Decided that this is the year to buy a new place? It's a great goal to have set yourself, but there's some work involved in the process of buying a house to make it actually happen.
Here we guide you through your buying a house checklist. From getting your finances in shape to having your offer accepted, and appointing a solicitor through to exchange and completion.
Ready to get started? Then here we go.
1. Get your finances in place
While you may be champing at the bit to begin house-hunting, it's worth giving some thought to your finances first to find out how much you might be able to stretch to.
You can do this by speaking to a bank or building society, although you might be better off seeking help from an independent mortgage broker who can guide you through the complex mortgage maze.
It's well worth getting a 'mortgage in principle' in place. This is essentially a letter from a mortgage lender setting out how much they would be willing to lend, based on an initial assessment of your circumstances.
This is not binding, but does give a helpful indication of the amount you can borrow. This will help you get a better idea of what price bracket to look at when house-hunting – and will mean estate agents take you more seriously.
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2. Work out what you can afford and where
Step two in your buying a house checklist.
Once you've got an idea of how much you can borrow, you can start thinking about the area you would like to live in and the kind of property you can afford.
When deciding where to live, think about things such as transport links and how close you are to shops, restaurants, pubs, schools and other local amenities.
Also give some thought to the type of home you want to buy. While budget is likely to be your biggest restriction, think about the number of bedrooms, parking, outside space, amount of storage and so on.
Search for properties on Zoopla's 'for sale' section. You can search by area, property type (house or flat), number of bedrooms as well as budget, and you can also use the 'Advanced Search' option to refine your hunt even more.
For example, you could choose to select just new-builds or auction properties. You can even type in keywords that will scour the listings for specific features, such as a loft conversion or home office.
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3. Go house-hunting
This is the fun bit. Having got to this stage in proceedings, now is the time to start viewing properties. While some buyers fall in love with the first place they see, most have to visit a lot more properties to find their dream home.
When you're house-hunting, register with us to set up property alerts so you're notified as soon as a property meeting your requirements hits the market.
It's also worth putting time and effort into getting to know the local estate agents, as this might give you the edge on finding out when new properties come on to the market.
Zoopla has a comprehensive directory of estate agents to help you with your search for your new home.
Once you've seen a decent number of homes, you will get a better idea of what your budget will get you. You can then work out whether you need to widen your search a little – or compromise on some of the things on your wishlist to find homes that fall within your budget.
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4. Do some research before putting in an offer
Once you've found a property you like, see if you can go back for a second – or third – viewing, ideally taking a friend or family member along who can give an unbiased opinion.
Do a little detective work at the property. Turn all the taps and lights on and off, ask if the heating can be switched on, check the boiler is in good nick, lift rugs and look behind pictures, and scour for any signs of damp.
Try and visit the area a few times as well – ideally at different times of day, and on different days of the week.
See if the property is near a noisy road, and how long it takes to walk to the local shops or bus station.
Check out if there is space outside to park, and which way the property faces (ideally south, to get the sun).
Get more tips at: Find the perfect home
Walk around the streets and go into the local shops and cafes and talk to people about what it's actually like living there. You want honest answers to your questions.
Find out more at: The tools that will supercharge your property search
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5. Get your offer accepted
When you're happy you've found the property you want to buy, you can put in an offer.
Whether you put in a low offer will depend on a number of things, such as whether you feel the property is overpriced, if you don't think there's much competition, or how far your budget will stretch.
It's then up to the seller to decide whether to accept the offer you've submitted through the estate agent.
Finding out your offer has been accepted on the property you've fallen in love with definitely warrants a little celebration. But don't get too carried away, as this is also the point at which the hard work really begins.
Read up on making an offer in our Buying guide.
6. Sort your mortgage application
Once you've had your offer accepted, you need to apply for a mortgage officially.
You can do this directly with the lender – or via your broker.
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Whichever route you choose, be prepared for paperwork and for your bank statements to be gone through with a fine-tooth comb to check you can afford the loan you are trying to borrow.
Also, bear in mind that if it's been quite a while since you got your 'mortgage in principle,' it might be worth researching again, as another deal may now be more competitive – or better suited to your needs.
7. Appoint a conveyancer/solicitor
Once you've had your offer accepted and confirmed your mortgage, it's time to think about who you are going to choose as your conveyancer or solicitor to handle the legal side of things.
It's advisable to get at least three quotes and make sure you know exactly what is – and isn't – included, such as Land Registry fees, bank fees, postage and VAT.
It can be useful getting solicitor recommendations from family or friends. It's also worth checking reviews and recommendations online.
It is the job of your conveyancer or solicitor to review all the legal documents and start the necessary searches, such as local authority, environmental and water and property.
Note that good conveyancing is critical to helping keep your house purchase on track.
