and water, and environmental searches.
An independent surveyor checks the condition of the home. This is different from your lender’s valuation.
You make your full application. The lender values the property and, if all is well, issues a mortgage offer.
Your solicitor asks the seller’s solicitor questions, then reports back on what they’ve found.
Signed contracts are swapped, your deposit is paid and the completion date is fixed. The deal is now legally binding.
The money moves between solicitors. Once it arrives, the agent releases the keys.
Get the essentials sorted: utilities, broadband, insurance and telling people your new address.
Buying, selling, remortgaging or simply not sure where to start? Tell us what you’re trying to do and we’ll help you work out what you need.