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Buying Guide
At Christopher Anthony, we understand that buying a home is one of the most significant decisions you’ll ever make. Our guide provides essential information and insights to help you navigate the buying process with confidence.
Assess Your Finances
- Determine Your Budget: Start by evaluating your financial situation. Consider your savings, income, and monthly expenses to determine a realistic budget for your new home. A general rule of thumb is to aim for a mortgage that does not exceed three to four times your annual salary.
- Additional Costs: Don’t forget to factor in additional costs such as stamp duty, conveyancing fees, surveys, and moving expenses. Setting aside a contingency fund for unexpected costs is also wise.
Understand Your Mortgage Options
- Types of Mortgages: Familiarise yourself with different mortgage options, such as fixed-rate, variable-rate, and interest-only mortgages. Each type has its pros and cons, so consider which suits your financial circumstances best.
- Get Pre-Approved: Before starting your home search, seek mortgage pre-approval from a lender. This will give you a clear understanding of your budget and demonstrate to sellers that you are a serious buyer.
Define Your Property Requirements
- Identify Your Priorities: Create a list of must-haves for your new home, such as the number of bedrooms, garden space, proximity to schools, and transport links. This will help you narrow down your search effectively.
- Location Matters: Consider the neighbourhood’s amenities, safety, and overall vibe. Take time to explore different areas to find a location that meets your lifestyle needs.
Start Your Home Search
- Utilise Online Resources: Use property portals like Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarket to find available homes. Set up alerts for properties that meet your criteria to stay updated on new listings. You can also see which properties we have available to buy here.
- Engage an Estate Agent: At Christopher Anthony, we can provide valuable local insights and help you find properties that match your requirements. Our experienced team will guide you through the entire process, making your search more efficient.
Viewing Properties
- Plan Viewings: Once you find potential homes, schedule viewings. Be prepared to ask questions about the property’s history, age, and any recent renovations.
- Take Notes: During viewings, take notes and photographs to help you remember each property. Consider visiting the area at different times of the day to gauge the area’s atmosphere and traffic patterns.
Make an Offer
- Be Prepared to Negotiate: Once you find the right home, work with your estate agent to make a competitive offer. Consider recent sales in the area to guide your offer price.
- Offer Conditions: Be clear about any conditions, such as a satisfactory survey or mortgage approval, to ensure your offer stands out.
Conduct Due Diligence
- Surveys and Inspections: Once your offer is accepted, arrange for a home survey to identify any potential issues. Depending on the property’s age and condition, consider a homebuyer report or a full structural survey.
- Legal Process: Hire a qualified solicitor or conveyancer to handle the legal aspects of the purchase. They will manage the paperwork, conduct property searches, and liaise with the seller’s solicitor.
Complete the Purchase
- Exchange Contracts: After the legal checks are complete, you’ll exchange contracts with the seller. At this stage, you’ll usually pay a deposit (typically 10% of the purchase price).
- Final Completion: Once the contracts are exchanged, a completion date will be set. On this date, your solicitor will transfer the remaining funds to the seller, and you will receive the keys to your new home.
Moving In
- Organise Your Move: Coordinate with a removal company to schedule your move. Consider packing well in advance and creating a moving checklist to stay organised.
- Settle In: Once you’re in your new home, take time to explore your neighbourhood and meet your new neighbours. Make your new house feel like home by personalising the space to reflect your style. Read our moving guide here.
Stamp Duty Calculator
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Buying - Frequently Asked Questions
You should apply for a mortgage in principle from a mortgage lender and find a solicitor before you make an offer. Once you have this, contact the estate agent to make an offer.
Once you’ve had an offer accepted, it takes on average 16 weeks to complete a purchase. This depends on a number of factors, such as whether the property is vacant and if you’re also selling a property.
Once the seller’s solicitor has confirmed receipt of the funds to confirm the transaction has completed, the estate agent will be able to confirm a time to collect the keys to your new home!
We recommend getting home and contents insurance shortly before you complete. Some solicitors will insist on this to complete the transaction.
You will pay the deposit to the seller’s solicitor, usually upon exchange of contracts.
Find a Property
We have a range of beautiful properties for you to consider in search of your next home.
Area Guide
Christopher Anthony operates throughout the villages and towns within Hampshire & Surrey.
Buying Guide
Have questions about the house buying process? We have the answers.
Renting Guide
Have questions about the renting process? We have the answers.
Mortgages
Find out everything you need to know about getting a mortgage.
Conveyancing
Learn about the conveyancing process and who we recommend working with.