The Buying Process

With over 20 years experience in Lettings and Sales we have quickly gained a reputation as one of the most professional and innovative estate agents in London. We provide a personal and dynamic service only employing the highest quality staff ensuring an efficient service to all our clients.

Here are a few points to consider before buying a property. We hope that it helps but please feel free to give us a call with any questions.

What are the steps involved in buying property?

  1. Speak with an IFA to secure a mortgage (Ensure they are whole of market)
  2. Find a property
  3. Appoint a Solicitor (conveyancing)
  4. The mortgage company will carry out their valuation on the property
  5. You instruct a surveyor to do a home buyers report or full survey (you decide)
  6. The Vendor’s Solicitor supplies draft contract, title deeds on the property to your Solicitor
  7. Your solicitor will check the HIP and raise any enquiries with the vendors solicitor
  8. Once your solicitor is satisfied you proceed to sign contracts and agree a completion date
  9. You provide the Vendor with the deposit via your Solicitor
  10. Signed contracts are sent to you from the Vendor via your Solicitor
  11. Contracts are exchanged and you arrange buildings and contents insurance
  12. Completion takes place on agreed date
  13. Your solicitor pays remainder of purchase price to Vendor’s solicitor
  14. The Vendor’s solicitor confirms completion of sale and arranges for keys to be handed over

What house buying costs do I need to consider?

When you buy a property you will typically incur these costs:

  • Solicitor’s fees (including stamp duty, local authority searches)
  • Part payments on council tax, ground rents, service charges
  • Purchase deposit (typically 10-25% of purchase price)
  • Property insurance and house contents insurance
  • Mortgage (including indemnity premium and fees – often added to the loan)
  • Surveyor’s fees
  • Removal firm
  • Services (any utilities that need to be reconnected, mail redirection)
  • Life assurance and mortgage insurance (if relevant to your requirements)