Distance from location (miles)
  • 0
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
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  • 10
  • 20+
Price (£)
Price (£ pcm)
Bedrooms
  • Studio
  • 1
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  • 5+
Property type
Buying options
Features

The Buying Process

1. Decide how much you can afford to spend

We can help by putting you in touch with a specialist to work out your financial position.

2. Choose your home

Browse the selection of homes we have for sale and choose the one that suits you the best. In some cases at this stage, you’ll also be able to pick out kitchen and bathroom fittings from our range of interior schemes.

View our properties

3. Pay a deposit and sign a reservation agreement

This will typically be between £1,000 and £20,000 depending on your property.

4. Appoint your lawyer

Your solicitor will take care of the legal side of the transaction on your behalf. Let your solicitor know of the reservation period, which is usually 21 days. If you are selling a house your solicitor will need to apply for title deeds, which could take up to three weeks.

5. Send your lawyer the draft contract, conveyance plan and other relevant documentation

This is specific to the property you are buying and detail the legal requirements of the purchase.

6. Apply for your mortgage

Send us the details of your mortgage once you’ve applied.

7. Confirm your mortgage offer

Once you’ve filled in the forms, send them back to your lender and tell your solicitor, and us, that you’ve accepted your mortgage offer.

8. Talk to your lawyer about the contract

You need to agree how to pay the deposit on exchange, which will be 10% of the purchase price. You then need to sign the contract and agree how to pay the balance of the money once you’ve completed.

9. Your lawyer exchanges contracts with us and pays your deposit

This is the point where the buyer and the seller are legally bound by the terms of the contract. Your Sales Executive will keep you updated and talk you through everything you need to know about your new home. Before you move in, we’ll make sure the property is in perfect condition and then on your moving day, your Aftercare Representative will welcome you at the property to hand over the keys and handle any last minute queries.

10. Organise your move

You’ve got two choices – do it yourself or hire a moving company. Don’t forget the hidden costs when going DIY, such as packing boxes and materials, hiring a van and the time and effort involved. If using a company, confirm with them exactly what’s included in their fee.

11. Consider storage for your possessions

Useful for long and short-term storage, there are often deals if you pay in advance at most storage facilities.

12. Change your address

You’ll need to spend some time informing a wide range of people and organisations that you are moving. Household utilities such as gas, electricity, phone, cable TV, broadband suppliers will all need to be notified. And don’t forget your doctor, bank, insurance company, DVLA, and TV licence provider. There are websites who can help you with this such as www.iammoving.com and www.helpiammoving.com

You must also forward your post – find out how to at www.royalmail.com

13. The final stretch

Confirm your removal day and time if you are using a removal service and arrange parking for a van – let your neighbours know and inform the local authority if you need more space.

Cancel milk and paper deliveries, arrange for a plumber or electrician to disconnect appliances.

Start packing! Leave the things you’ll need such as the kettle and mobile phone chargers to the very last minute.

14. Day before the move

Empty and defrost the fridge if you are leaving them behind. Clean the house, make sure you’ve left nothing behind including fixtures and fittings. Finish the packing and have a night bag with essential toiletries and clothes and things you might need the following day.

Confirm with our Aftercare Team what time you will have access to your new home.

15. Moving day

Turn off the central heating, water and electricity. Make a note of utility meter readings. Lock all the windows and the doors and leave your keys with the estate agent for the new owners.

16. Before moving in

Check deeds are exchanged and all the money has been paid so that you can pick up your keys from your Aftercare Representative.