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    252 Kilburn High Road,
    London NW6 2BS

    T: 020 7625 6166

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    Buying

    Buying

    Our guide to buying: Helping You Find Your Perfect Home

    The Smart Way to Buy

    At Homeview Estates, we understand that buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upsize, downsize, or invest, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. We’ve been matching people with property since 1988, earning a strong reputation for our exceptional service and deep market expertise. This guide walks you through the key stages of the buying process—and how we make it smoother, simpler, and stress-free.

    1. Understanding your requirements

    1. Understanding your requirements
    1. Understanding your requirements

    1. Understanding your requirements

    1. Understanding your requirements

    Every journey starts with a conversation. We’ll sit down with you or discuss over the phone to understand:

    • Your budget and financing options
    • Preferred locations
    • Property type and must-have features
    • Desired timeline

    We don’t just take notes—we take the time to truly understand what you’re looking for. Our tailored approach ensures we only show you properties that match your criteria.

    Every journey starts with a conversation. We’ll sit down with you or discuss over the phone to understand:

    • Your budget and financing options
    • Preferred locations
    • Property type and must-have features
    • Desired timeline

    We don’t just take notes—we take the time to truly understand what you’re looking for. Our tailored approach ensures we only show you properties that match your criteria.

    2. Sorting the financing

    2. Sorting the financing
    2. Sorting the financing

    2. Sorting the financing

    2. Sorting the financing

    Before we start viewing properties, it’s essential to know what you can afford. If needed, we can connect you with trusted mortgage advisors who’ll help get your Agreement in Principle (AIP) sorted quickly.

    Having a AIP shows sellers you’re serious and gives a clear idea of how much the lenders will give you for your purchase.  

    We’ll always explain all the upfront costs like stamp duty, solicitor fees and surveys so there are no surprises down the line.

    Before we start viewing properties, it’s essential to know what you can afford. If needed, we can connect you with trusted mortgage advisors who’ll help get your Agreement in Principle (AIP) sorted quickly.

    Having a AIP shows sellers you’re serious and gives a clear idea of how much the lenders will give you for your purchase.  

    We’ll always explain all the upfront costs like stamp duty, solicitor fees and surveys so there are no surprises down the line.

    3. Property Search and Viewings

    3. Property Search and Viewings
    3. Property Search and Viewings

    3. Property Search and Viewings

    3. Property Search and Viewings

    With your preferences in mind, we’ll present a curated selection of homes that truly match your vision. Our team will arrange viewings that work around your schedule, and we’ll be with you during visits to offer guidance and answer questions.

    We offer you exclusive access to off-market properties — homes that aren’t listed on the usual portals. Through our trusted network of past clients and fellow agents, we go beyond the conventional search.

    We don’t just wait for the right home to appear — we proactively find it for you. With your ideal property in mind, we create bespoke, targeted campaigns to reach homeowners who may consider selling, even if their property isn’t currently on the market.

    Whether it’s your dream home or a rare investment opportunity, we know how to uncover it.

    With your preferences in mind, we’ll present a curated selection of homes that truly match your vision. Our team will arrange viewings that work around your schedule, and we’ll be with you during visits to offer guidance and answer questions.

    We offer you exclusive access to off-market properties — homes that aren’t listed on the usual portals. Through our trusted network of past clients and fellow agents, we go beyond the conventional search.

    We don’t just wait for the right home to appear — we proactively find it for you. With your ideal property in mind, we create bespoke, targeted campaigns to reach homeowners who may consider selling, even if their property isn’t currently on the market.

    Whether it’s your dream home or a rare investment opportunity, we know how to uncover it.

    4. Making an Offer

    4. Making an Offer
    4. Making an Offer

    4. Making an Offer

    4. Making an Offer

    Found “the one”?

    Here’s how we help: Our market expertise gives you a competitive edge. We ensure a fast and smooth process, with a quick turnaround between submitting your offer and receiving a prompt response from the vendor.

    Found “the one”?

