Guide to buying property

Buying a home is a big step, but it doesn’t have to be stressful!

At Dourish & Day, we’re here to guide you through the process, making it as smooth and as straightforward as possible. Whether it’s your first home or your next move, we’ll be with you every step of the way.

1. Set your budget

Before you start falling in love with houses, it’s important to know what you can afford. This includes your deposit, mortgage options, and extra costs like solicitor fees, stamp duty, and moving expenses.

We can put you in touch with trusted mortgage advisors who’ll help you work out what’s realistic, so you can start your search with confidence.

2. Decide what you’re looking for

What does your perfect home look like? Think about how many bedrooms you need, what kind of outdoor space you’d love, and how close you want to be to schools, shops, and transport links. We’ll take the time to understand what matters most to you and help you find a home that suits your lifestyle.

3. Start your property search

Now for the exciting part—house hunting! Our website makes it easy to browse available properties, but we’ll also send you tailored recommendations based on your needs. And because we know the local market inside out, we can give you honest advice on different areas and what to expect.

4. Book viewings and explore

When you find a home you like, it’s time to see it in person. Viewings give you a feel for the space, the layout, and whether it feels like “the one.” We’ll arrange everything for you, walk you through the property, and highlight things you might not have thought about—like storage space, natural light, or future potential.

5. Making an offer

Found the perfect place? It’s time to put in an offer! We’ll guide you through this process, making sure your offer is strong but fair. If there’s any negotiation involved, we’ll handle that for you too, so you get the best possible deal without the hassle.

6. The legal side

Once your offer is accepted, things move to the legal stage. Your solicitor will check everything is in order, from contracts to property searches. We work closely with trusted legal experts to make sure everything runs smoothly and will keep you updated along the way.

7. Surveys and mortgage finalisation

A survey helps identify any hidden issues with the property, while your mortgage lender will carry out their own valuation. Don’t worry—we’ll help coordinate this stage and explain anything that might come up, so you can move forward with peace of mind.

8. Exchange, completion, and moving day!

Once all the legal and financial bits are sorted, you’ll exchange contracts, making the sale legally binding. Completion follows shortly after, and that’s when you finally get the keys to your new home!

We’ll be there right until the end to make sure everything goes smoothly, so all you need to do is focus on celebrating your big move.

At Dourish & Day, we believe buying a home should be exciting, not overwhelming. With our local expertise, friendly team, and hands-on support, we’ll make sure your journey to homeownership is as stress-free as possible.

Ready to start your search? Get in touch—we’d love to help!