So you've had enough of renting? Here's our step-by-step guide to buying your first property.
Assuming you've scoured your desired area, found a place you could call home and your mortgage has been approved - you won't be moving far without one - what do you do next?
Make an offer
Before putting in an offer, try to glean as much information from the estate agent as possible. Ask how long it's been on the market and if the seller wants a quick sale.
Initially offer below the asking price and be prepared to have this offer rejected. This is the beginning of negotiations. Remember to factor in stamp duty costs, currently 1% of the asking price for properties in the £120,000 to £250,000 bracket.
Once your offer has been accepted
Ask the estate agent to take the property off the market and then find a solicitor. Follow up any personal recommendations and ask for a few quotes. It is best to agree a one-off fee with your solicitor, otherwise you could face a lot of extra charges. Your solicitor will take over the legal issues and make sure that all the vital checks, including those listed below, are carried out.
Land Registry search
This checks whether the seller has the right to sell the property and whether there are any outstanding rights over the property, such as any loans secured against it.
The solicitor will then register the transfer of ownership into your name. This will cost you from £40 to £500, depending on the value of the property.
Local authority search
This checks that there are no local plans that may affect the value of the home (main roads or superstores being built, for example). There is a flat fee for this, which is usually about £170.
Survey
There are three main types: The first is a valuation survey, required by your lender to check that the value of the property covers its loan. This normally costs about £200. It is a good idea to get your own survey done; you can either pay for a home buyer's report, which will cost you about £400, or a full structural survey, which is more expensive.
Exchanging contracts
Once you and your solicitor are happy with all checks and queries and have agreed the draft contract (which can take some time), it is time to exchange.
You will sign the contract and pay the deposit. If you pull out now, you will lose your deposit. Once contracts are exchanged, a date for completion of the purchase can be agreed. Remember to book the removal company.
Completion date
You can pick up the keys and move in. Welcome to your new home.
