Guide to the buying process for properties in London, Kent & Essex

When you buy a property in London, Kent and Essex it will become a financial and legal commitment, many buyers will require a mortgage and all buyers will need the assistance of a property lawyer. Establishing the full costs involved, along with your budget is a key step and we recommend taking independent financial advice and obtaining your mortgage in principle. Legal costs vary based on the type, tenure and price of the property, obtaining an early quote is also wise, our preferred conveyancing partner will be happy to assist you.

Armed with your spending power and to commence your search, please register your details and property requirements with us. Our consultants will diligently match your requirements with suitable properties, advising you of them regularly by your communication methods of choice. Our website is updated with property for sale before the property portals and our staff often have advanced knowledge of future listings before they reach our site.

You can most likely picture the type of property you wish to buy, finding it may be more challenging than you think though. The location is key, the area needs to fulfil your recreational and work life balance. Be specific about the property you seek, a list of 'must haves', 'nice to haves' and 'don't wants' will help define properties to view. Remember that new properties become available daily via our website.

Desirable homes attract strong interest and once you have found your ideal property, making an offer is the next step. Estate Agents act for the vendor in property transactions, we verify your identity, buying and financial position, then communicate offers handling all the negotiations. The closer the offer amount is to the asking price, the stronger the chance of acceptance by the vendor. We would be delighted to value and market your property if you have a local property to sell.

When successful offer negotiations are concluded and the sale is agreed, we will issue a memorandum of sale detailing all parties involved in the transaction. The appointed solicitors are then formally instructed, search fees are paid, and the legal work can commence. Financial arrangements can be formalised and where required mortgage applications submitted to proceed concurrently to the property conveyancing.

Your solicitor will manage the legal aspects of the conveyancing and ensure that all vital checks including the required land and local authority searches are completed. They establish the boundaries of the property, any restrictive covenants or potential local developments that may affect your enjoyment of your new home. Our sales progressors help progress the transaction and assist where necessary to ensure a speedy process.

Alongside identity and income checks for the mortgage application, the lender will usually require the minimum of a Mortgage Valuation be carried out by a qualified surveyor. This is to ensure that the property is adequate security for mortgage purposes. More detailed surveys like Homebuyers Reports and Structural Surveys can be commissioned and are sometimes requested by the lender. Collectively, when everything is in order, a formal mortgage offer is issued.

On receipt of the formal mortgage offer and instructions, all required legal documentation, your deposit in cleared funds, both parties signed contract and a mutually agreeable completion date, your solicitor will then be able to formally exchange contracts. This finalises the terms of the purchase and makes the transaction legally binding for both you and the seller, your deposit is transferred to the vendors solicitor at this point.

During completion day, monies are transferred via the banking system to the seller's solicitors. Once they provide confirmation to us that the transaction is complete, the property becomes legally yours and arrangements are made for you to collect the keys, usually by early afternoon that day.

Congratulations! You are now the proud owners of your new home, you have the keys and can begin the process of moving, unpacking and settling in. It's time to contact utility companies, broadband, communications and media suppliers along with the local council. Remember to have your mail re-directed and notify your bank, your employer, HMRC, DVLA, insurers, doctor, dentist and any schools of your new address.