Guide
Buying a property, step by step.
From before you start searching to getting the keys, buying a home involves several distinct stages, each with its own paperwork, timelines and things that can go wrong. Select a stage below to see what actually happens — and where we help along the way.
Who this is for
- First-time buyers navigating the process for the first time
- Home movers who haven't bought in a while
- Buy-to-let investors buying an additional property
- Anyone wanting to understand realistic timescales
- Buyers wanting to know what could delay or derail a purchase
- Anyone about to make an offer and wanting to be prepared
The house-buying journey
Hover or tap a stage to see what happens and what your Lockhart Murphy adviser does at that point.
Step 1 of 9
Before you search
Understand your budget, check your credit file and get your deposit in order before you start viewing properties.
What your Lockhart Murphy adviser does
We build your Mortgage Passport with you — a realistic borrowing figure and readiness check, so you know your budget before you fall for a property you can't afford.
Where things commonly go wrong and how to avoid them
Most delays happen in the gap between offer acceptance and exchange of contracts — often because conveyancing searches take longer than expected, a survey uncovers an issue that needs negotiating or a chain above or below you moves at a different pace. Having your mortgage application moving in parallel with conveyancing, rather than waiting for one to finish before starting the other, is one of the biggest factors in keeping a purchase on track.
Getting a Mortgage Passport or a formal Agreement in Principle sorted before you start viewing properties also puts you in a stronger position to make an offer quickly when you find the right place — sellers and estate agents generally take offers from buyers who can demonstrate they’re mortgage-ready more seriously.
Ask Murphy
Questions about the buying process?
Murphy can walk you through any stage of the journey — from what to sort before you start viewing, to what happens between offer and exchange, to what to expect on completion day.
Handled by AI — complex cases are always referred to a qualified adviser.
Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or other loans secured upon it.