Do your research whether it be online or in local publications. Once you have decided on a location, and you know what your requirements are, the next step is to register with the local estate agents so they can update you as and when suitable properties become available.

You will now receive updates regularly from agents. You may then wish to start viewing properties. In order to secure a property which is new to the market you will need to be early to view. Take into account the surrounding areas, local schools, transport links or other points which are relevant to your search.

Once you have identified a suitable property MAKE AN OFFER through the agent who arranged the viewing for you. These are stages of negotiating can be exciting and nerve racking, so keep calm. Once you have agreed a price you will need to instruct a solicitor. The agent will prepare a memorandum of sale, informing all parties of the agreed price. You will also need to notify your mortgage broker to proceed with your application.

As part of the conveyancing process you solicitor will request local searches, and raise enquiries on receipt of the draft contract, which will have been sent through by the sellers solicitor.

Once you have let your broker know that you have selected a property and once all the relevant paperwork has been processed, your lender will instruct a survey to be carried out. This will identify any structural issues and advise the value of the property. Once the report is received, a mortgage offer will be issued and sent on to your solicitor.

Once all enquiries are answered, and the mortgage offer has been received, both parties will need to sign and send back their contracts in addition to the deposit which will then be sent over from the buyer’s solicitor to the seller’s solicitor. Once this has been carried out and a completion date is agreed you will be ready to exchange.