Steps to buying

Buying a new home is an exciting milestone, and we’re here to make the whole experience feel smooth, clear, and genuinely enjoyable with these simple steps.

You can read more of our policies and important information on our Policies page.

Step 2: Viewing your future home or buying off plan
This is where things get really exciting! We’ll book you an appointment to explore the home.

If your chosen home is already built, we’ll invite you to come and explore. If you’re buying a home before it is built, we may have a beautifully styled show home or view home to help you visualise your space. One of our friendly Sales Executives will walk you through everything in the home, the development, and what’s available. This is the perfect time to ask questions and get a real feel for the area.

Step 3: Reserving your home
Fallen in love with a home? Now’s the time to make it yours.

When you’re ready to reserve your home, we’ll need a £500 reservation fee from you. Don’t worry, this fee is deducted from your purchase price. Once this has been received, we will take the property off the market.

To get the ball rolling, we’ll then send you a reservation form. Please send your signed reservation form back to us within the next seven days.

We’ll also ask for your solicitor’s details so we can keep things moving smoothly.

We recommend you choose a solicitor with shared ownership experience. Your solicitor will handle:

• All the legal paperwork

• Liaising with your mortgage lender

• Checking your lease

• Doing searches and reviewing your mortgage offer

They’re your legal guide through the home-buying process.

Soon we’ll also be in touch to book your plans and drawings appointment!

Step 4: Notification of saleand getting mortgage ready
Once we’ve got your completed, signed forms, mortgage information, and solicitor details, we’ll issue a Memorandum of Sale (also known as the reservation form). This includes your purchase details and sets a target exchange date.

Your mortgage advisor will need a few things from you to secure your offer. This might include:

• three months of payslips or two years of accounts if you’re self-employed

• ID (like your passport)

• Proof of savings, benefits, and address history

• Credit agreements, if you have any

They may ask for more information along the way, but don’t worry, it’s all part of the process!

A valuer reviews your new home to make sure the house is being sold for what it’s worth. Your mortgage lender processes your mortgage application, and you should then receive your mortgage offer.

You and your solicitor will review the mortgage offer and get ready to sign the mortgage deed. It's also important that our solicitor receives a copy of your mortgage offer from your solicitor.

Step 5: Solicitor communications
Your solicitor will guide you through the legal documentation relating to your new purchase and keep you updated as things progress.

• Mortgage deed – the document you’ll sign to confirm your mortgage agreement

• General updates – your solicitor will stay in touch with any changes or next steps, so you always know what’s happening

• Contract documents – all the legal paperwork that makes your purchase official

• Searches (if buying with a mortgage) – this includes various checks, such as the local authority search, environmental search, and any other searches your solicitor or lender may deem necessary

• Exchange and completion dates – confirming when contracts are exchanged and when you’ll get the keys.

Don’t forget your solicitor is there to help and guide you through your purchase. Should there be anything you need further clarification on, please don’t hesitate to reach out to them.

Step 6: Exchange of contracts
Your solicitor will review the terms of the sale, including price, build specifications and completion date. They will make sure all legal documentation is correct and in order. Once all the details have been reviewed and legal checks have been completed, your solicitor will ask for your deposit monies (usually 5-10% of your share) and authority to exchange.

If your home is built, you’ll typically complete within 10 working days of exchange. If you’re buying off-plan, you’ll exchange ‘on notice’, and we will give you 10 working days’ notice before your completion day. Dates will be discussed between you and your Sales Executive to provide a completion day that suits both parties.

Step 7: Home demonstration
You’re nearly there! Before moving day, our Sales Executive will walk you through your new home. This is a great time to:

• Take measurements for furniture

• Learn how everything works, like your heating and appliances

• Ask questions and get your homeowner’s guide

We know it's a lot of information to take in, so you can always refer back to our handy home demonstration videos for a quick refresher.

Step 8: Completion day – time to move in!

Your solicitor will handle the final things, including transferring funds, registering your lease, and making sure any advance payments (like rent or service charge) are sorted.

Then... the keys are yours!

You’ll also receive:

• Your NHBC handbook (or equivalent)

• Instructions for your appliances and heating

• A warm welcome to your brand-new home!

Don’t forget to:

• Register with utility providers

• Set up council tax and local services

• Register for your rubbish and recycling bins

• Some councils now require you to register for your bins. Find out more on your local council’s website.

Welcome to your new home!