On the left hand side of this page you will find details of links to Estate agents and Property Management Companies from the UK and beyond...

The process of buying a property in the United Kingdom can seem complicated for a first time buyers with no practical experience. We hope you find the following sure guide a useful starting point.

The main sources of information for finding properties for sale are estate agents, Private Sellers, buying property off-plan, auctions and of course, the Internet. You need to make friends with estate agents in the prospective area you are searching. They will have a good understanding of the market conditions and rental values if the purchase is for investment 'buy to let' purposes. The will need to provide your solicitors contact details to the estate agent and explain to them about your needs and situation, particularly with regards to whether you are what a cash buyer or stuck in a potential housing chain. Check whether the estate agents you are talking to are a member of a National Association.  They will be regulated by the property Misdescriptions act of 1981. Remember, that estate agents are there to make commission from the sale of the property and are primarily acting on behalf of the seller.

If you're looking to cut out the estate agent, there are many advertisements for private sales in the UK and beyond. This can save thousands of pounds and ensure communication is direct and not delayed due to messages being continually passed backwards and forwards between the agent and the buyer and seller. Most people start with the Internet to contact estate agents in the first place. The Internet is a great place to find local auctions where properties that have been previously repossessed by mortgage companies.  They are usually advertised at lower than market rate prices, in order to recoup of what default mortgage repayments. Sometimes these properties have been left empty and are in need of repair. It is possible to undertake a survey (at your cost) on the property being put up for the auction. Most auctions are binding and so you will have to demonstrate you can purchase the property financially before have you bid. Set a maximum ceiling level for the property you are interested in and do not let your excitement level on the day mean you go over this planned maximum bid.

If you are a buy to let investor or perhaps moving to a new area (as part of a new job), it is always sensible to analyse the surrounding areas transport links, shops, schools, sports and leisure facilities and the level of potential pollution from local industry and factories. Check local counties council tax rates, and compare crime levels and news reports regarding crime or antisocial behaviour in specific areas you are interested in. There is a huge amount of publicly available information available at local level and doing your homework market research will increase your chances of finding your ideal home.

The next step is to view the actual property and make sure you do this in a secure and safer way (particularly in regard to Private Sellers). Always visit the property with friends of check the identity of Sellers or agents before you meet them.  Look out for structural defects such as of look bricks and roof tiles, cracks in the walls and general subsidence in the brickwork.  These can provide useful negotiating tools to reduce your offer. Always go back for a second viewing before making an offer and try and compare your choice with other similar properties in the area to ensure you are making the right decision.

You will need to employ a solicitor or a conveyancer to handle the legal aspects of the purchase. They will speak with the seller's solicitor and ensure contracts are fair. They will also undertake local searches to check that all the seller actually legally owns the property and land and that it is not subject any ongoing legal disputes by third parties. The solicitor will also so searches to check the overall risk local planning projects, environmental damage or local disputes would not adversely affect the future value of of your property. The solicitor will also have ensured land registry of fees and stamp duty is arranged for you.

When making an offer, try and put yourself in the shoes of the seller and their expectations and needs. Markets proces across the UK in 2008 are beginning to fall (its becoming a buyers market) and there is what vacant empty property.  This is particulary true of the apartment and flats sector where buy to let investors and rushed to sell their assets as market conditions have worsened in light of the global credit crunch. When making an offer always bit low and negotiate on items such as the value of the contents, the cost of rectifying defects and the speed of your ability to complete if a cash buyer.

You will need to employ a surveyor check any to potential structural defects and the cost of employing this professional person is at your own risk was if the seller decides to change his mind and pull out of the sale. The introduction of the home information pack for larger properties has attempted to have rebalance this situation by making Sellers think twice before of withdrawing from from a selling situation.

Your mortgage offer is dependant upon your credit check, deposit, employment details and so on. It is normal that have a 5% deposit upon exchange of legal contracts. However, more and more lenders and becoming more risk adverse and insisting on 25% deposit to ensure you the buyer shares some of the financial risk. At the point of exchange of contracts you're committed to go through with the sale - if you decide to pull out you would lose your deposit in risk being charged financial penalties by the seller. These penalties are normally pre-agreed in the housing contract that you signed upon exchange. Upon completion, the majority of the monies from the mortgage company are transferred to the Seller and then keys handed over to you on the same day by the estate agent. Your solicitor will register the title deeds with the land registry and you are now the proud owner of your new home.