BUYING A PROPERTY

How to buy better


So, you have decided to buy a property and now the hard work really begins! Buying a house is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make in your life. It is a lengthy and complicated business, which while exciting is often fraught with stress and worry. But luckily we've got some good advice here to help make your home-buying experience as easy and problem-free as possible.

After finding a property you like, which can take anything from a few days to many months, the process from having your offer accepted to completion of the sale can take around 12 weeks.

It is important to have a good understanding of the process as it will help you avoid some of the most common hazards and give you the chance to buy better.

To begin with, here is a Step-by-Step guide demonstrating the main stages you will go through when buying a property.


•  Work out how much you can afford
•  Get a Mortgage Agreement In Principle
•  Find the property you want to buy
•  Hire a solicitor/conveyancer
•  Make the vendor an offer
•  Have a survey and valuation done
•  Complete any necessary legal work
•  Finalise your mortgage
•  Exchange Contracts
•  Organise your move
•  Finalise your contract details
•  Move in

Please note that all references to buying and selling are based on the legal process within England and Wales only, for more details on buying and selling in Scotland, please visit www.scotland.gov.uk

For more advice on buying click through the other pages in this section.

• Arranging a mortgage
• Valuing the property
• Make the best of viewings
• Negotiating the price
• Instructing a solicitor
• Building Surveys
• Home Information Packs
• Buying Advice