House Purchase Process: What To Expect And The Pitfalls To Avoid

Buying a house is one of the most significant financial and emotional decisions you will ever make. Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned property investor, the process can be complex and fraught with potential pitfalls. At Blackstone Solicitors, we guide clients across England and Wales through every stage of the house-buying journey, ensuring a smooth and legally sound transaction.

In this article, House Purchase Process – What to expect and the pitfalls to avoid, we outline the key steps involved in purchasing a home and highlight common mistakes to avoid.

Please click here to find out more about our residential property services.

Free Initial Telephone Discussion

For a free initial discussion with a member of our new enquiries team, get in touch with us today. We are experienced in dealing with all aspects of residential property law and once instructed we will review your situation and discuss the options open to you in a clear and approachable manner. Early expert legal assistance can help ensure you avoid the stress of dealing with these issues on your own. Simply call us on 0345 901 0445 or click here to make a free enquiry and a member of the team will get back to you.

Step 1: Assess Your Finances

Before you begin house hunting, it’s essential to understand your financial position. This includes:

• Reviewing your savings for a deposit and associated costs (e.g. legal fees, surveys, Stamp Duty Land Tax)
• Checking your credit score
• Calculating your borrowing capacity
• Obtaining a Mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP) from a lender can give you a clear idea of your budget and demonstrate to sellers that you are a serious buyer.

Step 2: Start House Hunting

With your finances in order, you can begin searching for properties. Consider:

• Location and local amenities
• Transport links and schools
• Property type and condition
• Future resale potential
• Use estate agents, online portals, and local knowledge to identify suitable properties. Arrange viewings and take notes to compare options effectively.

Step 3: Make an Offer

Once you find a property you like, you can make an offer through the estate agent. Be prepared for negotiation. If your offer is accepted, the property is considered “sold subject to contract” (SSTC), but this is not legally binding.

Step 4: Instruct a Solicitor

At this stage, you should instruct a solicitor or conveyancer to handle the legal aspects of the purchase. At Blackstone Solicitors, we:

• Review the contract of sale
• Conduct searches (e.g. local authority, drainage, environmental)
• Check the title and ownership
• Liaise with the seller’s solicitor
• Report to you on any legal issues
• Choosing an experienced solicitor is crucial to avoid delays and ensure your interests are protected.

Step 5: Arrange a Survey

A property survey is essential to assess the condition of the home and identify any structural issues. There are different types of surveys:

• Mortgage Valuation – Required by the lender but limited in scope
• Homebuyer Report – Suitable for conventional properties in reasonable condition
• Building Survey – Recommended for older or unusual properties
• Surveys can reveal hidden defects that may affect your decision to proceed or renegotiate the price.

Step 6: Finalise Your Mortgage

Once your offer is accepted and the survey is complete, you can proceed with your full mortgage application. Your lender will issue a formal mortgage offer, which your solicitor will review.

Ensure you understand the terms of your mortgage, including interest rates, repayment structure, and any early repayment charges.

Step 7: Exchange of Contracts

Once all legal checks are complete and both parties are ready, contracts are exchanged. This is a critical milestone:

• The transaction becomes legally binding
• A completion date is agreed
• You pay a deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price)

If you pull out after exchange, you may lose your deposit and face legal action.

Step 8: Completion

On the agreed completion date:

• Your solicitor transfers the remaining funds to the seller’s solicitor
• The keys are released, and you can move in
• Your solicitor registers the property in your name with HM Land Registry
• You receive the title deeds and confirmation of ownership

Congratulations – you are now a homeowner!

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Underestimating Costs

Many buyers focus solely on the purchase price and overlook additional expenses such as:

• Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)
• Legal and survey fees
• Removal costs
• Insurance and utility setup

Budgeting for these costs from the outset can prevent financial strain later.

2. Skipping the Survey

Opting out of a survey to save money can be a costly mistake. Undetected issues such as damp, subsidence, or roof damage can lead to expensive repairs. Always invest in a suitable survey for peace of mind.

3. Delays in Communication

Poor communication between buyers, sellers, solicitors, and lenders is a common cause of delays. Stay proactive:

• Respond promptly to requests
• Keep in regular contact with your solicitor
• Chase up outstanding documents or approvals

At Blackstone Solicitors, we pride ourselves on clear and timely communication to keep your transaction on track.

4. Not Understanding the Legal Documents

The legal paperwork involved in a house purchase can be complex. It’s vital to understand:

• The terms of the contract
• Any restrictive covenants or easements
• Leasehold conditions (if applicable)

Your solicitor should explain these clearly and advise on any risks.

5. Issues with Leasehold Properties

If you are buying a leasehold property, be aware of:

• The length of the lease (short leases can affect mortgageability)
• Ground rent and service charges
• Restrictions on alterations or subletting

These factors can impact the value and enjoyment of your property. Legal advice is essential to navigate leasehold complexities.

6. Gazumping and Gazundering

These practices, while legal, can be frustrating:

• Gazumping – The seller accepts a higher offer after agreeing to sell to you
• Gazundering – The buyer lowers their offer just before exchange

While there is no guaranteed protection, moving quickly and maintaining good communication can reduce the risk.

Final Thoughts

Buying a house is a major milestone, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right legal support, you can navigate the process confidently and avoid common pitfalls.

At Blackstone Solicitors, we offer expert residential property services tailored to your needs. Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way.

If you are planning to buy a home and want trusted legal advice, contact us today for a free initial discussion.

How we can help

We have a proven track-record of helping clients purchase a new home. We are a multidisciplinary firm and have all the expertise inhouse to satisfy the most exacting requirements of our clients. We will guide you through all the necessary legal due diligence in a comprehensive and timely manner. We firmly believe that with the right solicitors by your side, the entire process will seem more manageable and far less daunting.

How to Contact Our Residential Property Solicitors

It is important for you to be well informed about the issues and possible implications of buying a residential property. However, expert legal support is crucial in terms of ensuring a positive outcome to your purchase.

To speak to a member of our New Enquiries Team today, simply call us on 0345 901 0445, or click here to make a free enquiry. We are well known across the country and can assist wherever you are based. We also have offices based in Cheshire and London.

Authored by Ben Posted in Blog, News Tagged as

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