A practical guide to buying in England
What to clarify, compare and prepare when buying to live in, invest or use during studies.
Still searching
Whatever your buying purpose, we help you clarify priorities, compare areas and understand what your budget covers before choosing a property. Clarify the buying purpose before choosing a property.
Set priorities for living, investment or accommodation during studies
Compare two or three areas
Understand what your own budget figures cover
Already found a property
You have a property in mind. We help you identify what needs checking for your intended use, by whom and in what order, before you commit. Understand what to check, by whom and in what order.
Note what you already know about the home
List open questions for agent, surveyor and solicitor
Prepare deposit evidence before making an offer
Look beyond the photographs. Consider your purpose.
A place to live, an investment and accommodation during studies raise different questions. Research follows your intended use, not a one-size-fits-all checklist.
Area context: transport, education, everyday needs or local rental conditions, as relevant
Comparable properties and costs to investigate
Ownership, intended-use and letting questions for the appropriate professionals
A plain-language summary of what is known and what still needs checking
Questions worth asking anywhere
Research follows your questions. Use these prompts to shape what you want to find out.
Area context suited to your purpose: transport, education, everyday needs or rental conditions
Comparable properties and relevant costs
Ownership, use and letting questions for the appropriate professionals
A summary of what is known and unknown
A preparation timeline: Before you search
A plain timeline of what buyers usually prepare. Tick items as you go; your progress stays in this browser.
Set out your buying purpose, priorities and deal-breakers
Shortlist two or three areas to compare
Fill in the budget worksheet with your own figures
A preparation timeline: Getting ready to offer
A plain timeline of what buyers usually prepare. Tick items as you go; your progress stays in this browser.
Agreement in principle, if borrowing
Proof of deposit funds ready
Choose a conveyancing solicitor you could instruct
A preparation timeline: After an offer is accepted
A plain timeline of what buyers usually prepare. Tick items as you go; your progress stays in this browser.
Instruct the solicitor
Arrange a survey
Full mortgage application, if borrowing
Collect questions for the agent, surveyor and solicitor
A preparation timeline: Towards completion
A plain timeline of what buyers usually prepare. Tick items as you go; your progress stays in this browser.
Review the solicitor report
Arrange buildings insurance from exchange, if required
Plan handover, utilities and setup for the intended use
London, and well beyond it.
Our support covers England. We can help you compare locations against your purpose and budget, whether you are considering London or cities and towns elsewhere.