Buying a home · Step-by-step guide
Buying your first home: a practical starting point
Put your budget, property search and professional support in the right order before committing to a home.
Read the guideBuying a home / 11 GUIDES
Find your next home
Start with the life you want to live. From a first viewing to the day you move, find practical ways to prepare for each decision.
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3 guidesBuying a home · Budget planner
The costs of buying a home beyond the deposit
Organise purchase costs by when they arise so that the money needed to move does not take you by surprise.
Read the guideBuying a home · Decision guide
How to choose an area that fits your everyday life
Compare neighbourhoods using your routines, access needs and realistic travel patterns rather than a single first impression.
Read the guideView with confidence
3 guidesBuying a home · Checklist
A house-viewing checklist you can actually use
Look beyond the styling and record the things that will affect everyday life, future work and your next questions.
Read the guideBuying a home · Question list
Questions to ask an estate agent when buying
Use the agent conversation to uncover missing information, clarify the seller’s plans and identify what your solicitor must check.
Read the guideBuying a home · Comparison
New build or older home: compare the trade-offs
Compare condition, location, layout and ongoing responsibilities without assuming that either age category is automatically better.
Read the guideUnderstand the purchase
4 guidesBuying a home · Explainer
Freehold and leasehold: what buyers need to ask
Understand the ownership language and turn it into specific questions about the property, documents and ongoing costs.
Read the guideBuying a home · Explainer
Choosing a home survey: scope before price
Choose a survey around the building and the questions you need answered, then understand the limits of the inspection.
Read the guideBuying a home · Step-by-step guide
Making an offer: prepare your reasons and your limit
Think through price, conditions and your position before sending an offer to the estate agent.
Read the guideBuying a home · Explainer
Property chains: understanding the moving parts
A connected sale and purchase can involve several households. Track the next dependency rather than relying on one optimistic date.
Read the guideMake the move
1 guideBuying a home · Checklist
Moving day: a checklist for a calmer handover
Organise access, essentials and records before the busiest day of the move arrives.
Read the guide