Buying a home is often described as one of life’s biggest challenges—and it’s easy to see why. It’s a major financial commitment, packed with important decisions along the way. At Haslams, we believe that the right knowledge makes all the difference, so we’re here to guide you through every stage of your journey.
Who to ask
We recommend the following people to seek advice or assistance from:
Estate agent – best placed to answer any questions about the buying process and the property itself and can provide feedback regarding the progression of the sale
Mortgage broker or adviser – to advise which mortgage is best for you and how to process a mortgage application
Solicitor/conveyancer – if you have legal questions, reach out to your instructed solicitors; they will carry out the legal work needed to buy a property
Surveyor – tend to be appointed by your mortgage provider to evaluate the physical condition of the property and obtain an independent valuation
Understand your affordability
Before you start viewing properties, it’s essential to understand what you can realistically afford. Online mortgage calculators are a useful starting point, offering estimates based on household income, credit score, and deposit size. Beyond the purchase price, remember to budget for additional costs such as solicitor fees, surveys, stamp duty (where applicable), and moving expenses. Having a clear financial picture early on helps prevent surprises later.
How to choose the right property
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a property, you may find your ideal property to buy, but if it is in an impractical location or isn’t big enough for your family size, then it isn’t a good choice.
Local amenities – what do you need nearby? For some the most important is schools (check the catchment) or local shops, for others a park to walk the dog or a pub is essential.
Property location –Think about whether you’re willing to compromise on factors such as busy roads or distance from transport. These considerations matter not only now, but also when it comes time to sell.
Transport links – assess whether you can handle the commute time to and from work and/or school, using public transport or car; we recommend trying at different times of the day to be sure.
Freehold or leasehold – be aware of how many years are left on a leasehold property, as this could impact your ability to get a mortgage. Most houses are freehold, but always check before your buy.
New build or second-hand – you can narrow down your search by whether you prefer a newly built house or apartment. New homes can often offer buying incentives and promotions however, new builds can be more expensive than a similar sized second-hand home and may be restrictions around extending or altering your home.
Condition – consider how much time and energy you have to offer a project property. Decorating is minor, however if you need to adapt a property to meet your needs this is a long-term expense. This might include making the property more energy efficient. Start by asking a local contractor for an estimate and factor this into your budget.
Size and space – if you believe your household will expand, of if you plan to entertain family and friends, consider how many bedrooms and how much storage space you need now and in the future. With the cost associated with moving home, it is important to contemplate the long term.
Outside space – similarly to the amount of space inside, what are you looking for in terms of outside space? If you travel a lot, a low maintenance garden would be more appropriate than a large mature garden. It is important to know what other space is on offer; should you need to park at your property, find out if there is parking and where it will be.
Once you’ve found the right property
Once you have chosen a property, the next bit of information to ask could be:
- How many people are in the chain?
- Do the sellers need to tie in their own purchase?
- When are the sellers hoping to move out?
- Have all the necessary consents been obtained for any work already carried out on the property?
Ready to start your search?
Take a look at our current properties for sale or to find out more information regarding the buying process speak to our sales experts on 0118 960 1000 or email sales@haslams.net.