Things to do when buying a house
Our buying a house checklist covers all the important tasks you need to do to complete your move, from saving a deposit to moving into your new home.
01 – Save a deposit
- Research properties to get a ballpark budget so you can set a realistic savings goal.
- Research savings accounts/incentives to maximise interest income.
- Open a savings account.
- Set up a monthly standing order to transfer money to your savings account.
02 – Find out how much you can borrow
- Collate your finances. Make sure you have all your income and savings details to hand.
- Find a mortgage adviser or consult directly with a mortgage lender/bank.
- Obtain a mortgage in principle.
- Make sure your finances are in order and that you can realistically afford the proposed deposit and repayments.
03 – Find a property
- Make a list of your priorities and rank them in order of importance.
- Locate your mortgage in principle and make sure it is still in-date.
- Sign up to a few local estate agents letting them know your budget, your preferred location, and your ‘must-haves’.
- Arrange viewings of any properties you like the look of.
04 – Make an offer
- Select your preferred property.
- Make sure your mortgage in principle is still valid or re-apply.
- Research similar properties and recent sold prices in the area.
- Make an offer you can afford.
- Negotiate if required – do not overstretch yourself.
- Withdraw and offer on another property if required.
- Have your offer accepted.
05 – Apply for a mortgage
- Make sure your finances are in order.
- Collect together all the documentation you will require e.g. payslips, ID, bank statements, proof of funds etc.
- Find a mortgage adviser.
- Familiarise yourself with the different forms of mortgage; tracker vs fixed, repayment vs interest only etc.
- Select the right mortgage for you.
- Complete your mortgage application.
06 – Appoint a conveyancer
- Research local conveyancers.
- Obtain quotes.
- Appoint conveyancer.
- Provide the conveyancer with all information they request.
- Review searches.
07 – Book a survey
- Research local surveying firms.
- Familiarise yourself with the different types of survey.
- Obtain quotes from a few surveyors.
- Select and book the right survey and surveyor for your chosen property.
- Provide your surveyor with all relevant information, and raise any specific concerns you have.
- Carefully review your survey report and raise any queries with the surveyor.
- Ask your conveyancer to obtain any documentation highlighted in the report.
- Commission any other specialist investigations (if required) e.g. electrical test.
- Obtain quotes for any significant repairs highlighted in your report.
- Negotiate your offer or consider withdrawing if appropriate to do so.
08 – Review and exchange
- Review your survey, the contracts and the searches.
- Make sure you are completely happy with everything.
- Raise any last queries with your conveyancer, surveyor, or the seller.
- Confirm exchange and completion dates.
- Sign and return the contracts.
- Transfer your deposit to your conveyancer.
- Organise insurance for your new property.
09 – Prepare to move
- Inform your current utility suppliers of your moving date.
- Give notice on your current tenancy (if applicable).
- Arrange cleaners for your current property (if required in your lease).
- Research internet providers for your new property and arrange connection.
- Arrange removal of your belongings to your new property.
10 – Completion
- Take final utility meter readings for your old home.
- Pick up your keys to your new home.
- Visit the property and compare against the fixtures/fittings questionnaire.
- Take meter readings for water, electricity and gas.
- Enjoy your new home!
Download PDF
Download a copy of this moving house checklist to help you keep track of all the important steps along the way.