Common UK Property Buying Questions, Common Property Questions, Common Questions When Buying

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Common Queries about Buying in the UK

Property Information & Advice > Common Queries about Buying in the UK

The most frequent questions regarding British properties:

1. How long does it take to buy a house?

The average conveyance takes six to eight weeks to complete, from giving instructions to moving in. Chains slow things down, as the whole chain can only move as fast as its slowest link.

2. Is there an ideal time of year to look for a property?

There are more properties on the market during spring and summer, and consequently more potential buyers, so these months see the main peak of the house-buying season.

Buyers may find better prices during autumn and winter, but fewer properties from which to choose.

3. Is the estate agent allowed to describe a property incorrectly?

Under the Property Misdescriptions Act 1991, an agent must not give incorrect room sizes, describe any item that is not included in the sale or suggest that a feature is original when it is not.

These restrictions apply to both written and verbal communication. In addition, an agent should not use retouched photos, such as ones in which a neighboring house has been airbrushed out to give the impression that the property stands on its own.

Agents convicted of making false or misleading statements about a property are liable to fines of up to £5,000. Complaints about agents in relation to the Act should be directed to the relevant trading standards office.

4. Do I need a survey if I am buying a new property?

Newer properties may be registered with the National House Building Council (NHBC) or may have an architect's certificate. In either case, the building is insured against any major defects resulting from the builder's failure to comply with the NHBC's or architect's technical requirements. Many older properties, and even some newer ones, offer no such guarantee and should therefore be surveyed by a professional.

5. When can I move into my new home?

After the contracts have been exchanged, a date for completion is given - this is the date you can get the keys and move into your new home.

6. Can I pull out of my purchase?

You can withdraw from the transaction at any time before exchange of contracts, but this will result in any money spent on a survey and searches being lost. Once contracts have been exchanged, both parties are legally committed to complete the transaction.

7. What faults should I look for on the house exterior?

Cracks in brickwork and render; Algae, moss or other plants on the walls (could mean damp); Leaking overflows; Missing roof tiles; Trees planted too close to the house, which may mean roots can cause damage to foundations.

8. What else should I look for outside the house?

The pitch of the roof, which should be straight, not sagging; Make sure the chimney is straight and its brickwork is in good condition; If the house has timber floors, check that there are air bricks in the walls; There should be a damp-proof course, which is usually two bricks above ground level; Try to see if the entire property is correctly orientated.

9. What should I check inside the house?

Walls and ceilings for signs of damp or cracks; Timber floors; All fittings included in the sale, especially light switches and power points; Radiators and boiler; Basements and lofts.

10. I'm a bit baffled by the amount of stamp duty one must pay - can you clarify this, please?

Currently in England and Wales, this is 1% of the full purchase price when the property is more than £60,000; 3% over £250,000; and 4% over £500,000. In Scotland, stamp duty is 1% of the full purchase price when the property is more than £60,001; 3% over £250,001; and 4% over £500,000.