Buyer’s Guide

Here’s your buyers guide on how to get yourself in the best position to move quickly when you find the right home. Get ahead of competing buyers.

1. Before You Start: Get Yourself “Proceedable”

Being proceedable simply means you’re ready and able to move quickly when you find the right home. Sellers love to see it — and it puts you ahead of competing buyers.

Here’s how to get yourself in the best position:

Get your finances in place

Secure a Decision in Principle (DIP) from a mortgage lender
Confirm your deposit and funds
Have proof of ID and proof of address ready

Choose a solicitor early

You don’t have to wait until you find a house. Instructing a solicitor early speeds things up and looks great to sellers.

Get your paperwork together

Your agent may need:

DIP certificate
Proof of deposit
Solicitor details

All these show you’re serious and ready to move.

2. What to Look Out for During Viewings

A viewing isn’t just about “Do I like it?” — it’s about spotting red flags and understanding the home properly.

Inside the property

Look closely at windows – condensation or blown seals
Check for damp – musty smell, bubbling paint, tide marks
Look at the electrics – modern consumer unit? Enough sockets?
Check water pressure – flush toilets, run taps
Look at ceilings for cracks or signs of leaks
Ask about the boiler age & service history

Outside the property

Look at the roof condition
Check the guttering & drains
Look for cracks in exterior walls
Consider the sun direction in the garden
Check boundaries, fences, shared access

Helpful questions to ask

How long has the property been on the market?
What’s the seller’s situation? (Are they in a chain?)
Are there any known issues?
What is included in the sale? (Appliances, fixtures, etc.)
What are the average bills?
What is the neighbourhood like?

3. Making an Offer

Your offer should feel confident but realistic.

How to strengthen your offer:

Provide your DIP
Confirm your deposit amount
Give your solicitor’s details
Explain your position (chain-free, first-time buyer, etc.)

4. Once Your Offer is Accepted

Woohoo! Now the legal and admin bits begin.

Your next steps:

Formally instruct your solicitor
Start your mortgage application
Book your survey (homebuyer survey or full structural)
Answer solicitor enquiries quickly
Review contracts & dates
Arrange your buildings insurance

Exchanging contracts

This is when the sale becomes legally binding.

Completion

This is moving day. Money transfers, keys release, happy dances all round.