BUYING PROPERTY
A clearer guide to buying a property.
Buying a home can involve a lot of moving parts. This guide explains the key stages, the decisions to make along the way and what to expect from first search through to completion.
No obligation. Clear advice from the first conversation.
ASPECT PROPERTIES
A visual guide to the practical stages of buying.
AT A GLANCE
Four things to keep in view.
Budget & finance
Understand affordability and likely costs.
Viewings & offers
Know what to look for and how to make an informed offer.
Legal process
Understand conveyancing, searches, surveys and enquiries.
Completion
Know what happens between exchange and getting the keys.
GETTING READY
Put the fundamentals in place first.
Budget
Understand the purchase price you can realistically afford and allow for additional costs.
Mortgage position
An agreement in principle can help you understand likely borrowing.
Deposit
Know how much deposit you have and how it affects your options.
Buying costs
Allow for legal fees, survey, mortgage costs, removals and taxes where applicable.
PROPERTY VIEWINGS
Look beyond the first impression.
Presentation can influence how a property feels, but condition, layout, natural light, storage, parking, outside space, tenure and the wider location matter just as much.
Viewing tip
Think about how the property would work for you day to day, not just how it has been styled for sale.
OFFERS
Price matters — but so does your position.
Understand the market
Look at comparable properties and current local conditions.
Know your position
Be clear about finance, chain position and likely timescale.
Stay realistic
Decide your maximum position before negotiation begins.
Important: An accepted offer does not usually make the transaction legally binding. That generally happens later at exchange of contracts.
SALE AGREED
What happens next?
Memorandum of sale
The agreed terms are circulated to the parties.
Mortgage application
Your lender progresses the mortgage application.
Conveyancing begins
Solicitors start the legal work.
Searches and survey
Due diligence on the property progresses.
Legal enquiries
Outstanding questions are raised and answered.
Exchange of contracts
The transaction normally becomes legally binding.
Completion
Funds transfer and you receive the keys.
UNDERSTANDING THE PROPERTY
Valuation and survey are not the same thing.
Mortgage valuation
Primarily helps the lender assess whether the property provides suitable security for the mortgage.
Property survey
Provides the buyer with more information about the condition of the property, depending on the type of survey chosen.
BUDGETING
Costs to consider beyond the purchase price.
Deposit
The money you contribute towards the purchase.
Stamp Duty / property tax
Where applicable based on your circumstances and purchase.
Conveyancing
Legal work connected with the purchase.
Survey
The cost depends on the type of inspection chosen.
Mortgage costs
Possible arrangement, valuation or broker fees.
Removals
Moving, storage and other practical costs.
LEASEHOLD PROPERTY
Understand the ongoing obligations.
If you are considering a leasehold flat or property, pay attention to lease length, ground rent, service charges, planned major works, management arrangements, restrictions and transaction costs.
RELATED BUYING GUIDES
Continue your research.
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Read guide →BUYING FAQ
Common questions.
How long does buying a property take?
Timescales vary depending on the chain, mortgage, legal work and any issues that arise.
What costs should I budget for?
Consider your deposit, legal fees, survey, mortgage-related costs, removals and any taxes that apply.
Do I need a survey?
It is a personal decision, but a survey can provide additional information about the condition of the property.
What happens once my offer is accepted?
The legal, finance and due-diligence stages begin, including conveyancing, searches and usually a mortgage application.
When does the purchase become legally binding?
In a typical property transaction in England and Wales, this is generally at exchange of contracts.
What can delay a purchase?
Mortgage issues, legal enquiries, searches, surveys and problems elsewhere in the chain can all affect timescale.
NEXT STEP
Make the next step clearer.
Explore our buying guides or get in touch if you need practical support around your purchase.
