Guide to buying a property
Step one: Looking for a property
Your first considerations are likely to be price, location and size.
You should also think about the property’s condition and the cost of any necessary work needed, proximity to local amenities, and how much Stamp Duty you will need to pay.
Try listing your top three must-haves and what you’re willing to compromise on. To search homes, click here.
Step two: Registration
So we can fully understand what you need, we’ll go through why you want to buy, what properties you have already seen, and what your funding options are.
To keep track of your requirements, our agents will register you and make it quick and easy to manage your property journey and gives you an up-to-date record of where you are in the buying process.
You’ll also get exclusive access to properties before they are launched on our website. If you need to arrange a mortgage, our specialists at Critchlows will set that up for you aswell
Step three: Attend viewings
A member of our team will show you around, share relevant documents and answer any questions.
Points to consider include service charges/ground rent, whether there’s a sinking fund or any environmental risks, local parking and nearby transport links, school catchment areas, whether pets are allowed, the property’s leasehold or freehold status, and lease extensions.
Step four: Make an offer
Once you’ve got your mortgage offer, instructed a solicitor, and established your Stamp Duty, solicitors’ and moving costs, you are ready to make an offer.
We’ll forward your offer to the seller, and once it has been accepted, we’ll ask for your money laundering (CDD) documents and confirm the sale details, and timescales.
The transaction is now underway.
Step five: Exchange of contracts
At this stage, you sign a legally binding contract to buy the property and pay a deposit (typically a minimum of 10% of the property price).
You are now responsible for the property, so we recommend organising insurance.
If you’re planning to rent out your new home, our Lettings team can provide guidance on rental valuations, property management and furnishings.
Step six: Completion
On the agreed date, the remainder of your payment for the property is transferred to the seller’s solicitor. Once the payment has been received, you’ll be given the keys, and the property will officially be yours.
