From getting your finances in shape through to exchange and completion, here's everything you need to know about buying a home.
1. Are you ready?
Do you have a large enough deposit saved?
Calculate how much you can afford to spend per month
Find the best mortgage offer
Get an offer lined up from a lender
Calculate other costs you'll have to cover
Check out our definitive Buying a home guide
2. Starting your search
Draw up ‘would like' and ‘really need' lists
Work out a ‘home triangle': budget, space and location
Decide whether you want an existing home or a new build
Consider buying at auction if you want a faster purchase
Consider buying with a friend or family member to boost your budget
Check if you're eligible for buying schemes, such as Shared Ownership or First Homes
Meet and register with estate agents
3. Viewing homes for sale
Check out parking and storage
Check running costs, such as council tax and utility bills
Check out crime rates, transport links and whether prices have risen or fallen in the area
Consider extending your search if you can't find anything within your budget
Ask to see the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for the property
If buying leasehold, find out who the freeholder and managing agent are, and how much the ground rent and service charge cost
4. Making an offer on a house
Choose a solicitor
Research prices paid for local properties and current home value trends
Make an offer in writing
Ask for the property to be taken off the market as soon as your offer is accepted
5. Arranging a mortgage: comparing rates for a minimum 5% deposit
Compare interest rates from lenders
Contact a mortgage broker or approach individual lenders to arrange the best rate for you
Show proof that the lender will give you money, if you are taking out a mortgage, such as a mortgage in principle
6. Appointing a surveyor: what to check before you agree a price
Choose a surveyor and organise a survey to check everything's in order
If there are things wrong with the home, know that you can negotiate on the price to cover the cost of repairs
7. Appointing a conveyancer: fees typically £850 to £2,000
Appoint a conveyancer to manage the property transaction, handle the relevant searches and the transfer of ownership
Stay on top of all paperwork requests to keep things running smoothly
Your conveyancer will work with other conveyancers in the property chain to set the exchange and completion dates for everyone
They'll sign the mortgage deed
You'll sign the contracts for exchange
The solicitor will arrange for the balance of the property's price to be paid
And get the transfer document and title deeds to you
8. Moving in: what to do before and after you get the keys
Book a van or removals company
Inform authorities such as utility companies, Electoral Roll, your employer and Inland Revenue of your new address
Contact the council to suspend a parking bay for the removal van
Take out building and contents insurance
Pay Stamp Duty, Land Registry and solicitor's fees
Check your insurer covers you for any damage while moving
Tell the removals company about narrow roads or unusual directions
Pack, ensuring fragile items are well wrapped
Label each box with a number or letter corresponding to its designated room
Pack a ‘moving box' with essentials including tea, cleaning materials and a bottle of bubbly!
Keep passports and other vital items with you
Pack a bag for each person with a toothbrush and change of clothing
Get someone to mind your pets (or make sure they're secure)
Get the keys to the property
Enjoy living in your new home!
FAQ
How long does it take to buy a house in the UK?
Conveyancing typically takes 8 to 12 weeks on average, according to Zoopla, though this can take longer if you're in a chain.
How much deposit do I need to buy a house?
Most lenders require a minimum deposit of 5% of the property price, according to Nationwide and NatWest, though a bigger deposit usually gets you a better rate.
How much are conveyancing fees?
Solicitors' fees for buying a home typically range from £850 to £2,000, according to Zoopla, depending on the complexity of the purchase.
Can I pull out of buying a house after making an offer?
Yes, in England and Wales you can withdraw at any point before exchange of contracts without penalty.
Do I need a survey if I'm getting a mortgage?
Your lender will arrange a valuation, but this isn't the same as a full survey, so it's worth appointing your own surveyor to check the property's condition.