Our step by step guide
to buying property

Step 1 Register your interest

The first step is to register your interest in property. You can do this by calling your local branch or you can visit one of our offices where you can discuss your property requirements with one of our experts who has an extensive knowledge of the area.

You can also register online if you are short of time or it is more convenient to do so.

It is really important that we get as much information as possible about your needs and requirements so that we can not only search properties we currently have available but also begin the search to secure a property that meets your criteria on the roads or in the areas where you want to live.

 

Step 2 The search begins

Once we have a clear understanding of your requirements we will be able to provide you with a selection of properties that match your criteria. You will be able to get an excellent insight into each property by talking to our staff who will have visited each of them. We will provide you with copies of the detailed sales particulars that have a number of internal and external photographs. These can also be viewed on our website by doing a property search.

In order to secure a property, we recommend an early viewing.

 

Step 3 Mortgage

It is always advisable to get your finances, including your mortgage, agreed at least in principle as early as possible. It places you at a disadvantage, particularly if there are several people interested in the property you have set your heart on if no mortgage has been agreed in principle.. Having to organise finances after you have found a property can result in you losing out to another person who is ready to go.

We are able to access 1000’s of mortgages across the entire market to find you the best mortgage deals and rates.

Talk to one of our Mortgage Advisors today.

 

Step 4 Viewings

It is important to view the property at your very earliest convenience. We are open at times to suit you which will be convenient for viewing after work and at weekends.

Half of our viewings are carried out during evenings and weekends.

Our phone lines are open from as early as 8am and our offices are open from 8.30am. Please contact us as soon as you are able to make arrangements. Remember that your Managers mobile number is on our website 24 hours a day.

 

Step 5 Making an offer

It is always advisable to make an offer on the property as soon as possible after you have viewed. This is especially important where there are several people viewing or there a block viewings or open evenings.

Once you've found that special property, we'll put your offer forward to the seller, both verbally and in writing. Any offer is subject to contracts being signed.

There are no legal obligations on either side until contracts are signed.

 

Step 6 Legal

A Conveyancer will be required to handle the legal paperwork involved (known as conveyancing). It is preferable to use a Conveyancer who knows the area that you're moving to and specialises in conveyancing.

We have our own recommended law firm that have been tried and tested to ensure that they guarantee excellent service. Experience clearly shows that where clients unwittingly choose the wrong Conveyancer that they lose time, money, confidence and sleep. We will provide you with your own designated Conveyancer who works on a day to day basis with Estate Agents to get transaction completed. You will have a dedicated point of contact and we guarantee no call centre experience.

It is important to instruct early so that all your personal paperwork can be prepared and checked.

Step 7 Sale agreed

Once your offer is accepted, you will need to instruct your Conveyancer to proceed immediately. At this stage it is a good idea to ensure that all parties are clear on your expectations on exchange and completion dates.

This is also the time to ensure that your mortgage is being processed and arrangements have been made for a survey.

We will organise this on your behalf should you be using our mortgage services.

Step 8 Searches and Surveys

A draft contract is drawn up by the seller's Conveyancer and sent to your Conveyancer, who will raise some preliminary enquiries about the property and will request all necessary searches.

A survey of the property will also be booked by a surveyor on behalf of the mortgage lender to identify any structural problems and advise on the property's value. It is this stage of the transaction that can be one of the most important. Our Sales Progression Team will be pulling all of the elements of the transaction and the chain together. You will be required to be as flexible and co-operative as possible to help move the transaction along.

Step 9 Contract approval and mortgage offer

Contract approval
Once results of the local search and answers to the preliminary enquiries are received, the draft contract is approved by your Conveyancer, providing there are no further enquiries.

Formal mortgage offer
This document will be sent to your Conveyancer for you to sign. Once signed and returned, your mortgage is in place and you will be ready to exchange contracts.

 

 

Step 10 Exchange of contracts

At this stage the contract needs to be signed by you and the seller. You will be advised about the deposit requirements although it will usually be 10% of the purchase price. This will need to be telegraphically transferred or paid by the buyer's solicitor in the form of a banker's draft on exchange of contracts. Think about this well in advance.

The completion date is then set.

 

Step 11 Completion

This can occur on the same day as exchange of contracts but can also happen a few days to a few weeks after exchange of contracts, depending on each party's personal circumstances.

All remaining monies will now be transferred from your Conveyancer to the seller's Conveyancer's account.

Congratulations, you are now the owner of your new home!