Whether you are embarking on your first step on the property ladder or you have already made several moves, we always have a great deal to offer and aim to give you all the advice you need every step of the way.
- How much should I spend?
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, or you could talk to our independent mortgage adviser who will be happy to guide you through the process and help select the right mortgage for you.
Back to top- How do I start 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 you are looking for. Once we are able to match you with a suitable home we will contact you via email, SMS and telephone to arrange a viewing. You will also be able to view all of our properties on-line, making it even easier to find the property of your dreams.
Back to top- How do I make 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 once an offer is accepted neither the seller or 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.
Back to top- What sort of survey do I need?
Whether you are buying with cash or 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.
1. Valuation
A mortgage valuation is undertaken for the purpose of the lender 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.
2. Home Buyers Report
If you require an in depth report about a property then it is advisable to instruct your surveyor to carry out a full and detailed investigation on the property.
3. 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.
4. Additional Reports
If a property is ageing then it is sometimes necessary to obtain a specialist reports such as a damp proof report, drains pressure test, wall tie report etc in order to satisfy a lender or surveyor that the property is at a suitable standard.
Back to top- What will a solicitor do?
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.
We will be happy to recommend a suitable firm of solicitors to you if required.
Back to top- When do I actually Exchange 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 contact. 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, depending on the percentage of your mortgage. 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.
Back to top- Do I need a deposit, and if so when will I require it?
Generally speaking, you will require a deposit in all cases unless you are obtaining a 100% mortgage.
Prior to exchanging contracts your solicitor will ask for your deposit. It would therefore be advisable to ensure that these funds are available early on or the necessary arrangements are made with your solicitor accordingly.
Back to top- When can I pick up the keys to my new home?
Keys can only be collected on the day of completion. Even then, you will have to wait for solicitors to confirm that the appropriate finances have completed at the bank and sometimes, this can delay formal completion late into the day. If we hold keys, we will not be permitted to release them to you until the solicitor acting for the sellers has authorised us to do so. As this process is dependent on your monies being received at the seller's solicitor's bank, it is always advisable to check with your solicitors as to when they have actually transferred your funds.
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