Buying Process
Getting started: we have some brilliant search facilities to assist you in narrowing down the search results to find exactly what you are looking for. These include: Searching by budget, property type, and no. of bedrooms. You can prioritise results by selecting the features you require in a house, such as a garden, garage etc. Click on the map view to find a property by searching for properties near a particular school, transport links, shops or food and drink outlets.
Viewing a Property
is exciting and key to finding the right home for you. However, there are still some essential things you need to look for to make sure it is right for you. Here are our top tips:
- Many people think that having a mortgage valuation means they have had a full structural survey carried out on the property. Unfortunately this is not the case. Take a look at the different property surveys available
- Allow yourself plenty of time, not just to view the property but also to look around the local neighbourhood and the amenities available in the area
- If there is any ambiguity over anything, such as rights of way, parking availability, ownership of the garden etc., ensure any answers to your queries are answered in writing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make an offer without a mortgage in principle? It is technically possible to make an offer on a house without having agreed a mortgage in principle with a mortgage lender. However, it is seen as more or less essential by sellers when reviewing offers.
Can I make multiple offers on different houses? You can do this, but again it is fraught with ethical issues. What if the offers on both properties are accepted? Assuming you only want to buy one house, it won’t go down well with one of the sellers if you withdraw from one of the prospective purchases. Although nothing is legally binding until you exchange contracts.
Next Steps
Once the offer has been accepted. You should ask the agent to take the property off the market as soon as your offer is accepted. You will need to instruct a solicitor and Unless you are a cash buyer you will need to complete a mortgage application, including any necessary documents such as proof of address and ID, proof of earnings, utility bills and bank statements.
Sign and Exchange Contracts
Exchanging contracts is where things become legally binding. A deposit of 10% of the sale price is paid by the buyer at exchange. After this point neither party can pull out without being liable for significant compensation.
Completion
The completion date is the day the buyer and seller agree that all funds are to be transferred and the sale confirmed. This date will be influenced by the size of the chain you are in and the availability of your removals company.