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Buying a Property
Buying a Property

Thinking of Buying?

Understand the process with Drakes Estates Agents

Whether you are flying the nest and buying your first home, looking for a new place to live, or want to add to your property portfolio, the flow chart below will help you understand the process.

Thinking of Buying?

Understand the process with Drakes Estates Agents

Whether you are flying the nest and buying your first home, looking for a new place to live, or want to add to your property portfolio, the flow chart below will help you understand the process.

Dedicated. Dependable. Determined.

The Buying Process
Want to know how it all works?

Navigating the complex property-buying process can be overwhelming. Let us help you take your first step on the ladder with tailored help and advice. With intimate knowledge of the local market, we can help you find the property that best fits your budget and requirements.

1. Do you require a mortgage?
NO

Have you a budget in mind?

YES

Do you require some free mortgage advice to set your budget. If so, contact us below.


2. Now you have your budget you can commence your property search

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3. Crucial things to consider
Number of bedrooms

The number of bedrooms you need can quickly narrow down your list of potential properties and eliminate anything unsuitable. Consider how many rooms your family needs to live comfortably, plus if you need additional space for an office or expanding family.

Location

If you plan to live at your new property, you will want to think about its proximity to work and other places you visit often. If you are a prospective landlord, you will need to consider the rental market. Ask us about amenities, schools and train stations in the areas you are considering. We can also provide information on the general atmosphere and demographics.


4. Try not to be too specific in your property search

You may be pleasantly surprised once you have viewed a property that you didn’t initially feel would be suitable.

View a property
VIEW A PROPERTY

Arrange a second viewing to look at the property in more detail.

YOU’RE NOT KEEN ON THE PROPERTY

Tell us why so we can provide constructive feedback to the vendor and help you search for another property.


5. You make an offer
  • We will ask you to provide your proof of funding & ID.

  • Proof of funding usually includes an AIP/DIP (Agreement/Decision in Principle) from your mortgage lender and proof of deposit. We will need to see up to date bank statement/s showing your available deposit funds or cash funds if no mortgage is required.

  • If any of your funds are being gifted by family and friends, we will require a gift letter from the source and their evidence of funds.

  • For money laundering regulations we will require two forms of ID for each buyer: photo ID (eg, passport or driving license) and proof of residency (eg, utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 3 months).


6. Negotiations on your offer will now begin
The vendor declines your offer – can you make an increased offer?
YES, YOU MAKE AN INCREASED OFFER

The vendor accepts your offer.

YOU DECIDE NOT TO INCREASE YOUR OFFER

You commence looking for another property.


7. Your offer is accepted, what’s next?
Have you decided on a conveyancing solicitor?
YES

Please provide us with your solicitor’s contact details.

NO

Would you like some free solicitor quotes?


8. Sales progression starts
  • Instruct your solicitors by completing the forms they send and forward them your ID.

  • If you are having a mortgage, contact your mortgage advisor or lender to arrange for your mortgage application to be submitted. The mortgage valuation survey will then be undertaken on your prospective property.

You should also think about whether you want an independent survey carried out on the property. An independent survey can check for internal damage and structural issues you may have otherwise missed.
If you would like some quotes for surveyors, please contact us.


9. Survey is carried out
SURVEY IS GOOD

Your mortgage offer should be issued.

SURVEY RAISES SOME ISSUES

Discuss the issues with us, we will liaise with the vendors and decide whether further additional reports may be required. We can help arrange these and negotiate further if required.

Meanwhile, your solicitors will be receiving contract documents and applying for the following searches:

  • Environmental Search

  • Drainage Search

  • Local Search

Your solicitor will review the contract documents, property information forms and searches, while raising any enquiries with the vendor’s solicitor.

Once your survey is all clear, your mortgage offer has been received, searches are back, enquiries have been replied to and your solicitor is happy with the answers, you will then be invited to sign the contract.

Do you need a removal firm to help you move? Now is the time to start getting quotes. We can put you in touch with some local removal firms.


10. Exchange of contracts and completion

In order to exchange contracts a completion date will need to be mutually agreed by all sellers and buyers throughout the chain

The exchange of contracts also means that the sale is legal and binding.

Completion day is the day the property legally becomes yours, and you can pick your keys up from us here at Drakes Estate Agents.

It’s finally time to open the door to your next adventure!

Find out more about the steps necessary to sell your home.

Louise Lane

Director

“At Drakes Estate Agents Hollywood, I can promise you that I will provide you with a realistic and honest valuation.”

Emma Daffurn

Director

“I can provide expert local and property knowledge, along with a high level of commitment and customer service.”