Buying Process

In the thrill of looking for that perfect property it’s very easy to get carried away and start viewing properties which could be out of your price range. It’s worthwhile speaking to a mortgage advisor initially to check how much you can afford.

Top tip: Obtain a mortgage in principle from a broker, it will give you a head start in front of any other potential buyer.

Once registered with us you will receive regular updates with suitable properties coming on to the market. So give us a call or register your details below.

Top tip: Don’t just rely on property alerts from the various portal, register with us. We have the personal touch and may have just come back from your dream home.

When you receive a property, or properties, that you like the look of it’s time to view. We offer personal accompanied viewings which means we can advise and answer all of your questions on the spot. With years of local knowledge and a likeness to chat ask away! We know your busy lifestyles can make it hard to view during working hours so we are very flexible on our viewing times.

Top tip: Try to view in the daylight and give enough time to look at the local area and amenities.

Before making an offer it is important to do your research beforehand and don’t forget to account for all the other fees involved such as your mortgage, stamp duty land tax, solicitors, surveyors and moving costs etc. Once we receive your offer we will contact the owner both verbally and in writing.

Top tip: While there is no legal obligation at this stage it makes sense to list any special conditions that you wish to be tied into your offer.

Once your offer is accepted you need to instruct a solicitor/conveyancer furnished with their details we send a memorandum of sale out to all parties stipulating the agreement.

Top tip: Don’t compromise on the quality of your solicitor/conveyancer, it will make the whole process much smoother and easier for you. We can recommend a local solicitor with whom we have an excellent working relationship and will provide a quality service to you.

Your solicitor will carry out all the legal work such as local searches, raising enquires and agreeing on an exchange of contracts date with the seller’s solicitor. In conjunction with the legal work your mortgage lender will need to carry out a survey/valuation, a report of which will be sent to your solicitor along with your mortgage offer.

Top tip: The survey/valuation is a vital condition of your mortgage so it’s important not to delay this stage of the process.

Once your solicitor has results to all his searches etc. and received your mortgage offer it will be time for you and the seller to sign contacts. At this time you will need to transfer your deposit to your solicitor, usually 10% of the purchase price. Contracts won’t be exchanged until you have agreed a completion date with the seller.

Top tip: It is worth mentioning to your solicitor a preferred completion date at the start of the process.

On the day of completion your mortgage lender will transfer the outstanding balance to your solicitor who will then transfer, on the same day, monies owing to the seller’s solicitor. With a call from your solicitor confirming that all monetary transfers have gone through you are now the proud owner of your perfect property. We will also be informed so will have your keys ready for you.

Top tip: Don’t forget to take meter readings and carry out a general check of your new property to ensure all is as you expected.

Congratulations! You are now the proud owners of a lovely new home.  

Remember to get your mail re-directed and don’t forget to tell your bank, your employer, HMRC, DVLA, insurance, council tax, doctor, dentist and any schools that you have changed your address.
Agree meter readings, transfer the phone lines and other utilities. Book the removal company, defrost and disconnect your white goods. Tell your friends and organise the party.


Disclaimer:  This information is provided as a guide only and may not reflect your individual circumstances. You should obtain professional advice when buying or selling a property and william rose accept no liability if you rely on the content of this guide and do not obtain professional advice.