Buyers Guide

Buying a property is probably one of the single most important decisions you will ever have to make. As your local property expert we are at hand to help make the purchasing or selling of a property as straightforward as possible.

We pride ourselves on our experience and local knowledge when it comes to dealing with property issues. Whether it’s arranging a survey or recommending efficient lawyers, we are always happy to help.

We understand that we are often dealing with peoples’ single most important asset, their home, which is why we take exceptional care in listening to your needs and aspirations - we fully understand the importance of getting it right first time.

Getting Started

Whether you’re buying a home for the first time or whether you’re a frequent mover we have a great deal to offer. Our property experts will talk you through the options available to you when it comes to moving.

How Much?

Before you start looking for a new property it is useful to establish how much you can afford to spend. If a mortgage is required then it is always advisable to discuss your financial details with a bank or building society. Many lending institutions will enable you to apply online and tell you how much you can borrow; or you could talk to an independent mortgage adviser who will be happy to guide you through the process and help select the right mortgage for you.

House Hunting

It helps to have some idea of what kind of property you require and where you want to live. We will listen to your needs and take information about what type of property it is you are looking for. Once we are able to match you with a suitable home we will contact you as soon as it becomes available. You will also be able to view properties online, making it even easier to find the home of your dreams.

Making an offer

If you are interested in a property then make an offer. If your offer is accepted it will be on a “subject to contract” basis. It is important to remember that even once an offer is accepted, neither the seller nor the buyer are legally bound until contracts are exchanged, so, it is important to move as quickly as possible to avoid being disappointed at a later stage. Remember that the estate agent is legally bound to place all offers in writing to the seller and is instructed to act in the interests of the seller and not the buyer.

Survey

Whether you are buying with cash or whether you require a mortgage, it is always advisable to instruct the services of a professional surveyor. If you require a mortgage you will have to obtain a valuation as part of the mortgage process. There are a number of different types of survey available.

Valuation

A mortgage valuation is undertaken for the lender in order to establish whether the intended property represents adequate security for the bank or building society and to ensure that you are purchasing at the correct value.

Home Buyers Report

If you require an in-depth report about a property then it would be wise to instruct your surveyor to carry out a full and detailed investigation on the property.

Structural Engineers Report

On some occasions it may be necessary to ask a structural engineer to inspect a property, normally a surveyor would state in the report if he or she feels it is necessary to do so. Structural engineers will inspect the structural integrity of a property and advise on areas of concern.

Additional Reports

If a property is ageing then it is sometimes necessary to obtain a specialist report such as a damp proof report, timber check, drains pressure test, wall tie report etc., in order to satisfy a lender or surveyor that the property is at a suitable standard. Ask your agent for further details.

Legal advice

It is important to instruct your solicitor to carry out the conveyancing process as soon as your offer has been accepted. Conveyancing covers areas such as checking legal documents which are required for change of ownership, and making local authority searches to find out if any plans have been submitted which may adversely affect the property or its value. The conveyancer will deal with the actual purchase of the property and advise you of the costs involved.

If you do not know of any conveyancers then please ask and we will obtain at least two quotes in order to ensure you are getting a fair deal.

Exchanging of contracts

Once all the relevant legal paperwork has been checked your solicitor will give you the go ahead. You will be asked to sign your contract and your seller will be asked to sign an identical contract. Once this process has taken place then the two solicitors will “exchange contracts” which will then legally bind both parties in contract law. You will be asked to provide a deposit via your conveyancer; normally speaking this will be around 5% to 10% of the purchase price of the property. If you fail to meet the contract terms set out then you will lose your deposit and could be liable for further costs. Your solicitor will explain this in detail prior to exchanging.