Buying a new property is one of those big life decisions. Here at Castles we don’t take the matter lightly, and we know you won’t either. Our local London team will guide you through the whole process, and ensure you are informed every step of the way with the eventual aim of you walking away with the home of your dreams.
Here is our step by step guide to ensuring the process is smooth, quick and efficient:
1. Budget for the right property
Take the time to review your current financial situation in explicit detail to make sure you won’t be out of pocket once you’ve signed the dotted line. You can use our simple Mortgage Calculator to see what you’re likely to be able to afford, and peruse our current properties. Here you can even see the expected Stamp Duty payable with each property. Be realistic about what you can afford to avoid disappointment.
2. Find the right mortgage advisor and legal company
We work closely with our preferred mortgage advisor (Mortgage Advice Bureau). They will look at available lenders, rates and schemes to find the right solution for you and your partner or business.
It’s also important to find a solicitor to handle the contracts and the exchange on the day. Compare at least three to get the right one for your needs.
3. Learn about the local market
Our job is to provide you with the right information about where you are choosing to buy, so don’t be afraid to ask us detailed questions about the area, schools, transport links, favourite restaurants, current property prices (including lettings), and any other burning questions you have about your new preferred neighbourhood.
4. Find a property
Pop over to our property page to see our current selection of available properties in your area. And why not widen the search to surrounding areas so you know exactly what’s on the market and at what price. We regularly have new properties coming onto the market so once we are in contact we can make sure you’re the first to know about them.
5. Register with one of our team
We would love to meet you and show you some exceptional properties we currently have available. But first up, we will need some of your details. Simply fill out your details on our Registration page [insert Registration page] and one of our friendly team will be in touch straight away.
6. Carry out viewings
Once you’ve met one of our team, we can take you around to view any properties of interest from our eight offices. Our experienced team can arrange multiple viewings in a day. And don’t forget, once you’ve got your heart set on a property, make sure you visit it more than once to ensure it’s right for you.
We even have an independent team of Chartered Surveyors [insert Chartered Surveyors page] who you can meet with if you’d like advice on your new residential or commercial property.
7. Make an offer
One of the most important steps in being a homeowner is getting the right price. We know that you’ll have done your research so now it’s time to make an offer on that dream property you’ve seen. And remember not to go over your budgeted allowance.
8. Manage the purchase process and exchange
You’ll need to stick closely with us and your chosen solicitor to ensure all the paperwork is completed and returned in time for the key exchange. Make sure you have the deposit and paperwork ready to go on the day. Your legal company will guide you on the ins and outs of this.
9. Organise your removalist and move in
Once you have the keys to your new dream home, you can arrange to move in, and to transfer over all your utility bills. Don’t forget to change your address. You’ll want to let everyone know your new abode.
