Interactive home-buying guide

Buy your next home with confidence

Follow the complete journey from preparing your finances to collecting the keys. Open each stage, tick off the checklists and keep track of your progress.

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This page provides general information and does not replace individual legal, mortgage, financial or surveying advice.

Your progress

Buying journey

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Interactive buying journey

Open each stage and follow the checklist

Work through the guide at your own pace. Only one section opens at a time, keeping the page clear while giving you detailed help when you need it.

Before viewing properties, work out what you can comfortably afford. Your budget should include the purchase price, monthly payments and the additional costs involved in moving.

Interactive checklist

Tick each task as you complete it

Helpful tip

Avoid choosing a property based only on the maximum amount a lender may offer. Leave room for bills, maintenance and unexpected costs.

Common mistakes to avoid

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Using every available penny for the deposit.

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Forgetting about legal and survey costs.

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Taking on repayments that leave no financial flexibility.

Step 1 of 7

The right home is about more than photographs. Compare the location, condition, running costs and how well each property fits your everyday life.

Interactive checklist

Tick each task as you complete it

Helpful tip

Try not to reject a suitable home because of decorations or furniture. Focus on the layout, condition, location and features that are difficult to change.

Common mistakes to avoid

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Choosing based only on listing photographs.

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Ignoring running costs and council tax.

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Falling in love before researching the location.

Step 2 of 7

A viewing is your opportunity to understand the property properly. Take your time, look beyond the decoration and arrange a second viewing when necessary.

Interactive checklist

Tick each task as you complete it

Helpful tip

Bring someone you trust to a second viewing. A fresh pair of eyes may notice something you missed during the first visit.

Common mistakes to avoid

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Rushing because another viewer is waiting.

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Looking only at decoration and furniture.

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Failing to ask about previous repairs or known problems.

Step 3 of 7

When you have found the right property, decide what you believe it is worth and what you can comfortably pay. Negotiation is a normal part of the process.

Interactive checklist

Tick each task as you complete it

Helpful tip

Do not let pressure push you above your safe maximum. Another property will come along, but an unaffordable commitment can last for years.

Common mistakes to avoid

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Revealing your maximum budget immediately.

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Increasing an offer without a clear reason.

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Assuming an accepted offer makes the sale legally binding.

Step 4 of 7

After an offer is accepted, your conveyancer handles the legal process. This usually includes reviewing the contract, checking ownership information and arranging relevant searches.

Interactive checklist

Tick each task as you complete it

Helpful tip

Reply quickly when your solicitor, lender or surveyor requests information. Small delays can build up across the transaction.

Common mistakes to avoid

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Choosing professional services only by the lowest price.

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Ignoring concerns raised by the survey.

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Sending money before independently checking bank details.

Step 5 of 7

Before exchange, your legal representative should confirm that the essential checks are complete and explain the contract, completion date and money required from you.

Interactive checklist

Tick each task as you complete it

Helpful tip

Do not exchange until you understand the contract and are ready to proceed. Ask your conveyancer to explain anything that concerns you.

Common mistakes to avoid

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Assuming you can easily withdraw after exchange.

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Taking new finance before the mortgage completes.

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Failing to confirm what the seller will leave behind.

Step 6 of 7

Completion is the day ownership transfers to you. Your conveyancer sends the purchase funds, and once the transaction is confirmed, the keys can normally be released.

Interactive checklist

Tick each task as you complete it

Helpful tip

Pack a separate first-night box with chargers, toiletries, basic tools, medication, drinks and bedding.

Common mistakes to avoid

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Booking everything too tightly before completion is confirmed.

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Forgetting meter readings.

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Misplacing essential documents during the move.

Step 7 of 7

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Financial preparation

Look beyond the asking price

A sensible buying budget should consider both the immediate costs and the ongoing expense of owning and maintaining the property.

Your deposit

Work out how much you can use while still keeping sensible savings for emergencies and moving costs.

Mortgage preparation

Understanding your likely borrowing position can make your property search more focused and realistic.

Additional costs

Allow for legal work, surveys, mortgage fees, removals, insurance and any applicable property taxes.

Stay protected

Buying property safely

Property transactions involve personal documents and large payments. Slow down, verify information and use qualified professionals.

Keep important conversations recorded through secure messaging.

Never send the purchase money directly to a property seller.

Use a regulated solicitor or conveyancer for the legal transaction.

Confirm bank details independently before transferring money.

Be cautious when someone pressures you to make an urgent payment.

Report suspicious listings or messages to the platform.

Useful habits

Small actions that make buying easier

Save favourites

Keep suitable homes together and compare them after each viewing.

Keep records

Save important questions, answers and confirmations in writing.

Visit the area

See the neighbourhood during different times and days.

Ask for help

Use qualified professionals when specialist advice is needed.

Ready to find your next home?

Browse available properties, save your favourites and contact sellers through the marketplace.

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