Buying A House Checklist: What to expect when buying a home

With so much to think about when buying a home, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Endless decisions, complex processes, and unexpected pitfalls. 

If you don’t have proper guidance, it’s easy to miss crucial details that could lead to more stress, delays, and, unfortunately, costly mistakes. 

With our comprehensive buying-a-house checklist, we’re here to help. 

Designed to help simplify your home-buying process, we go through every step you need to take, from financial preparation to settling into your new home. 

There’s no need for anxiety or stress with our guide and checklist to help you complete it. 

Preparing your finances 

Before you begin scrolling Zoopla or Rightmove, the first thing you need to do is get your finances sorted. 

Assess your current financial situation by calculating your income, expenses, and any existing debt. This will help give you a clear picture of what is actually affordable for you. 

Having a larger deposit can help you get a better mortgage deal, so consider this if you’re sitting at a 5% deposit at the moment. Saving a little longer might be worthwhile. 

You’ve also got to take into account additional costs like solicitor fees, survey charges, and the ever-dreaded stamp duty. 

Finding your home 

House hunting is more than just scrolling through endless listings. Visit the areas that you’re looking to buy and see how you feel walking around there. 

Also, take into account factors like your proximity to work, schools, public transport, and local amenities in the area. 

Create a list of must-haves and deal-breakers; this will help you to streamline your search and ensure you get what you really want. 

House viewing checklist 

When you’re viewing potential homes, it’s easy to get swept up in the aesthetics and overlook critical details. Here’s a handy checklist to have in mind: 

• Structural integrity: Look for cracks, damp spots, or signs of subsidence. 

• Plumbing: Test out the taps, showers, and toilets to check that they’re working properly, and check water pressure. 

• Electrics: Look at the fuse box, and also look at the light switches and power outlets. 

• Windows and doors: Ensure that they all open, close, and lock properly. 

• Insulation: Ask about the insulation in the loft and whether or not windows are double-glazed. 

• Neighbours and noise levels: Visit the house at different times to get an idea of what it’s like living on that street. Is it quiet? Or are there parties every weekend? 

  
  

Making an offer 

Once you’ve found the perfect home for you, it’s time to make your offer to the estate agents. It’s worth researching the local market to ensure that you give a competitive price, but it’s still within your budget. 

Expect negotiations, and these will be fiercer if there are multiple bidders. Plus, don’t feel too disheartened if your offer isn’t accepted. Reassess and see whether it’s possible to up your offer, but don’t stretch your budget too thin; you need a contingency if something goes wrong and you have unexpected fees. 

Conveyancing process

Once you have an offer accepted, the legal work begins. Conveyancing is the process of transferring property ownership from the seller to the buyer. 

You’ll need to hire a reputable solicitor or licensed conveyancer. They will handle tasks such as local authority searches, reviewing contracts, and liaising with the seller’s legal team. 

It’s a tedious process, but it’s there to safeguard your interests. 

Preparing for moving day 

Once you’ve started the legal process, it’s time to start thinking about the big moving day. Follow these tips to help reduce stress: 

• Declutter: Sell, donate, or bin items that you no longer need. 

• Hire movers: Book in with a reputable moving company in advance, once you have your completion date from the solicitor. 

• Pack smart: Take time to organise as you’re packing and don’t mix up rooms where possible. Labelling your boxes clearly will help you keep your essentials accessible. 

• Notify utilities: Inform the service providers of your move to help avoid any service disruptions. 

  
  

Post-move essentials 

Once you’re in, the work is far from over. Here’s what you need to do: 

• Unpack strategically: Start with essentials and take your time with the rest. 

• Secure your home: It might be worth changing your locks and checking the security systems. 

• Register with local services: Find local doctors, dentists, and other essential services. 

• Introduce yourself: Take time to say hello to your neighbours when you see them outside; it can go a long way in helping you feel settled in your new home. 

Settling into your new home is a process, but with each box you unpack, it will start to feel like home. 

With our buying a house checklist, you can enjoy what’s to come. GMS Ltd are here to help every step of the way to give you expert advice, support, and services to take some pressure off you. 

Whether you need professional help with conveyancing, surveying, or expert property advice, reach out to our friendly team here at GMS Ltd today. We want to make your dream home a reality, without the hassle.