Buying a house is one of life’s big achievements. For many people, the practical process can sometimes be daunting, stressful, and confusing. We are here to smooth your journey and help you along the way making your experience a positive one. To get you started, we have outlined the journey with this simple step-by-step guide, which will help you to prepare in advance.
- Establish your budget and wish list
First of all, it’s important you speak to a mortgage broker to understand your budget and what you can afford. This helps you narrow down your search before you start looking at homes and allows you to find a home you know you can afford.
During this time, it may be helpful to draw a list together of what you want from your home. Think about what is important to you… sometimes it is helpful to see this from a point of view as to why you are moving. Are you moving because you need more space? How many bedrooms would you like/need? Is outdoor space important to you
This will then help you establish what it is you are looking for and at what price point. - Take a look at what’s available
Now you know what you would like in a property, it’s time to start searching. Take the time to look online – floor plans, indicative images and prices will all be advertised online meaning you can make a shortlist of properties that meet your requirements from the comfort of your own home.
Visit us, give us a call to discuss your property search and arrange an appointment with our friendly sales team. This appointment gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have, view our show homes or specific home (depending on build progress).
You can find more information on the range of homes we have available here: New Home Builds Oxfordshire & Bicester – Heyford Park - Reservation
Once you have decided on your new home, the next step is to reserve the property. At the point of reservation, you will need to complete reservation paperwork and pay a reservation fee, the property will then be taken off the market.
If you intend to buy the home with a mortgage, you’ll need to have a ‘mortgage in principle’ from your mortgage broker. Your mortgage broker will go through all financial details with you. We recommend IMS, an independent financial advisor, more information on their services can be found here: Lettings & Estate Agents Bicester Oxfordshire | IMS Property Group - Exchange
Exchanging contracts is a very exciting part of the process where both the buyer and the housing developer will need to sign contracts. Whilst is does not mean that you legally own the home yet, both the buyer and developer are unable to pull out of the sale following exchange. At this stage, you will usually be required to put down your 10% deposit. - Completion
The final stage of the journey is completion – you will now be a homeowner. Once your solicitor is in receipt of your funds for the remaining deposit balance, they will then transfer this to the developer’s solicitor. The developer’s solicitor will call the sales advisors to confirm that the keys can be released to you. The sales advisors will then call you to arrange a time to come in and collect the keys and handover the property to you. This means that you can now move into your new home.
More information on our range of homes available call our sales team on 01869 238238 or visit our website here: New Home Builds Oxfordshire & Bicester – Heyford Park