Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but if you’ve never done it before, knowing where to start can feel daunting.
At Sweeney Miller Law, we regularly speak with first-time buyers who aren’t sure what happens next, what a conveyancer does, or how long everything takes.
The good news? You don’t need to know all the answers before you begin.
This guide will walk you through the key stages of buying your first home and explain how a conveyancing solicitor can help make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible
Step 1: Work out what you can afford
Before you start viewing properties, it helps to understand your budget.
Most buyers will:
- Save for a deposit
- Check their credit score
- Speak to a mortgage advisor or lender
- Obtain a mortgage agreement in principle
Having an agreement in principle shows estate agents and sellers that you are a serious buyer and gives you a clear idea of your price range.
Step 2: Find the right property
Once you have established your budget, you can start your property search.
When viewing homes, consider:
- Location and transport links
- Local schools and amenities
- Future development plans
- The condition of the property
- Whether the property is freehold or leasehold
It’s easy to fall in love with a property, but it’s important to think practically too.
Step 3: Make an offer
When you find a property you’d like to buy, you’ll submit an offer through the estate agent.
The seller can:
- Accept your offer
- Reject it.
- Negotiate a different price
Once your offer is accepted, the legal process begins.
This is the point at which you should instruct a conveyancing solicitor if you haven’t already done so.
Step 4: Instruct a Conveyancing Solicitor
Your Conveyancer is responsible for dealing with the legal aspects of the purchase.
They will:
- Review the legal title
- Carry out the property searches
- Raise enquiries with the seller’s solicitor
- Review contracts
- Liaise with your mortgage lender
- Handle the transfer of funds
- Register your ownership with HM Land Registry after completion
In short, they help ensure there are no legal surprises before you commit to buying the property.
Step 5: Mortgage application and survey
While your solicitor is carrying out the legal work, your mortgage lender will arrange a valuation.
You may also wish to commission a more detailed survey to identify any structural issues or repairs that could prove costly in the future.
Remember, a lender’s valuation is primarily for the lender’s benefit and may not reveal every issue with the property.
Step 6: Searches and enquiries
Your conveyancer will obtain various searches which may include:
- Local authority searches
- Water and drainage searches
- Environmental searches
These searches help identify issues which may affect the property, such as planning matters, flood risks or drainage concerns.
Your solicitor will also raise enquiries with the seller’s solicitors where clarification is needed.
Step 7: Receive your report
Once all searches, enquiries and mortgage arrangements have been completed, your solicitor will provide a detailed report explaining:
- Important information about the property
- Any risks or concerns identified
- The mortgage conditions
- The next steps involved in completing the purchase
This is your opportunity to ask questions and ensure you fully understand what you’re buying.
Step 8: Exchange of contracts
Exchange of contracts is the point at which the transaction becomes legally binding.
Up until exchange, either party can withdraw.
After exchange:
- The completion date is fixed
- You become committed to buying the property
- The seller becomes committed to selling it
Many buyers chose this moment to arrange removals and final preparations.
Step 9: Completion Day
Completion is the day you officially become a homeowner.
Your solicitor transfers the purchase funds to the seller’s solicitor and once received:
- The sale completes
- The estate agent releases the keys
- You can move into your new home
Congratulations! You are officially a homeowner.
Frequently asked questions
How long does buying a house take?
Every transaction is different, but a typical purchase can take several weeks to a few months, depending on factors such a chains, mortgage approvals and search results.
How much deposit do I need?
The amount varies depending on the mortgage product and lender requirements. Many first-time buyers purchase with a deposit of around 5 – 10%, although larger deposits may provide access to more competitive mortgage products.
What is a Conveyancer?
A Conveyancer or Conveyancing Solicitor handles the legal transfer of property ownership and protects your interests throughout the transaction.
Do I need a survey?
Whilst not legally required, most buyers choose to have a survey carries out to identify potential issues before they commit to the purchase.
Ready to buy your first home?
Buying your first home should be exciting, not overwhelming.
Our experienced Residential Conveyancing team in our Sunderland and Newcastle offices supports first-time buyers throughout the process, providing clear advice, regular updates and practical guidance from instruction through to completion.
Whether you’ve just started saving for a deposit or you’ve had an offer accepted, we’re here to help.
Speak to our Residential Conveyancing team
Let us help you take your first step onto the property ladder.
For further information and an instant fixed-fee conveyancing quote visit www.sweeneymiller.co.uk/service/residential-conveyancing-solicitors/
Alternatively, call us on 0191 568 2050 or email enquiries@sweeneymiller.co.uk
Newcastle
Regent Centre,
Henry Street,
Gosforth,
Newcastle Upon Tyne,
NE3 3LS
Sunderland
Riverbank Road,
Sunderland,
SR5 3JJ
