The process of purchasing the house may seem daunting and seem to never end. Here are our top ten suggestions to help you buy a home.
1. Get to grips with the most important concepts
Many don’t know the terms used to purchase an apartment or the motivations for the process. It is essential to know the terms and conditions prior to when you send an offer. This will ensure the deal goes off without a hitch.
You can view our glossary to find key terms and definitions to buy the house. This will make every step of the process easier.
2. Determine the cost of buying a house
When buying a house, your outgoings are not limited to the deposit. It is essential to think about all costs associated with the purchase of a home in the process of determining your budget.
If you are a First time buyer and are renting a furnished home, there is also the cost of purchasing new furniture that you need to be considered. You might want to check out Freecycle that provides furniture for free within your neighborhood.
3. Sell before you purchase
It’s exciting to look for a house. With the many online agents available, it can be tempting to look for your ideal home while your current residence is in the market. It is crucial not to get carried away and get smitten by a house before you have an offer from a prospective buyer or you might lose out on the house that you have always wanted to buy to someone with the funds already in place.
Although it is more profitable to sell your house prior to you purchase, it can also be expensive. In many ways it can actually be easier to buy an apartment as a first Time Buyer, as they only have to deal only one transaction.
4. Get a mortgage ‘agreement in principle’
When you are buying a home it is essential to sign an “agreement of principle”. It’s a statement in writing that outlines the amount your lender is willing to provide you with money to purchase an investment home. Having an ‘agreement in principle’ may give you an advantage over other potential buyers because sellers will know you are a serious buyer and have the necessary finances, giving you the best chance of securing the house you have made an offer on.
It’s not the only thing. Knowing how much a mortgage lender allows you to borrow can provide you with an idea of the maximum amount you can afford to spend on house hunting.
5. Take a look at the area (at different times).
One of the last things you need when you settle down to enjoy the first night in your new residence after a tiring day of moving is to hear the blaring music from the neighbour’s house until midnight. It is important to see your potential property multiple times and at different times during the day.
Have a wander around the area and speak to the local residents. Find local stores, cafes, and parks. You should ensure that you are at ease in your new residence. Depending on how long you plan to stay in your new residence, it might also be worth looking into the schools in the area.
Also, remember to take photos of the homes you are interested in. It is possible that they have merged into one when you get to your 15th house viewing. You should assure yourself that the properties that you view are clear at the time you go back to your viewings. It also means that if you suddenly realise that you didn’t examine something, you may be able to just have a look at the photos and the seller may not be very happy when you continue to review small things!
It is also recommended to visit the government’s Planning Portal to see if any major construction projects are being planned. This will help you to find out whether any plans are in place that could affect the value of your future home and your enjoyment of it.
6. Find out what you are able to offer
Property searches on the internet are a great way for you to discover houses that are worth considering. They will also give you the current market prices of homes in your neighborhood. This can provide you with an idea of a reasonable offer for the house you have you eyeing and also the price that is the highest for the region that it is situated. You can start your search by visiting sites such as Rightmove as well as Zoopla.
The findings outlined in the report from your house survey may provide an opportunity to renegotiate on the purchase price, as it will indicate any structural problems and how much it will cost to repair. Additionally, a valuation can be included in the report to ensure you are not offering more than the market value of the property.
7. Request the seller to take it off the market
You can make an offer to purchase the house of your dreams even if it’s not available for sale. This means that you are not at risk that someone else might come up with a better deal, and also stops you from being taken advantage of after you’ve completed the transaction.
8. Use only professionals
Once you have been accepted as a buyer, you’ll have to engage an attorney for conveyancing to deal with the paperwork and legal aspects of the deal. Also, you’ll need to arrange for an investigation to be carried out and then hire a removals firm to ensure the safety of your belongings on the day of the wedding.
While it could be tempting to consider the mortgage Valuation as enough however, it is essential to obtain an independent report by an RICS surveyor to conduct a thorough assessment of the state of the house.
It is important to ensure that the companies that are involved in your move are competent and reliable. We at reallymoving only collaborate with trusted and reputable companies to ensure you are confident in your choice of experts. You can also see their actual customer reviews.
9. Communicate
It is recommended not to travel between the moment you put an offer on a house and the day of completion. Track your progress and seek out help when you’re not sure or unclear. It is vital to not ignore anything you don’t understand. There are many factors which can affect the length of time required to buy an apartment. These include whether you are in the chain of homes or in rental agreements or whether your budget is a little tight. Be patient, and especially when you are nearer to the end of the process and you are nearing the end, be content with the fact that you will soon be finished with all the paperwork!
10. Book your movers
Make sure to book in an appointment to move prior to the date, and locate an organization that can take everything you need. Be aware of furniture that needs to be taken apart and then reassembled. Make sure to pack any damaged objects carefully. If you live on a higher floor and your home isn’t accessible via elevator, make sure that you provide access for your removalists. There’s no reason why buying houses should be stressful, and by scheduling your move in advance, you can make sure your move is stress-free too.
Have a look at and download our moving guides for a comprehensive list of who you should contact and what you will need to do and consider when moving. Our Moving Home Timeline can also keep track of the moving process, checking off each stage you have completed.
Remember to congratulate yourself – buying a house is a big decision with plenty of things to think about. Celebrate the acquisition of your house with a glass of bubbly and snapping lots of photos!