Guide to buying a property
Buying a property is an exciting process and at Paramount we can ensure a simple journey to finding a new home. In our buying a property guide we share our home buying tips to assist you on this journey.
If you have any questions about buying a property please contact us.
Choosing an area
If you are thinking about moving to a new area it is worth doing some research on and offline. Visit the area at different times of the day and walk around to explore the local amenities. View our area guides for information about schools, transport links and local businesses across North West London. West Hampstead, Kilburn, Queens Park and Cricklewood are gems!
Affordability
Speak to a mortgage adviser to establish how much money you can borrow when buying a property. It’s worth considering that interest rates are likely to rise – ensure you can continue paying the mortgage if they do. We have worked with many fantastic brokers, most local to the West Hampstead area.
Remember that there are multiple costs involved when buying a property, including a deposit, stamp duty land tax and conveyancing fees. There are numerous ongoing costs involved with owning your own property too. Ensure you are able to cover mortgage repayments as well as council tax, energy bills and any annual service charges.
Finding a property
Before you start looking establish your property requirements. Consider the number of bedrooms, outdoor space and parking that you will require. When viewing properties take notes so you can compare with other properties that you have seen. Have a walk around the area to check out the local amenities, consider a trial run using public transport if you commute to work and try to visit the property at different times of the day.
Making an offer
When you have found a property to buy you need to make an offer. Paramount will then put your offer forward to the seller. Once a final price has been accepted you submit your mortgage application and arrange a valuation of the property with the lender.
At Paramount we advise both buyer and seller to sign a lock-out agreement to prevent gazumping and gazundering. This helps ensure the offer progresses to completion. Please speak to a member of our sales team for further information.
Surveys
There are three types of survey: valuation report, homebuyer survey and structural survey. The valuation report is the cheapest and is required by a mortgage lender. It will show up any major problems but it won’t give you a full report.
The homebuyer survey is a more detailed report and highlights issues that might affect the value of the property, damp in the walls and any other urgent problems. This is a sufficient survey for most properties but for those in need of renovation, a full structural survey is recommended. A full structural survey is the most thorough survey and worth paying for if the property is listed or old.
Moving day
Prepare for moving day by creating a checklist of jobs that need to be completed before and on the day, including:
- Book a removal firm
- Redirect post
- Inform key people and companies of your move date and new address
- Read the meters and inform utility companies