Buying a property with us
When it comes to buying your new or next home, it’s important to choose a local estate agent with considerable local knowledge and experience.
Our friendly team of dedicated professionals is ready to provide you with expert advice and support to ensure that your purchase is as smooth and swift as possible.
Step 1 – Decide on your budget and get a mortgage offer
If you’re in the position of using cash or savings to buy your property, you won’t need a mortgage and can simplify and speed up the process of buying. Otherwise, you’ll need a mortgage, and it’s often better to get an offer earlier rather than later.
Step 2 – Decide on the location and property type
Will you need parking and a garden, how many bedrooms you need? Do you want it to be freehold or leasehold – and pick an area on which to focus your search. You’ll also need to consider what you want out of the location: are local schools, transport links and shops important to you?
Step 3 – Make an offer
When you find somewhere you like, make an offer that’s realistic based on your assessment of the property. Take into account how long it’s been on the market and if the seller wants a quick sale
Further Steps
Organise a survey
A survey or homebuyers report usually assesses the property for any potential problems. Your lender will also insist on getting the property valued to check that it’s worth the asking price, but may also ask for additional information. We can help with recommending surveyor, or the advice from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors will help you to get in touch with a local surveyor to discuss the best option for you.
Instruct a conveyancer
There are a number of legal documents and procedures that must be completed when buying a property. For the transaction to move as quickly as possible, you will need a reliable property solicitor or conveyancer to take care of the legal and administrative details. You should begin your search for a solicitor early in the process, as finding a professional that you feel comfortable with is important. We can help with this, so please consult our team to find out more.
Exchange contracts
If your solicitor/conveyancer and surveyor are happy to go ahead, now is the time to sign the contract and exchange with the seller. You’ll usually have to pay a deposit, which typically is around 10% of the sale price. Once signed and exchanged, the contracts mean that the buyer and seller are committed to the sale. Pulling out of the deal means you’re likely to lose your deposit.
Completion
This is where the balance of money is transferred from your conveyancers/solicitors and the property actually becomes yours! The day of completion is usually the earliest you can move in. At this point the fees, stamp duty and any other costs are usually paid, completing the process and handing over the keys to you.
Services
Mortgages
We work hand-in-hand with independent mortgage experts who will be able to provide the best products on the market. They will present a range of options to help you select the right finance for your purchase. Contact us for more information.
Conveyancing
The full lifecycle in buying and selling a house involves the conveyancing process. It is paramount that a good conveyancer/solicitor is used in the buying process, and consequently we have negotiated special rates for some of the most effective conveyancing services in the UK.
