Step 4 / 6
Search & Offer
Search, view and compare homes, then make a sensible offer.
What is it?
This is the search: choosing areas, viewing homes, asking the right questions and making an offer through the estate agent.
Why does it matter?
A home is expensive to buy and to sell. Careful viewings and good questions now can save you money and stress later.
What do I need to do?
- 1Create your property brief.
- 2Set up alerts on property portals for your areas and budget.
- 3Visit areas at different times of day.
- 4Use the viewing checklist at every viewing.
- 5Ask the agent about the chain, tenure, charges and why the owner is selling.
- 6Make an offer in writing and be ready to show your AIP and proof of deposit.
Key terms explained
- Where to search
- Most homes are listed on large property portals and on estate agents' own websites. Registering with local agents helps you hear about new homes early.
- Choosing an area
- Check commute, transport, schools, shops, parking, green space and noise. Visit in the evening and at weekends.
- Freehold and leasehold
- Freehold means you own the building and land. Leasehold (common for flats) means you own the right to live there for a fixed number of years, usually with ground rent and service charges.
- Energy efficiency (EPC)
- Most homes for sale need an Energy Performance Certificate. It shows likely energy costs and suggested improvements.
- Property chain
- A line of linked purchases. If one sale fails, others can be delayed or fall through. Chain-free homes are usually simpler.
- Making an offer
- Offers go through the estate agent. In England and Wales an accepted offer is not legally binding until exchange of contracts.
- Negotiating
- Base your offer on evidence: similar sold prices, condition, time on the market and price reductions. Stay within your own budget.
- Future resale
- Think about who would buy from you later. Unusual properties can be harder to sell and sometimes harder to mortgage.
Your checklist for this stage
Tick items as you go. Your progress is saved on this device only.
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What happens next?
When an offer is accepted, the legal and mortgage stage begins. Instruct a solicitor and contact your mortgage adviser straight away.
Related guides
Taran Property Hub provides educational information, practical explanations, administrative support and property-purchase guidance. We do not provide regulated mortgage advice, legal advice, conveyancing, surveying or lending. Mortgage advice must come from an appropriately authorised mortgage adviser; legal advice from a qualified solicitor or conveyancer.