1. Affordability Assessment:

o Before you start house hunting, it’s crucial to assess your affordability. Consider your income, expenses, and any existing debts.

o Consult a Mortgage Adviser to evaluate how much you might be able to borrow based on your financial situation.

2. Agreement in Principle (AIP):

o An AIP is a preliminary indication from a lender about how much they’re willing to lend you.

o It’s not a binding offer but provides an estimate based on your information and credit file.

3. Find a Suitable Property:

o Research the area, explore estate agents, and browse property websites to find homes that match your preferences.

o Once you’ve identified a property, proceed to the next steps.

4. Make an Offer:

o Let the seller know how much you’re willing to pay for the property.

o Negotiate with the seller until both parties reach an agreement.

5. Mortgage Application:

o Complete your mortgage application with the chosen lender.

o The lender will assess your application, including factors like credit history and affordability.

o The lender will arrange for a property survey to assess the property’s condition and property value.

6. Property Survey and Legal Checks:

o After your mortgage offer is issued, your solicitor will conduct legal checks related to the property title and any potential issues.

7. Exchange of Contracts:

o At this stage, you pay your deposit amount.

o Both parties become legally committed to the transaction, and you can’t back out without significant costs.

8. Completion:

o On the agreed completion date, transfer the remaining funds to the Solicitor.

o In exchange, you receive the keys and legal ownership of the property.

Remember that nobody is legally bound until the exchange of contracts occurs. If you have any specific questions or need further guidance during any of these steps, feel free to ask!