Buying a home
From saving a deposit to collecting the keys - the complete UK buying process.
Guides
Ground rent problems: doubling rents, disputes and your rights
A £250 ground rent that doubles every 10 years can make your flat unsellable. How ground rent works, the 2024 reforms, and what to do if you’re trapped in a bad lease.
3 min read · Updated 7 August 2026
Property chains explained: how they work and how to survive one
Your buyer needs to sell, their seller needs to buy - a chain links every move to everyone else’s. Why chains collapse, how to protect yourself, and when to break the chain.
3 min read · Updated 7 August 2026
How to buy a house with a partner: ownership, money and the paperwork
Joint tenants or tenants in common? Who pays what? And what happens if you split? The financial decisions every couple should make before buying together.
2 min read · Updated 7 August 2026
Moving house: the complete 8-week checklist
From booking removals to redirecting post and reading the meters - the full moving house timeline, week by week, so nothing falls through the cracks on completion day.
2 min read · Updated 7 August 2026
New build vs older property: which should you buy?
The new build premium, the 10-year warranty, energy bills and stamp duty offers - versus character, space and chain-free older homes. The honest comparison.
3 min read · Updated 7 August 2026
How to buy a house at auction: the complete guide
Auction purchases are legally binding the moment the hammer falls - no surveys, no finance conditions, no second chances. How to buy safely, and the costs most first-time bidders miss.
2 min read · Updated 7 August 2026
Leasehold vs freehold: what’s the difference and which is better?
Freehold means you own the land; leasehold means you own the home for a set number of years - with ground rent and service charges. What buyers need to know in 2026.
3 min read · Updated 7 August 2026
Shared ownership explained: how it works and who it’s for
Buy a share of a home (usually 25–75%) and rent the rest - shared ownership can get you onto the ladder with a smaller deposit. The full pros, cons and costs.
2 min read · Updated 7 August 2026
The UK house buying process: step by step
From mortgage in principle to collecting the keys - the seven stages of buying a home in the UK, how long each takes, and where buyers most often get delayed.
3 min read · Updated 7 August 2026
How much deposit do you need to buy a house in the UK?
The minimum deposit is 5% of the price - but the amount you put down changes the mortgage rates you’re offered and the total cost of your home. Here’s how to decide, and where the money can come from.
3 min read · Updated 7 August 2026
Common questions
What is the minimum deposit to buy a house in the UK?
5% of the purchase price for most mortgage products - £12,500 on a £250,000 home. Some schemes allow less (including 100% mortgages that have reappeared in 2025), but 5% is the standard minimum and 10–15% is typical for first-time buyers.
How long does buying a house take in the UK?
Typically 3–4 months from offer to completion for a straightforward purchase without a chain. Conveyancing (8–12 weeks) is the longest stage. Chains and slow searches can stretch it to 6 months or more.
Can I use a gifted deposit from my parents?
Yes - most lenders accept deposits gifted by family. They usually require a signed declaration that the money is a gift rather than a loan, and your solicitor will carry out anti-money-laundering checks on the source of the funds.