Put bluntly, it depends on what you can afford.

That’s why we start with a review of your current finances, and we talk you through the various costs of buying a property. Before you start browsing the property pages, you need to know your budget, including how much deposit you have available.

A mortgage in principle is not a guarantee, but it does show that a lender is willing in principle to financially support your property purchase.

When you start viewing properties, this makes you look like a serious buyer.

Know what you’re looking for (including your must-haves, nice-to-haves, and deal-breakers).

Then you need to know where to look, including websites, estate agents, property developers, auctions, and property shows.

As soon as you’ve found your perfect place, put in an offer and wait for it to be accepted. Contact us to let us know and we’ll start to get the wheels in motion for you.

To help you find out what you could borrow, simply call one of It’s not impossible to buy a property without a lawyer but it’s not recommended:

1) they understand the property sale and purchase process

2) they handle the various pre-purchase searches so that there are no surprises

3) they take care of the contracts

4) professional insurance means that if things get complicated, you’re covered

Now it’s time to get back in touch with your mortgage lender and make a detailed mortgage application, confirming your Mortgage in Principle.

As part of the application process, the mortgage lender will carry out an independent valuation and survey of the property. Usually, this is a quick and simple process but you have the option to go for a more detailed survey that examines the building’s structure and flags up any possible long-term issues.

Once everything checks out, your lender should make you a formal mortgage offer.

Exchanging contracts takes place 7-28 days before the date of completion (when the property becomes yours!) and involves the lawyers on both sides confirming that both seller and buyer are ready to proceed (for you as a buyer, that usually means having a signed contract, funds for a deposit, the mortgage offer, and a buildings insurance policy.

To help you find out what you could borrow, simply call one of Once contracts have been exchanged and the sale completed, you’ll have the keys and can move in when you want – it’s yours now!