Buying a home is a huge life event and whether you are purchasing your first home or an additional one with the purpose of renting it out, there are set things that you need to know.
And, luckily, irrespective of whether you are buying a mansion or a studio flat, the process is very similar!
So, in this article, you will be given a step-by-step guide to buying a home in the UK, with the tips broken down into jargon-free language by conveyancing solicitors Portsmouth.
Step 1- check finances
It is all too easy to rush into buying that absolute dream house that you want by the lake, but you must first ensure that you have the finances to buy it.
As obvious as that sounds, many people assume that they can wiggle a bit more money out of their mortgage provider when, in actuality, many people are given the highest amount that is affordable for them. To avoid this disappointment, it is advised that you stick to purchasing a home that is well within your means to buy.
Step 2- view the home
Again, this happens to more people than you think. They see the home online, are enthralled and rush into making decisions about purchasing it. Only to realise when push comes to shove that the front room is smaller than they thought, or that there is mould in the bathroom.
So, when you and your partner are looking to buy a home, be sure to visit it more than once; this will allow you to get a feel for the place and will allow you to get a better idea of the people you are moving in next door to as well!
Step 3- get a solicitor
At this stage (or preferably earlier), you will need to bring in a conveyancing or property solicitor. It will be their job to oversee local searches, liaise with the seller’s legal team and ensure that you are getting exactly what you are paying for.
If you decide to bring in a legal representative earlier, they can also help with picking a suitable mortgage for you.
Step 4- liaising and contracts
So this is where a legal team can be worth their weight in gold.
They can discuss the property with the seller’s team, assess the local area and will be able to draw up the necessary contracts which will eventually be exchanged.
At this stage, you won’t need to do anything, but should be instructed by them on each step of the process to ensure that you agree with the decisions that they are making. After all, they are acting on your behalf, not taking the reins completely!
Step 5- mortgage and drafts
This is when you will need to begin checking the terms of your mortgage offer and send it across to the seller via your solicitor, so they can assess that they are happy with it and that it is all legal and above board.
This is when drafts of the contracts are sent and negotiations may begin if either side is unhappy.
Step 6- final contracts and completion
Assuming all goes well with the contracts, then your solicitor can begin arranging a date for completion. This is when the sellers will need to leave the home and hand over the keys to you, allowing you to move in.