Property Tips For Buying

The first requirement is for you to register your details and property specifications which can be achieved in a number of ways i.e. by email, fax, phone, property portals, in person or by completing our registration form. This will give us an insight into your personal requirements, thereby enabling us to modify the details sent to you.

Once registered, you are then in a position to receive details from us directly in person, via mail or email or download and print these out from our website. We also offer an SMS text service direct to your mobile phone.

Our friendly team are available to arrange those all important viewings of your selected properties. Our offices are open 6 days a week. Please contact us to arrange a mutually convenient time 020 8360 9873.

In order to speed up your house buying process, it is advisable wherever possible; to get a mortgage agreed in principle before any final decision on your new property is made. This has the advantage of providing you with a clear indication of what is affordable and the fact that you have a mortgage agreed in principle is also attractive to sellers.

Once you have located your ideal property, your offer will be submitted by us to the vendor for their consideration. This is done both verbally and in writing.

NB: Please note that all offers are “subject to contract” and therefore neither party is legally bound until the contract is actually signed.

As soon as your offer has been accepted by the vendor, you should instruct a solicitor to act on your behalf. Your solicitor will handle all legal requirements of your purchase (property conveyancing).

At this point, you also need to formally proceed with your mortgage application and instruct your mortgage consultant/broker accordingly.

The next step is to obtain the Mortgage Valuation, as required by law. This will be conducted by a Chartered Surveyor acting for your Lender. The report is to provide a Valuation i.e. determine whether the amount to be loaned is secure and also deals with the basic condition of the property. Since you as the buyer are also provided with a copy, it allows both parties to evaluate the findings prior to entering into a commitment to purchase.

NB: However, we would not recommend that a buyer relies solely on the Mortgage Valuation survey as the inspection is limited and although it may cost a little more to obtain a more detailed report yourself, this could in the long run save you from making a costly mistake.

There are two types of survey available:

Homebuyer Survey/Valuation

This is the mid-range option as it is more expensive than the Mortgage Valuation but less than the Building Survey (see below)

It is a basic service and therefore more appropriate to properties in apparently good condition and conventionally constructed. The survey’s purpose is to highlight any pressing or significant defects and problems which are likely to have an overall impact on the value of the property.

The objective of the Homebuyer Survey is to provide a more in depth report which will assist the buyer in making an informed decision whether to proceed with the purchase and also whether the agreed price reflects the actual value. Moreover, the professional opinion of the surveyor as contained in his report will also set out particular features of the property which may possibly have an effect on the present value and potential future marketability.

Building Survey

Unlike the Homebuyer Survey, this is suitable for all types of property whether conventional or unconventional. The term “unconventional” encompasses properties that have an unusual construction, are historic or Listed Buildings, have been extensively altered or where major work is planned.

The Building Survey is comprehensive and lists full technical details of the construction, materials and condition. It highlights the full spectrum of defects from the more serious down to the insignificant and the terms of the survey are therefore tailored to fit the client’s specific needs.

However, it should be noted that this does not include a valuation and is only conducted by prior agreement.

These are conducted by the buyer’s solicitor who submits a local authority search to the local borough council. Its purpose is to ascertain if there is any planning consented previously granted on the property or if there are any other local issues which may have an impact on the purchase. In some instances, the search may also include an Environmental and Drainage search.

The draft contract is drawn up by the seller’s solicitor and is forwarded to the buyer’s solicitor for consideration. Any additional queries or questions will be asked and answered and the contract amended accordingly, subject to final approval.

The Lender is now in possession of the Mortgage Valuation survey and, subject to the findings of this report; receipt/approval of the mortgage application and provided all references and checks have been conducted satisfactorily, the Lender will send a formal mortgage offer to the buyer and their solicitor. The document is then signed and returned and funds requested by the buyer’s solicitor.

Once the contract has been signed by both parties, a deposit (normally a small percentage of the purchase price) is paid by either bank transfer or banker’s draft. At this stage, the parties agree on a date for completion.

Completion usually follows a few days or weeks after exchange of contracts. The balance of the purchase price is transferred by the buyer’s solicitor to the seller’s solicitor and the keys released – Congratulations! You are now the owner of your new home!

On the first viewing, try and remain objective and view the property as a building that needs inspecting. Staying one step removed will help you to formulate a balanced view of the property.

What you see on the second viewing may have escaped your attention the first time around. It may be useful to view the property at a different time of the day to give you a different prospective.

Most properties will have cracking of some form but don’t be put off a professional opinion from a qualified surveyor will give you the peace of mind you require. Ruling out structural issues from the outset could save you time, money and pain later down the line.

Be wary of damp. Even if you can’t see it damp can be present, so keep your nose tuned in for musty smells.

If your new to the area make sure you take your time to learn more about it. Our agents have lived and worked in the area for either all or most part of their lives so they will be able to answer any queries you may have.

Visit the property at rush hour. Is it any different? Is there a build up of traffic at key commuting times? If so, it may influence your decision. Either way, it’s best to know as much as you can before you commit.

A survey will give you the piece of mind you need and dispel any fears you may have. It always better to be informed then discover things at a later date. We can provide you with a list of local surveyors if you don’t have one of your own.

When finding the property of your dreams it’s easy to forget to think ahead. It’s often worth asking yourself would you be happy living in the property three, four and five years from now – and will this property suit your long-term (and even short-term) plans?