Buying a home is one of life’s biggest milestones, and it’s normal to have questions along the way.
Whether you;re buying your first home, moving on the property ladder to size up, or downsizing, we’re here to make the process as simple and straightforward as possible. From mortgages and viewings to completion day and move in, we’ll guiude you through every step.
Before you start looking for your new home, it’s worth understanding what you can comfortably afford. Think about:
It’s important to think about these costs alongside your exisitng monthly commitments. If you’re a first-time buyer, becoming a homeowner will often come with additional costs that you may not have had to budget for before.
having a place of your own or moving into the next home you’ve been dreaming of, is incredibly rewarding. But having a clear budget from the start can help you focus your search and avoid surprises later down the line.
Top Tip
It’s worth speaking to a mortgage adviser early, even if you’re not planning to buy immediately. Understanding your financial position and borrowing potential can help shape your plans and prepare you to buy.
Now for the exciting part.
Whether you’re looking for a city-centre apartment, family home, new build development or shared ownership property, having a clear idea of what you want can make your search much easier,
Think about:
Remember, no home is likely to tick every single box. Focus on what’s most important to you and what you can’t change. For example, things like location, a drive, garden size, commute times, how close you are to family and friends, you can’t change them. Flooring, layout, windows, doors, even where your sink is located, depending on the property and planning or shared ownership permissions, you can make the house your own.
Focus on what can’t change and have a list of non-negotiables, this will also help you weigh up your decisions.
Getting a mortgage can feel daunting, especially if it’s your first time, but don’t worry, most buyers feel exactly the same.
The good news is there are lots of options available, and a mortgage adviser can help explain them in oplain English and find a solution that’s right for your circumstances.
A mortgage is a loan secured a against the property, which oyu’ll repay over an agreed period.
Before applying, lenders will consider:
If you’re unsure where to start, we can introduce you to trusted independent mortgage advisers who can help explain your options.
Viewing a property is your opportunity to decide whether it feels like home.
It’s easy to get distracted by fresh paint, nice furniture or a beautiful kitchen, but try to look beyond the décor too.
Check things like natural light, storage space, room sizes and the overall condition of the property. Think about how you’ll use the space day to day and whether it will still work for you in a few year’s time.
If possible, visit the area at different times of day. A street can feel very different on a Saturday afternoon than it does on a Monday morning.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about:
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Top Tip
Take photos and notes during viewings. After seeing several homes, it can be difficult to remember the details.
Found the one?
Once you’re ready, you can submit an offer through Redwing. If your offer is accepted, you’ll be asked to provide additional information and begin arranging your mortgage and solicitor.
At this stage, nothing is legally binding, so it’s important to keep communication open and respond quickly to requests for information.
You can sometimes enter bidding wars if homes are really popular. Offer what you know you can afford.
Always remember too, the property market does move fast and homes can be snapped up quickly. Try not to think another home won’t come up if you don’t get this one, even if it doesn’t tick all your boxes. It’s best to wait for the home that’s right for you than rush into one and regret it later.
After your offer has been accepted, solicitors will begin the conveyancing process.
This includes:
This stage can sometimes feel slow, especially if other properties in the chain are involved, but we’ll keep you updated and help move things forward wherever possible.
Property transactions involve large sums of money, which unfortunately makes them attractive to fraudsters.
To help protect yourself:
Your solicitor and estate agent will never mind you double-checking details.
Every purchase is different, but most property transactions take between 8 and 16 weeks after an offer has been accepted.
Yes. A solicitor or licensed conveyancer is required to complete the legal side of your purchase.
This depends on the mortgage product and property you’re buying. Many lenders require a minimum deposit of 5-10%.
Absolutely. There are a range of options available, inlcuding traditional purchases, Shared Ownership and Rent To Buy schemes.
You’ll usually receive the keys on completion day, once funds have been transferred and the legal process has been finalised.
Yes. We can introduce you to trusted mortgage advisors who can help you understand your options and find a mortgage that’s right for you.
Buying a home is one of life’s biggest milestones, and we’re proud to have helped so many people find a place they can call home. Hear from some of our recent buyers about their experience of moving with Redwing and how our team supported them throughout the journey.
Whether your buying your first home or making your next move, we’re here to help.
Are you looking to purchase your dream property but still have questions? Our friendly team can help with any enquiries you may have. Fill out your details below and a member of our team will be in touch to talk.
