Step by Step Guide to Buying London Property
It is often said that buying a property can be one of the most stressful stages in your life. Thankfully, we have created this helpful guide to ease you through the process of buying a property in London.
Organise your Finances
In order to start off on the best possible foot, it is wise to arrange your finances before you begin your property search. This process may involve agreeing a mortgage in principle or making funds available; this is with the view that confirming your financial situation beforehand will ultimately dictate your property search.
Our vast experience of the London property market has allowed us to build up a comprehensive list of industry contacts. As such, we recommend mortgage brokers that shares our values and believe that any financial decision should be linked to your lifestyle, plans and future aspirations.
Register with MyLondonHome
It is our job to find you a property and the first step to doing so is to register your interest. There are a number of ways register an interest; you can call us on 020 7222 2500 or visit one of our offices where one of our estate agents can offer you expert buying advice catered to your requirements. There is also the opportunity to register online or even enquire about a specific property. Beforehand, it is good to have an idea of a budget, a preferred area and any requirements to add to your “wish list”.
Search for Property
Once you have registered with us, we can begin to refine your search; with a clear understanding of your needs and requirements we can send you a range of properties matching your criteria. Our comprehensive alert system ensures you are constantly up-to-date via phone, email, SMS and even via post (upon request) as the latest properties become available.
Viewing Central London Property
As a central London estate agent, we know that working professionals need flexible viewing hours. Our offices are open 8:30am-7pm Monday to Friday and 9am-5pm on weekends. Furthermore, with convenience in mind, viewings can be arranged within a much wider timeframe to cater for our serious buyers.
When viewing, buyers are accompanied with one our estate agents and are encouraged to ask any questions about a property. If we do not know the answer immediately, you can be guaranteed we will find out for you. The key to a successful viewing is a comfortable, welcoming environment and this is something that MyLondonHome have worked hard to achieve over the past twelve years.
Putting Forward an Offer
It is important you see a selection of properties for sale to fully understand the London property market. Once you find the right property for you, we will put your offer forward to the vendor. This offer can be as specific as you wish, as we relay any special requirements verbally and in writing to the vendor.
FYI: No legal obligations are in place on either side until the contracts are signed
Instructing a Solicitor
The importance of a good solicitor cannot be underestimated when buying London property; the successful acquisition of a property often relies heavily on the instruction of an experienced solicitor.
MyLondonHome can recommend a number of reputable firms with a vast knowledge of the London property market.
Offer Accepted
Upon acceptance of an offer we begin processes to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible. This begins with the preparation of a memorandum of sale and the confirmation in writing to both parties of the agreed price. We then require you to confirm the details of your solicitor and your mortgage broker (if applicable).
The next step is to instruct your solicitor that we will now proceed with conveyancing and to inform your mortgage broker (if applicable) to proceed with the purchase application.
Conveyancing & Searches
Our recommended solicitors will undertake the following processes:
- Analyse the draft contract from the vendor’s solicitors and raise any potential concerns.
- Agree on a date of exchange
- Request local searches
Survey and Mortgage Offer
It is vital that a survey is conducted before the exchange of contracts. This needs to be completed on behalf of the buyer’s mortgage lender to explore any potential structural issues and confirm the value of the property. Completion of this survey will enable a formal mortgage offer to be put forward and signed off. It must be stressed that there are no contractual obligations until contracts have been signed by both parties.
Exchange of Contracts
Once all enquiries have been settled, the exchange of contracts can take place. Contracts are signed by each respective party and the deposit (usually 10%) is transferred from the buyer’s solicitor to the seller’s solicitor. This transfer of funds then enables a mutually agreed completion date to be set.
Completion
Completion is official upon the transfer of the remaining money (usually 90%) from the buyer’s solicitor to the seller’s solicitor. Upon clearance of the money keys are released.
Congratulations, you now own a central London property!