    Here’s how we help: Our market expertise gives you a competitive edge. We ensure a fast and smooth process, with a quick turnaround between submitting your offer and receiving a prompt response from the vendor.

    5. Offer Accepted, What’s Next?

    5. Offer Accepted, What’s Next?
    5. Offer Accepted, What’s Next?

    5. Offer Accepted, What’s Next?

    5. Offer Accepted, What’s Next?

    • Offer Status – ‘Subject to Contract’
      Once your offer has been accepted by the seller, it is considered ‘subject to contract’. This means it is not yet legally binding. The transaction only becomes legally binding once contracts have been formally exchanged.
    • Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Checks
      As part of legal requirements in the UK, you must undergo anti-money laundering checks. These checks are designed to verify: Your identity, Proof of funds, Source of funds.

    These checks will be carried out both by the estate agent and your solicitor or conveyancer.

    • Instructing a Solicitor or Conveyancer
      You will need to instruct a solicitor (or licensed conveyancer) to manage the legal side of the purchase. Their responsibilities include:
    • Conducting property searches (e.g. local authority, environmental, drainage & water, and chancel repair searches, if applicable)
    • Reviewing the title deeds to ensure the seller has the legal right to sell the property
    • Identifying any restrictions, covenants, rights of way, or obligations affecting the property
    • Offer Status – ‘Subject to Contract’
      Once your offer has been accepted by the seller, it is considered ‘subject to contract’. This means it is not yet legally binding. The transaction only becomes legally binding once contracts have been formally exchanged.
    • Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Checks
      As part of legal requirements in the UK, you must undergo anti-money laundering checks. These checks are designed to verify: Your identity, Proof of funds, Source of funds.

    These checks will be carried out both by the estate agent and your solicitor or conveyancer.

    • Instructing a Solicitor or Conveyancer
      You will need to instruct a solicitor (or licensed conveyancer) to manage the legal side of the purchase. Their responsibilities include:
    • Conducting property searches (e.g. local authority, environmental, drainage & water, and chancel repair searches, if applicable)
    • Reviewing the title deeds to ensure the seller has the legal right to sell the property
    • Identifying any restrictions, covenants, rights of way, or obligations affecting the property

    6. Surveys and Mortgage Finalisation

    6. Surveys and Mortgage Finalisation
    6. Surveys and Mortgage Finalisation

    6. Surveys and Mortgage Finalisation

    6. Surveys and Mortgage Finalisation

    A property survey is essential to ensure the property is structurally sound and free from major issues. Your mortgage lender will typically conduct a valuation survey to confirm the property’s worth aligns with the loan amount.

    For added peace of mind, you may choose to commission your own survey, such as a:

    • Homebuyer Report – suitable for conventional properties in reasonable condition
    • Building Survey – more comprehensive, ideal for older or unusual properties

    At the same time, your mortgage application will progress to the final approval stage. This involves the lender completing their underwriting process and confirming your formal mortgage offer.

    A property survey is essential to ensure the property is structurally sound and free from major issues. Your mortgage lender will typically conduct a valuation survey to confirm the property’s worth aligns with the loan amount.

    For added peace of mind, you may choose to commission your own survey, such as a:

    • Homebuyer Report – suitable for conventional properties in reasonable condition
    • Building Survey – more comprehensive, ideal for older or unusual properties

    At the same time, your mortgage application will progress to the final approval stage. This involves the lender completing their underwriting process and confirming your formal mortgage offer.

    7. Exchange and Completion

    7. Exchange and Completion
    7. Exchange and Completion

    7. Exchange and Completion

    7. Exchange and Completion

    Contract Exchange and Completion

    The seller’s solicitor will prepare the draft contract and send it to your solicitor for review. Your solicitor will examine the details carefully, raise any necessary enquiries about the property, and negotiate terms on your behalf. Once all issues are resolved and both parties agree, it’s time to sign the contract.

    Exchange of Contracts

    When both buyer and seller have signed, the solicitors will exchange contracts. At this stage, you will be required to pay your deposit—typically 10–30% of the purchase price. Once contracts are exchanged, the sale becomes legally binding.

