Knowledge Bank
Short, plain-language guides. Every guide follows the same pattern: the brief answer, the explanation, why it matters and what to do next.
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- Getting StartedHow does buying a home in the UK work?The UK home-buying process in order: from planning and mortgage preparation to offer, legal work, exchange and completion.
- Getting StartedCan I get a mortgage if I haven't lived in the UK long?How residency status, time in the UK and UK credit history can affect mortgage options — and how to prepare.
- GlossaryFirst-time buyer terminology explainedThe words you will hear most often when buying a home in the UK, explained in one line each.
- DepositsHow much deposit do I need?How deposits work in the UK, why the percentage matters and what else you need to save for.
- DepositsWhat costs should I budget for?The costs of buying a home in addition to the deposit — and how to estimate them without guesswork.
- MortgagesWhat is an Agreement in Principle?What an Agreement in Principle (AIP) is, what it is not, and when you need one.
- MortgagesWhat documents do mortgage advisers normally ask for?The documents commonly requested for a UK mortgage application, so you can prepare early.
- MortgagesWhat does a mortgage adviser or broker do?The difference between a mortgage adviser, a broker and a lender — and how to check an adviser is authorised.
- Finding PropertyWho does the estate agent work for?Why the estate agent represents the seller, and how to work with them as a buyer.
- Finding PropertyWhat is leasehold?Leasehold versus freehold explained, and the key things to check before buying a leasehold home.
- Finding PropertyWhat are service charges?What service charges pay for, why they change and what to check before buying.
- Viewing PropertyWhat questions should I ask during a viewing?Practical questions to ask the estate agent and things to check during a property viewing.
- Making an OfferHow do I make an offer on a property?How offers work in England and Wales, how to decide an amount and what to include.
- Making an OfferWhat is a property chain?How property chains work, why they cause delays and how to reduce the risk.
- After Offer AcceptedWhat happens after my offer is accepted?The steps after an accepted offer, who does what and what you need to do in the first week.
- Solicitors & ConveyancingWhat does a solicitor actually do?The role of the solicitor or licensed conveyancer in a home purchase, explained simply.
- Solicitors & ConveyancingWhat are property searches?What conveyancing searches are, what they reveal and why they matter.
- SurveysWhat is a property survey?Why a survey is different from a valuation, which type to consider and what to do with the report.
- SurveysMortgage valuation versus surveyThe difference between the lender's valuation and your own survey.
- Common ProblemsWhat happens if the survey identifies problems?Your options when a survey finds defects, from more investigation to renegotiation.
- Common ProblemsWhat if the mortgage valuation is lower than my offer?What a down-valuation means and the usual options.
- ExchangeWhat is exchange of contracts?What exchange means, what must be ready and why it is the point of no return.
- CompletionWhat is completion?What happens on completion day and in the days after.
- Common ProblemsWhat happens if my purchase falls through?Why purchases fail, what costs you may lose and how to restart.