Firstly – Congratulations!
Now the slightly less exciting part begins. We know it can feel overwhelming with all the jargon, paperwork to complete and decisions to make, but that’s why we are here: to guide you through the home buying process in simple, clear language, with practical advice, key tips and crucial steps explained along the way.
Topics we’ll cover:
- The Key Players Involved in a Purchase Transaction
- The Mortgage Broker
- The Estate Agent
- The Conveyancer
- The Surveyor
- Choosing the right lawyer
The Key Players Involved in the Purchase
1. The Mortgage Broker
Before you start viewing properties, it’s essential to understand what you can realistically afford. As a general guideline, you may be able to borrow up to 4.5 times your household income, though this depends on your individual financial circumstances.
To find out how much you could borrow, you can either:
Get an Agreement in Principle (AIP) – Also called a Decision in Principle, this gives you a non-binding estimate of how much you might be able to borrow and involves only a soft credit check (which won’t affect your credit score).
Speak to a mortgage adviser – A broker will assess your financial situation in more detail, recommend suitable mortgage and insurance products, and help identify lenders most likely to approve your application. They may also talk to you about a will, buildings and contents insurance and life insurance.
Note: Some brokers charge a fee, while others are paid by the lender (through commission). Always ask upfront how your broker is paid.
2. The Estate Agent
Estate agents are instructed by and act on behalf of the seller, but they are a key contact for you during the process. You’ll deal directly with them when booking property viewings, making an offer and confirming when it’s accepted. Once your offer is accepted by the seller, the estate agent will request your solicitor’s details in order to issue the Memorandum of Sale.
They will also help progress the sale by liaising between parties until completion – this is where our relationship with Bourne shines. We send the dedicated sales progressor a weekly snapshot of any progress on the file, the same update we send to you, and we are always available to Bourne for further support.
Each negotiator will also have a dedicated Account Manager at The Partnership who can step in at any point, gather additional updates and ensure things are moving smoothly on your purchase.
3. The Conveyancer (Solicitor / Lawyer)
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property. Your solicitor will act on your behalf and also for your mortgage lender (if applicable), to ensure all legal checks are completed. Here’s what they’ll do:
Carry Out Searches
Required by your lender, these searches reveal important details about the property and its surroundings. They may also reveal if the property is listed, has tree preservation orders, or lies in a conservation area – all of which can affect your decision to proceed or the future use of the property.
The standard searches that are usually carried out include:
- Environmental search – Flags flooding risk, contamination, or other hazards
- Drainage and water search – Confirms connection to mains systems
- Local authority search – Checks for planning permissions and nearby developments
Check the Legal Title
Your conveyancer will ensure the seller has the legal right to sell the property and that there are no legal restrictions, charges, or easements (e.g. rights of way) that could impact your ownership.
Raise Enquiries
They will raise legal questions based on the contract, search results and your property survey. For leasehold properties, this includes reviewing the management pack.
It’s important for you to read all documentation carefully. If anything is unclear, ask your solicitor. This stage can take several weeks, particularly if there are complex issues to resolve.
Manage the Paperwork
You’ll be asked to sign the following:
- Contract – Legally binds you to buy the property
- TR1 (Transfer Form) – Transfers ownership into your name with the Land Registry
- Mortgage Deed – Outlines the terms of your agreement with the lender
These typically require wet signatures and must be returned to your lawyer by post.
Exchange of Contracts
On the day of exchange, your solicitor will call you to confirm authority to proceed. They will then exchange signed contracts with the seller’s solicitor.
At this point
- The sale becomes legally binding
- Before exchange can take place, you’ll pay your deposit (usually 5–10% of the purchase price)
- A completion date is agreed and written into the contract
After this point, neither party can back out without financial penalties.
Completion Day
This usually takes place 1–2 weeks after exchange, though same-day completion is sometimes possible.
During this time:
- You’ll pack and prepare to move
- Your solicitor will request your mortgage funds and send the balance of the purchase price to the seller’s solicitor
- Ownership will be registered with the Land Registry
- You’ll receive the keys from the estate agent and officially become the legal owner of your home
The Conveyancer’s Dual Role
Your solicitor acts for both you and your lender, ensuring that all legal and financial requirements are met. They’ll report their findings to you, so make sure to read and understand them. If you are unsure, ask questions.
The period between instruction and exchange is usually the most time-consuming due to searches, enquiries and document reviews. Delays can occur due to lease amendments, title issues, or third-party management involvement. Be patient and request weekly updates to stay informed and on track.
4. The Surveyor
A property survey is a physical inspection arranged by you, the buyer. It is separate from legal searches and is highly recommended, especially for older or unique properties.
Once you’ve chosen a surveyor and accepted their quote, they will:
- Coordinate with the estate agent to arrange access
- Inspect the property
- Provide a report with findings
This report may flag:
- Structural issues
- Damp, mould, or rot
- Roofing or insulation problems
- Boundary disputes or concerns
You should share the report with your solicitor, who may raise further legal enquiries based on the findings.
Choosing the Right Lawyer
There are a few factors to consider when choosing a lawyer for your purchase. It’s not just about getting the lowest price! The right solicitor can make or break the experience, so you want someone you can trust to get you through to completion.
Key things to consider:
- First impressions – Were they responsive and helpful? You need someone available and easy to reach.
- Upfront costs – Are there any hidden fees? Leaseholds usually cost more. Flats in buildings over five storeys or 11m may also incur a Building Safety Act (BSA) supplement due to extra compliance work.
- Caseload – How many cases do they handle, and who covers if they are away? A typical caseload is 50–60 per lawyer. Cheaper firms often run higher caseloads, which can affect communication and availability.
- Communication – Can you contact them directly? How often will you receive updates?
- Safety – Do they use a secure portal? Email alone is higher risk for fraud.
- Mortgage panel – Can they act for your lender? If not, you may need to pay for two law firms.
- Reviews – Check recent feedback on Trustpilot, Google, etc. Does it match what you’ve been told?
Get in Touch
If you would like further advice on the legal process of buying your home, or if you have any specific questions, please contact us or click here to get a FREE quote.
