Each property transaction is individual but if this is the first time you are buying a property or you haven't moved in some time, below is a guide of the key stages in the buying process.

Click here to download your guide to the conveyancing process.

• Make mortgage arrangements - Before starting your property search speak to a mortgage advisor to confirm what your budget is. They will assess your financial circumstances and commitments and suggest the most suitable mortgage options. You can then obtain a mortgage agreement in principle and start your property search. For independent mortgage advice click here.
  
  


• Instruct a solicitor - You should enquire into conveyancing services and instruct a solicitor as early as possible so that when you are ready to make an offer everything is in place, speeding up the whole process. For more legal information and a conveyancing quote click here.
  
  


• Conduct your property search - Use our successful viewing guide to ensure you short list the right property and make the most out of viewings.
  
  


• Make an offer - When you have found the right property ask the agent for advice. Ask how long the property has been on the market, whether any other offers have been made and how quickly the vendor needs to sell. This should give you a better idea of what price to offer. The agent will work to negotiate between you and the vendor to arrive at a sale price that you both agree. You may want to consider certain conditions to your offer such as that the property is not actively marketed or that everyone works to complete within a certain timescale.
  
  


• Confirmation of sale - Once an offer is agreed the vendor's agent will prepare a Memorandum of Sale which provides details of the property, agreed sale price, name and address of both buyer and vendor and their solicitors. This is then sent to everyone concerned.
  
  


• Secure mortgage arrangements - Make an appointment with your mortgage advisor to complete your mortgage application to secure your financial arrangements. A survey will be carried out by the lender and if all being well a formal mortgage offer will be sent to your solicitor for you to sign.
  
  


• Survey - If you do not require a mortgage or you are purchasing an older property you may decide to instruct a detailed survey of the property to ascertain its true condition.
  
  


• Legal work - On receipt of the Memorandum of Sale a draft contract will be prepared by the seller's solicitor and sent to yours who will make preliminary enquiries and conduct local and land registry searches. If no further enquiries are needed your solicitor will approve the contract. The seller's agent should play an important role in chasing this process through and keeping you informed. Our teams fulfil a dedicated sales progression role in every enfields branch making regular contact with all parties so that queries are dealt with quickly and customers are kept fully up to date.
  
  


• Exchange of Contracts - When all the legal paperwork is prepared and a formal mortgage offer has been received the contract is signed by both buyer and seller and a deposit is paid (usually 5-10%). This is a formal binding contract committing you to buy the property. At this stage a date for completion will be suggested.
  
  


• Completion - This is when your purchase is completed and you receive the keys to your new property! See our Plan for a smooth move and Packing tips information sheets for advice on making your move as straightforward as possible.