The Buying Process

Now you have found the property you want to buy, you'll be relieved to learn that British homebuyers have a high degree of protection under the law, making the UK one of the safest countries in the world in which to buy a home.

However, you will still need to think carefully before committing yourself to any purchase - don't allow yourself to be rushed into making a hasty decision, just because someone else is interested in the property or you're worried about possible price rises.

Once your offer is accepted, your mortgage lender will send a surveyor to do a valuation, and you should commission a more detailed surveyors report. At the same time, you'll need to appoint a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to deal with the conveyancing - the transfer of the property from the present owner to you. Once the conveyancing work is completed, a completion date can be agreed upon.

With such a large sum of money at stake, it would be foolish to try and cut corners to save money on the relatively small cost of legal advice. Check the credentials of all the professionals you employ, and avoid relying solely on advice given by those with a financial interest in selling you a property, such as an estate agent or developer.

The buying process is slightly different if you are buying your house in Scotland or at auction and we examine these procedures in more detail.

We also take a look at buying a property abroad, and offer you some general tips before you take the plunge and buy that house in the sun.