The steps to buying a house
The process of buying a house in the UK involves several key stages. Below we outline each step - from preparing your finances and making an offer, to conveyancing, exchange and completion.
Step 1: Prepare your finances and get a Mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP)
Before searching for properties, you should get your finances in order. Calculate how much you can afford, save your deposit (usually 5–20%), and check your credit score. Don’t forget to include extra costs like surveys, conveyancing fees, and stamp duty in your budget.
Read our full guide on the costs of buying a house.
Once you’re confident in your budget, secure a Mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP). It estimates how much you could borrow and helps estate agents and sellers see you’re a serious buyer.
How long it takes: Usually within 24–48 hours.
Step 2: Find your home and make an offer
With your budget set, start viewing homes online, through estate agents, or at open houses. Once you find ‘the one’, make an offer through the estate agent. It's wise to move quickly when you’re ready to offer as popular properties often sell fast.
How long it takes: Finding a home can take a few weeks to several months depending on the market and your preferences.
See our guide on how to find your perfect home and get your offer accepted.
Step 3: Instruct a conveyancer
Once your offer is accepted, it’s time to appoint a conveyancer. They’ll manage the legal process of conveyancing - from searches and contracts to transferring funds and registering ownership. At My Home Move Conveyancing, we'll match you with a conveyancer who'll provide expert guidance to ensure a smooth and stress-free transaction. Get a quote for your conveyancing today.
How long it takes: Conveyancing typically takes 14–22 weeks depending on factors like property type and chain length.
Find out more about what conveyancing is and how long conveyancing takes.
Step 4: Arrange a survey
Your mortgage lender will perform a desk-based survey, known as a valuation survey, to establish the property’s value. However, you may also want to get a home buyer’s survey to check the overall condition of the property. Home surveys can identify hidden issues like damp or structural problems before you’re legally committed to buy. Finding out any issues with a survey before you have exchanged contracts can give you the chance to renegotiate the property price or pull out of the purchase before it is legally binding.
How long it takes: Usually 1–2 weeks, depending on surveyor availability.
Book your survey
Home surveys are always advised when buying a house. Get a quote and book your survey today with our trusted partner The Moving Portal.
Step 5: Perform conveyancing searches
Your conveyancer will arrange conveyancing searches to check for external factors that could impact the house or the land it sits on. Searches can include local authority, land registry, environmental, and drainage searches. They’re an important part of the process as they can flag potential issues, such as planning restrictions, flood risk, ground stability and local development plans.
How long it takes: Typically, 2-8 weeks, depending on the local authority’s turnaround time.
Step 6: Finalise your mortgage
Once your survey and searches are complete, your lender will issue a formal mortgage offer. Review the details carefully before signing as this is a major financial commitment.
How long it takes: 2–6 weeks on average, depending on your lender and financial circumstances.
Learn more about getting a mortgage.
Step 7: Pay the deposit
Transfer your deposit to your conveyancer in time for the exchange of contracts. You may also need to pay any conveyancing fees and prepare for Stamp Duty Land Tax if applicable.
Use our stamp duty calculator to estimate your tax.
Step 8: Agree moving dates
Your conveyancer will discuss provisional moving dates with your seller’s solicitor and the rest of the chain. It’s also a good time to get removal quotes and start preparing for moving day.
Download our moving house checklist to help get ready ahead of moving day.
Step 9: Exchange contracts
When contracts are exchanged, the sale becomes legally binding. Both you and the seller sign identical contracts and agree a completion date.
Find out more about the exchange of contracts process.
Step 10: Complete your purchase
Completion is the final step in the process of buying a house. Funds are transferred to the seller’s solicitor, and ownership officially passes to you. You can collect your keys and move into your new home!
How long it takes: Usually 1–2 weeks after the exchange of contracts.
Find out more about what happens on completion day.
Following completion of your new house purchase, your conveyancer will register you as the new owner with the Land Registry, provide you with copies of your title deeds, and pay any stamp duty owed.
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