    Completion

    A completion date will then be agreed with the seller. On this date:

    • The remaining balance of the purchase price is transferred to the seller’s solicitor
    • Ownership of the property is officially transferred to you
    • You can collect the keys and move into your new home

    Contract Exchange and Completion

    The seller’s solicitor will prepare the draft contract and send it to your solicitor for review. Your solicitor will examine the details carefully, raise any necessary enquiries about the property, and negotiate terms on your behalf. Once all issues are resolved and both parties agree, it’s time to sign the contract.

    Exchange of Contracts

    When both buyer and seller have signed, the solicitors will exchange contracts. At this stage, you will be required to pay your deposit—typically 10–30% of the purchase price. Once contracts are exchanged, the sale becomes legally binding.

    Completion

    A completion date will then be agreed with the seller. On this date:

    • The remaining balance of the purchase price is transferred to the seller’s solicitor
    • Ownership of the property is officially transferred to you
    • You can collect the keys and move into your new home

    Why buyers choose us?

    Why buyers choose us?
    Why buyers choose us?

    Why buyers choose us?

    Why buyers choose us?

    Dedicated Agent: One point of contact from start to finish

    Expert Advice: Straightforward, honest, and always in your best interest

    Local Knowledge: Deep understanding of the communities we serve

    Aftercare: Help doesn’t stop once you get the keys

    Dedicated Agent: One point of contact from start to finish

    Expert Advice: Straightforward, honest, and always in your best interest

    Local Knowledge: Deep understanding of the communities we serve

    Aftercare: Help doesn’t stop once you get the keys

    Ready to Start Your Journey?

    Ready to Start Your Journey?

    Ready to Start Your Journey?

    Wondering what your home is worth? Our expert team will give you a clear, honest valuation completely free.

