Buying your first home is one of life’s biggest milestones; exciting, emotional and, at times, a little overwhelming. There’s a lot to think about and plenty of new terminology to get your head around. But that’s where we can help.
At Wykeham & Co, our job is to make the legal side of buying a house both simple and as stress-free as possible; leaving you to enjoy the part that matters most – making your new house truly feel like your home. We’ll guide you through every step, explain what’s happening in plain English, and keep you updated so you always feel in control.
Whether you’re buying a flat, a family home or a countryside retreat, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
Here’s our step-by-step conveyancing guide for first-time buyers:
Step 1: Your Offer Has Been Accepted
Congratulations! This is where the journey really begins. Once your offer has been accepted, the seller’s estate agent will send the details of the sale to both sides.
You’ll then need to instruct a conveyancer: that’s where we step in. We’ll confirm the details of the property, request the draft contract from the seller’s solicitor, and begin gathering all the legal information needed.
Step 2: Getting the Ball Rolling
After we’ve opened your file, we’ll carry out ID checks and send you our initial paperwork to sign through our online portal. You’ll also need to provide details of your source of funds.
Once we have received the contract documentation from the seller’s solicitor, property searches, which include checks with the local authority, water and drainage suppliers, and environmental databases to make sure there are no surprises hiding in the background.
We’ll review all the documents carefully, explain what they mean, and raise any questions with the seller’s solicitor to make sure you know exactly what you’re buying.
Step 3: Mortgage Offer and Enquiries
When your mortgage offer arrives, we’ll check it thoroughly to make sure it matches the terms you’ve agreed.
At this stage, we’ll also send you a report summarising everything you need to know about the property, from boundaries and covenants to planning permissions and any potential issues.
Our role is to make things clear and manageable, so you can move forward with confidence knowing there are no hidden problems.
Step 4: Exchange and Completion
Once enquiries have been satisfied and you are happy with the paperwork, we’ll agree on a completion date – that’s your moving day!
Exchange of contracts is when both you and the seller become legally committed to the sale. You’ll pay your deposit (usually 10%) and we’ll handle the formalities.
On completion day, we transfer the balance of the purchase price to the seller’s conveyancer, upon receipt of which, the keys will be released at the estate agents, and the property officially becomes yours.
Step 5: After Completion
Even after you’ve moved in, there’s still a little work to do behind the scenes. We’ll pay any stamp duty (if applicable) on your behalf, register your ownership with HM Land Registry, and send you confirmation once the application has been completed.
Our Promise To You
Buying your first home should be an exciting experience, not a stressful one. That’s why we focus on clear communication, honest advice, and a personal service.
You’ll always have one point of contact, a conveyancer who knows your case inside out and is happy to explain every step along the way.
Here When You Need Us
If you’re ready to take your first step on the property ladder, or just want to talk through the process, we’re always happy to help.
No jargon. No surprises. Just clear, friendly advice from a team who genuinely care about helping you move into your new home.
Get in touch with a member of our friendly team today for more information.
