Survey
Your lender will usually arrange for a survey, so contact them as soon as possible. Once the survey has been done, your lender should approve or reject the mortgage offer within 3-10 days. If you are a full cash buyer, you can arrange for your own survey to be done by a Chartered Surveyor. See the RICS website (www.rics.org) or Homelink can suggest a qualified local surveyor.

Local Authority Search
Remember to instruct your solicitor to carry out the local authority search. This is submitted to the local council and establishes any current planning or other local issues.

Exchange of contracts
Once the contract is ready to sign you will be required to put down a deposit, usually 10% of the purchase price. This will be handled by your solicitor, as will the setting of a completion date. Upon completion you may have to pay stamp duty if applicable.

Completion
This occurs a short time after the exchange of contracts. Any outstanding money will be paid by your solicitor to the vendor's solicitor.

Congratulations on moving into your new home!