Buying a home is the largest financial decision most people make. This guide walks through the stages in plain English - what to do, what to watch for, and where the costs land.
1. Set your budget honestly
Before you start browsing properties, get a clear picture of three numbers: your deposit, your monthly mortgage budget, and your total moving-in cost.
- Deposit: typically 5-20% of the purchase price. A larger deposit means lower interest rates and more lender choice.
- Monthly mortgage: use Domovita's mortgage calculator to see what your monthly repayments would be at current rates. Most lenders want your repayment to stay below 35% of your take-home pay.
- Moving-in costs: on top of the deposit, budget around £3,000-£5,000 for solicitor fees, surveys, mortgage arrangement fees, Stamp Duty Land Tax, and moving costs. Domovita's SDLT calculator shows the tax bill for any purchase price.
2. Get a mortgage Agreement in Principle
An Agreement in Principle (AIP) is a lender's written statement of how much they'd be willing to lend you, subject to a full application. Estate agents take buyers with an AIP more seriously, and sellers will too.
You can get an AIP from any high-street bank, a mortgage broker, or an online lender. It's a soft credit check, so it doesn't affect your credit score.
3. Save your search and set up alerts
The best properties go fast. Set your search criteria on Domovita, then use Save this search to get email alerts the moment a matching property is listed. You'll often see new stock here before it appears on the bigger portals.
4. Viewings: what to look for
- Condition - cracks, damp marks, mould, signs of recent paint over problem areas.
- Light - what direction does the property face? North-facing rooms get noticeably less natural light.
- Noise - listen at different times of day if you can. Visit in the rush hour and again at the weekend.
- Storage - is there room for what you own? Built-in cupboards matter more than they look on the plan.
- Surroundings - schools, transport, shops. Walk the area before you offer.
Domovita property pages include schools, broadband, council tax, air quality, flood risk, and crime statistics for every listing so you can vet the area without leaving the site.
5. Making an offer
Offers in the UK are always subject to contract until the day of exchange. You can offer below asking price - in a slow market 5-10% below is typical; in a hot market the asking price is often the starting point.
Estate agents are legally required to pass every offer to the seller. Make your offer in writing (email is fine) and confirm with the agent. Include your buying position: are you a first-time buyer, in a chain, or cash?
6. Conveyancing and survey
Once your offer is accepted, instruct a conveyancing solicitor. They handle the legal side: searches, contract drafting, exchange, and completion. Costs £1,200-£2,000 typically.
You'll also need a survey. A RICS Level 2 (HomeBuyer Report) is standard for a typical property and costs £400-£700. For older properties or anything unusual, a Level 3 (Building Survey) at £800-£1,200 is worth the extra.
7. Exchange and completion
Exchange is the legally binding moment - both sides sign contracts and you pay your deposit. Completion is the day you get the keys, usually 1-4 weeks after exchange.
On completion day, your solicitor transfers the rest of the money to the seller's solicitor, you collect the keys from the agent, and you're a homeowner.
8. After completion
- Update your address with bank, employer, DVLA, HMRC, GP, and dentist.
- Set up utility transfers (gas, electric, water, council tax, broadband).
- Take meter readings on completion day.
- Register for the council tax band - check it's the right one. Many homes are in the wrong band.
- Buildings insurance is required from the date of exchange, not completion. Sort it before exchange day.
Tools to help you
- Search for properties - filter by area, price, beds, garden, parking
- Set up alerts - get email notifications for new listings
- Mortgage calculator
- SDLT calculator
- Affordability calculator
- Recent sold prices - benchmark your offer against actual transactions
Got a specific question? Get in touch.