Discover more about the paperwork involved in buying a home at: Sort the paperwork
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8. Commission a survey
Once you've got your mortgage officially agreed, you need to think about commissioning a survey.
While there is no official requirement to get a survey carried out, it is highly advisable, as it will assess the condition of a property and highlight any major problems before you exchange contracts.
Don't fall into the trap of assuming a mortgage valuation is the same is a survey. It isn't.
A valuation is only for the mortgage lender's benefit, to check the property you are purchasing is worth at least the amount it’s lending on it before it approves your mortgage.
Read more at: What's the difference between a survey and a valuation?
As a buyer, it's well worth arranging your own survey so you will get a more detailed inspection of the property you're hoping to purchase.
There are three different types of survey to choose from: the Home Condition Report (the cheapest), the HomeBuyer Report (the mid-table version), and the Building Survey (the most expensive).
Be sure to make the right decision on the type of survey you choose. Remember, if the survey does show any major issues, you can go back to the seller to re-negotiate.
But if you cut corners, you could face some hefty unexpected costs further down the line when problems crop up in your new home.
9. Set out the provisional completion date
At this stage, you should be ready to set out a provisional completion date. This is the date you will actually move. You will need to agree this with your estate agent.
10. Organise removals
Once you've got a provisional move date in place, you can start thinking about removals. It's important to shop around for quotes from different removals firms.
As well as doing your own research online – and by asking friends and family for recommendations – it's a good idea to contact at least three removal firms to get an idea of costs and what type of service you'd like to go for.
Find out how much removals cost in 2023
Bear in mind that while it may be more convenient for you to move house at the weekend, the cost of removals might be higher. With this in mind, it's worth weighing up whether it's more cost-effective to move during the week.
Don't rush to book anything in for definite until your completion date is confirmed or you risk losing money.
But with your move date provisionally in the diary, it's time to get packing!
The pros and cons of using a removals firm
11. Exchange contracts
Once all the searches are complete, the legal work is finalised, and the mortgage is in place, it's time to exchange.
Exchange is the point at which both buyer and seller are legally bound to go ahead with the transaction on the terms agreed.
It is also the point at which you pay the deposit to the solicitor (this is usually 10% of the purchase price). If you pull out of the deal after this, you forfeit your deposit.
Discover more in our step-by-step guide: exchange and completion
12. Complete
On completion day, your money is transferred to pay for your new home.
In addition, you need to pay any outstanding fees, such as stamp duty (based on the price of your property), and the cost of legal work.
First time buyers' stamp duty break: how much can I save?
13. Move in
Once you've completed, you can collect the keys to your new home and move in.
Congratulations – it's time to pop the prosecco!
Your buying a house checklist
If you'd like an even more straightforward planner to refer to, this one should come in handy:
1. Are you ready?
Do you have a large enough deposit saved?
Calculate how much you can afford to spend per month
Find the best mortgage offer.
Get an offer lined up from a lender
Calculate other costs you'll have to cover
Check out our definitive Buying a home guide
2. Starting your search
Draw up ‘would like' and ‘really need' lists
Work out a ‘home triangle': budget, space and location
Consider existing new homes and buying at auction, or with a friend or family member
Consider buying schemes
Meet and register with estate agents
3. Viewing
Check out parking and storage
Check running costs, such as council tax and utility bills.
Check out crime rates, transport links and whether prices have risen or fallen in the area
Consider extending your search if you can't find anything within your budget
Ask to see the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for the property
If buying leasehold, who's the freeholder and managing agent? How much are ground fees and service charges?
4. Making an offer
Choose a solicitor
Research prices paid for local properties and current home value trends
Make an offer in writing
Ask for the property to be taken off the market as soon as your offer is accepted
Show proof that the lender will give you money, if you are taking out a mortgage
Check the solicitor is making enquiries and getting title deed information
Choose a surveyor and organise a survey
Set the completion date
5. Moving
Book a van or removals company
Inform authorities such as utility companies, Electoral Roll, your employer and Inland Revenue of your new address
Contact the council to suspend a parking bay for the removal van
Get the mortgage deed for the solicitor to sign
Sign contracts for exchange
Pay the balance of the property's price
Get the transfer document and title deeds
Take out building and contents insurance
Pay Stamp Duty, Land Registry and solicitor's fees
Check your insurer covers you for any damage while moving
Tell the removals company about narrow roads or unusual directions
Pack, ensuring fragile items are well wrapped
Label each box with a number or letter corresponding to its designated room
Pack a ‘moving box' with essentials including tea, cleaning materials and a bottle of bubbly!
Keep passports and other vital items with you
Pack a bag for each person with a toothbrush and change of clothing
Get someone to mind your pets (or make sure they're secure)
Get the keys to the property
Enjoy living in your new home!