Week 1

Make an Offer:

Your first step is to make an offer to the seller, usually via an estate agent who will pass it on and let you know if it’s accepted. If not, you may choose to increase your offer. This process can take anywhere from hours to a few days, depending on the seller’s availability. Once accepted, you can move forward with:

• Hiring a conveyancing solicitor or conveyancer to handle the legal work
• Starting your mortgage application (unless you’re a cash buyer)
• Booking a property survey

Weeks 2 – 5

Apply for a Mortgage

If you haven’t already chosen a mortgage deal, a broker can help. The application process involves:

• Completing paperwork and gathering documents (which may take a day or so)
• Submission and review by the lender, including affordability checks, identity and credit checks, and a property valuation
• Request for additional information (if needed)
• Approval (fingers crossed)

Weeks 2 – 4

Get a Property Survey

While your mortgage application is in progress, you should book a property survey. The surveyor will assess the property’s condition and highlight any issues. If something is wrong, you can:

• Pull out of the sale
• Negotiate a lower price
• Ask the seller to fix the issues before finalising the sale

Survey types include:

Level 2 Survey: (Homebuyer Report): Identifies surface-level issues (2-4 hours, £300-£400)

Level 3 Survey: (Building or Structural Survey): A thorough investigation (up to 1 day, £1,000+)

Weeks 2 – 12

Conveyancing

At this stage, you’ll instruct a solicitor or conveyancer to handle the legal transfer of the property. This process includes property searches, such as environmental, drainage, and local authority checks. The conveyancer also drafts the contract for sale and arranges the completion date.

The conveyancing process typically lasts 8 to 12 weeks but can take longer if there are issues or if you’re in a chain.

Week 12

 Complete

The final step in your homebuying journey! At completion, your solicitor will:

• Draw down the funds from your mortgage and transfer them to the seller
• Hand over the property deeds to you
• Ensure all fees are paid

Once completed, you’ll receive the keys to your new home!