Your guide to buying

You've eaten beans on toast for the past year. You've saved a healthy deposit. You've made enquires and got your mortgage in principal. You know have your first parameter.

1 bed penthouse, 3 bed detached cottage, 7 bedroom townhouse. Now you know what you want, ensure it fits within your budget.

Now its time to shortlist your preferences based on your must-haves. What can't you live without? Garden? Balcony? Private parking space? En-suite?
Compromise isn't something we generally like to consider, but life is about balance after all.

You've seen it. This is the one! Make your move but don't be too eager.
You want to ensure you get the best price, saving you as much money as possible so you can spend your surplus on making your new house, your home.
Reality has set in. It's time to strike.

Instruct your chosen solicitor. Once the memo of sale has been issued to all parties, including your solicitor and the legal representatives of the seller, the legal process begins.
This involves searches, any management pack queries for Leasehold properties, surveys and any enquiries your solicitor raises based on any concerns they have or clarifaction needed.
This is the longest, most anxiety-inducing part of the buying process...but so worth the wait.

Your solicitor is happy with the terms. The mortgage valuation has gone well. Your deposit has been realised. This sale is official. We're at a privital part of the process. Exchange of contracts. The solicitors have reviewed and agree a completion date. The end is near.

8) Completion!

BUYING NEED NOT BE COMPLICATED