    Call us: 020 7625 6166
    Email us: enquiries@homeviewestates.co.uk 

    Get in TouchGet in Touch

    What people think about us

    5/5
    based on 57 independently verified reviews provided by Google
    ”I recently purchased a house through Homeview Estates, and Zoe’s assistance was invaluable in sealing the deal. Her expertise and dedication made the process easier, especially as a first-time buyer. Zoe stepped in to ease the process when necessary, ensuring I was never left in the dark and providing reassurance throughout. I highly recommend Homeview Estates to anyone in search of a reliable and supportive team for their property needs. Thank you to Zoe and the entire team for your outstanding service! 5 stars for you guys!”
    Elhamm N
    Elhamm N
    Apr 05, 2024
    ”Zoe is a brilliant estate agent. I was with homeview estates for 11 years and any time I had any issues, Zoe would swiftly solve them for me.”
    Perilous Man
    Perilous Man
    Nov 16, 2025
    ”Fantastic service! I’ve used them for a two-year rental and they’ve been consistently responsive and professional. Their handyman is also excellent - the best I’ve come across!”
    Patrick Babbage
    Patrick Babbage
    Sep 25, 2025
    ”Bought our first home with Zoe. Could not have asked for anyone better through our stressful journey. She was amazing throughout and helped with all the bits we needed as first time buyers. Highly recommend!”
    H S
    H S
    Sep 02, 2025
    ”Thanks Zoe”
    Christian Arnold
    Christian Arnold
    Jun 22, 2025
    ”This was my first experience renting a property and I’m glad it was with Homeview Estates. The team behind the company are nothing but lovely! They were happy to fix any and all faults in the flat that were raised to them - from painting walls, to fixing the boiler or replacing the shower head. I never felt that I had to justify why something needed fixing which I appreciated a lot (especially after hearing about some stories from different estate agents). While I felt very reassured throughout my time renting with them, I do wish the communication was”...
    Lucy
    Lucy
    Jun 18, 2025
    ”Great Experience. Amazing.”
    marcus vinnycius de jesus
    marcus vinnycius de jesus
    May 14, 2025
    ”I rented my studio flat with them. I really happy with their service. Very professional staff and I would definitely recommend them.”
    Edi Ara
    Edi Ara
    Nov 11, 2024
    ”We have been working with Homeview Estates for the past four years, and their service has been nothing short of outstanding. The team is incredibly helpful and friendly, always going above and beyond to meet our needs. Their dedication to providing top-notch service is evident in every interaction. Whether it’s a simple query or a complex issue, they handle everything with utmost professionalism and care. We highly recommend Homeview Estates to anyone looking for a reliable and personal touch to managing and selling your properties!”
    Jay Valambhia
    Jay Valambhia
    Oct 03, 2024
    ”Homeview is an amazing estate agency who have guided us through complex sales including the purchase of my parents family home and my own first property. I trust them and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to purchase and rent.”
    Saad Malik
    Saad Malik
    Jul 17, 2024
    ”I recently purchased a house through Homeview Estates, and Zoe’s assistance was invaluable in sealing the deal. Her expertise and dedication made the process easier, especially as a first-time buyer. Zoe stepped in to ease the process when necessary, ensuring I was never left in the dark and providing reassurance throughout. I highly recommend Homeview Estates to anyone in search of a reliable and supportive team for their property needs. Thank you to Zoe and the entire team for your outstanding service! 5 stars for you guys!”
    Elhamm N
    Elhamm N
    Apr 05, 2024
    ”Zoe is a brilliant estate agent. I was with homeview estates for 11 years and any time I had any issues, Zoe would swiftly solve them for me.”
    Perilous Man
    Perilous Man
    Nov 16, 2025
    ”Fantastic service! I’ve used them for a two-year rental and they’ve been consistently responsive and professional. Their handyman is also excellent - the best I’ve come across!”
    Patrick Babbage
    Patrick Babbage
    Sep 25, 2025
    ”Bought our first home with Zoe. Could not have asked for anyone better through our stressful journey. She was amazing throughout and helped with all the bits we needed as first time buyers. Highly recommend!”
    H S
    H S
    Sep 02, 2025
    ”Thanks Zoe”
    Christian Arnold
    Christian Arnold
    Jun 22, 2025
    ”This was my first experience renting a property and I’m glad it was with Homeview Estates. The team behind the company are nothing but lovely! They were happy to fix any and all faults in the flat that were raised to them - from painting walls, to fixing the boiler or replacing the shower head. I never felt that I had to justify why something needed fixing which I appreciated a lot (especially after hearing about some stories from different estate agents). While I felt very reassured throughout my time renting with them, I do wish the communication was”...
    Lucy
    Lucy
    Jun 18, 2025
    ”Great Experience. Amazing.”
    marcus vinnycius de jesus
    marcus vinnycius de jesus
    May 14, 2025
    ”I rented my studio flat with them. I really happy with their service. Very professional staff and I would definitely recommend them.”
    Edi Ara
    Edi Ara
    Nov 11, 2024
    ”We have been working with Homeview Estates for the past four years, and their service has been nothing short of outstanding. The team is incredibly helpful and friendly, always going above and beyond to meet our needs. Their dedication to providing top-notch service is evident in every interaction. Whether it’s a simple query or a complex issue, they handle everything with utmost professionalism and care. We highly recommend Homeview Estates to anyone looking for a reliable and personal touch to managing and selling your properties!”
    Jay Valambhia
    Jay Valambhia
    Oct 03, 2024
    ”Homeview is an amazing estate agency who have guided us through complex sales including the purchase of my parents family home and my own first property. I trust them and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to purchase and rent.”
    Saad Malik
    Saad Malik
    Jul 17, 2024
    ”I recently purchased a house through Homeview Estates, and Zoe’s assistance was invaluable in sealing the deal. Her expertise and dedication made the process easier, especially as a first-time buyer. Zoe stepped in to ease the process when necessary, ensuring I was never left in the dark and providing reassurance throughout. I highly recommend Homeview Estates to anyone in search of a reliable and supportive team for their property needs. Thank you to Zoe and the entire team for your outstanding service! 5 stars for you guys!”
    Elhamm N
    Elhamm N
    Apr 05, 2024
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    London NW6 2BS

    T: 020 7625 6166

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