The home-buying process in nine steps
- Set an affordable total budget. Include costs beyond the deposit and keep a reserve.
- Build the deposit and evidence trail. Keep savings and gifts documented.
- Get approval in principle. Read its conditions and expiry date.
- Engage a solicitor. Ask for an itemised conveyancing quote.
- Search and view critically. Compare location, condition, planning and insurability.
- Make an offer. Understand whether booking money is refundable and when a deal becomes binding.
- Complete valuation and independent checks. A lender valuation is not a condition survey.
- Review contracts and loan offer. Your solicitor explains title and contract obligations.
- Meet drawdown conditions and close. Confirm insurance, funds, signing and key arrangements.
The CCPC organises its first-time-buyer guide into nine stages from planning the budget through conveyancing. Open the CCPC first-time-buyer journey.
Do not merge three different checks
- Lender: can it lend to you against this property?
- Solicitor: can good title be transferred on acceptable terms?
- Surveyor or engineer: what is the property’s physical condition?
Each answers a different question. A positive answer from one does not replace the others.
Before you commit
Ask your solicitor when the transaction becomes legally binding. Do not rely on the phrase “sale agreed” to explain your rights, refund position or risk.
Keep approval documents current and tell the lender about material financial changes. Check planning, boundaries, access, flood and radon information where relevant. Arrange buildings insurance and mortgage protection in time for drawdown where required.
Primary sources and review record
- CCPC: First-time buyer guide, accessed 11 July 2026.
- Revenue: residential stamp-duty rates, accessed 11 July 2026.
- Property Services Regulatory Authority: consumer information, accessed 11 July 2026.
Update triggers: conveyancing, mortgage, property-services or tax changes.