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Get expert guidance on every step of your home buying journey
Getting Started
Understanding the home buying process, first steps, and what to expect
12 articlesMortgage & Finance
Getting mortgage approval, understanding your budget, and financial planning
18 articlesProperty Search
Finding the right property, making viewings, and making an offer
15 articlesLegal Process
Conveyancing, contracts, surveys, and legal requirements
22 articlesMortgage Finalisation
Final mortgage approval, insurance, and protecting your purchase
14 articlesExchange & Completion
Exchanging contracts, completion day, and getting your keys
10 articlesMoving In
Planning your move, utilities, and settling into your new home
16 articlesAfter Moving
Home maintenance, council tax, and ongoing homeowner responsibilities
13 articlesPopular Articles
First-Time Buyer Mortgage Guide
Complete guide to getting your first mortgage in the UK
Stamp Duty Calculator
Calculate exactly how much stamp duty you'll need to pay
Mortgage Calculator
Compare mortgage products and monthly repayments
Affordability Calculator
Find out how much you can borrow for your mortgage
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the home buying process take in the UK?
The average home purchase in England and Wales takes 12-16 weeks from offer acceptance to completion. Scotland typically takes 8-12 weeks. Delays can occur due to chain issues, survey findings, or mortgage processing times.
What is stamp duty and do I have to pay it?
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a tax on property purchases in England and Northern Ireland. First-time buyers get relief on properties up to £425,000. You pay nothing on the first £425,000 and 5% on the portion from £425,001 to £625,000. Use our Stamp Duty Calculator for exact figures.
What is a mortgage in principle and do I need one?
A Mortgage in Principle (MIP) or Agreement in Principle (AIP) is a statement from a lender indicating how much they'd be willing to lend you. While not mandatory, it makes your offer more credible to sellers and helps you understand your budget before house hunting.
What's the difference between a mortgage broker and going direct to a lender?
A mortgage broker can search the entire market and often access exclusive deals not available to the public. Going direct to a lender limits you to their products. Most brokers don't charge buyers (they're paid commission by lenders), making them a cost-effective choice for most people.
How much deposit do I need to buy a house?
Most lenders require a minimum 5-10% deposit, though 15-20% typically gets you better interest rates. For a £300,000 property, you'd need £15,000 (5%) to £60,000 (20%). First-time buyers may access government schemes like Help to Buy that reduce deposit requirements.
What is conveyancing and why do I need a solicitor?
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership. You need a licensed conveyancer or solicitor to handle contracts, conduct searches, register the property, and ensure the transaction is legally sound. It's a legal requirement in the UK.
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