A Guide to Moving Home

Thinking of moving home

There could be a number of reasons why you might consider moving home, whether it’s your first step on the property ladder, or moving in with a partner, through to seeking more space for a growing family or downsizing, now that the kids have places of their own. Whatever the reason behind the move, each one is a significant step in life, and needs to be undertaken with care and guidance along the way. 

In this guide, we’ll help take you through the key steps and decisions that need to be made as you find a new home, from finding the right property for you, through to sourcing the funding for your dream home, selling your existing home and practical tips for the moving day itself. 

Financing your dream home 

Most of us will be looking to finance a new home with a mortgage. If you’ve already got a place, then chances are, you need to look firstly at what kind of mortgage deal you already have to see how much it would cost you to move house. 

Many mortgages have an early repayment charge, which you’d have to pay if you move to a new one before the term ends on your existing one. You can get around this by porting your existing mortgage to a new property to save money and retain the same deal. 

It’s always advisable to review your mortgage with a professional mortgage adviser; we will help you understand the choices to be made, talk through your circumstances and help to establish how much you could borrow. 

One of the main benefits to be had by using us, is that we can obtain mortgage deals from a wide range of lenders across the market and with deals that would be suitably beneficial to your individual need and circumstances. 

We’ll go through your financial circumstances, your monthly income and outgoings, and help to advise and recommend a mortgage that’s suitable for you. We’ll explain in detail of what potential fees and charges that may be involved, and afterwards work with you to get a Decision-in-Principle (DIP) to show how much you’re able to borrow, before you place an offer on a property. 

Protecting your home

If you’ve just found your dream home and paid a lot of money to get there – you may be surprised how easy it could be to lose it all. As mortgage advisers, it’s our duty of care to ensure you have taken reasonable steps to protect your home against the worst.

This can range from losing your job, to becoming seriously ill, or even sudden death of you or a partner – it’s not something you want to think about, but unfortunately is surprisingly common, and can turn your life upside down very quickly. According to research by Legal & General, if we lost our income, most of us are just 24 days from the breadline.^.1 

^{1 Source: Legal & General (2021) Deadline to Breadline Available at: https://www.legalandgeneral.com/adviser/protection/news-insight/deadline-to-breadline/ [Accessed 14th April 2021]}

There’s a whole range of protection available to help to protect you, and as mortgage advisers, it’s our role to help make you aware of the risks, and potentially help you to mitigate these risks. 

It is easy to assume that insurance policies are just another expense on top of taking out a mortgage. However, look closer and there are some great reasons to consider taking out some, to provide additional peace of mind. After all, legally we have to insure our homes and cars, many of us understand the cost of veterinary bills so insure our pets, but rarely do we think of ourselves as worth insuring - yet we are the people that earn the money to live in the home, drive the car and enjoy time with our pets.  What happens to the things we insure if we can’t afford to pay the premiums on the house, drive the children to school or walk the dog? 

Should you or your family become seriously ill, there will likely be a huge impact on your daily life, especially as any extended period off work places an additional financial burden to meet mortgage payments, possibly adding to the increasing stress at an already difficult time. 

To help mitigate the financial risk, provide breathing space to get better and potentially life-saving money for treatments, Critical Illness Cover insurance works by paying out a cash sum if you are diagnosed with or undergo a medical procedure for one of a number of predefined conditions such as cancer, stroke or a heart attack. This money could then be used to help with childcare costs, household bills or maintaining a standard of living if you’re forced to take time off work to recover from the illness. 

When things do go wrong, insurance can go a long way to providing the financial support and emotional wellbeing to you or your family at time when it is needed most. Find out about what types of insurance are most suitable to you by talking to us today, we’ll be more than happy to give you a tailored recommendation. 

Searching for your dream home 

When you’re looking for the right home, it’s worth preparing a wish-list of desirable features to look for in your ideal property. Think about the reasons that prompted you to move in the first place, perhaps it’s seeking a new area, a bigger house, a better garden, for example, and make a list. 

Potential criteria could include - 

• Kitchen-diner 
• Downstairs bathroom 
• Extra bedrooms 
• Garage, home office or games room

Having this list can help you decide whether a house could be right for you, before you book a viewing. What to look out for:

• How does the local area look? 
• How long will it take you to commute to work? 
• Is it peaceful or is it a busy, built up area? 
• Are the transport links good? 
• Are you nearby local shops and amenities? 
• How close are you to local schools and nurseries? 
• What is the car parking like – both during the daytime and evening?

How does the property look? 

Outside: 

• Does the property have off-road parking?
• Does the property face south for additional sun?
• Is there a garden, and is it useable?
• How secure does the property look? 
• Are there any cracks visible in the walls? 
• Are there any signs of mould or damp? 
• How well-kept are the neighbouring properties?

Inside: 

• Are the rooms large enough for your needs? 
• What energy rating is the property? 
• What kind of heating system is in place? 
• How much would the Council Tax and bills be? 
• Can you see any damp or mould developing? 

Ultimately, you are looking to see how closely the property meets the needs outlined in your wish list, alongside consideration of how long you intend to live there, and how the property can meet your needs in the future. Once you’ve found your house, and you have a Decision in Principle (DIP), you would generally be ready to go ahead and make an offer.

Putting in an offer

It’s an exciting moment when making an offer on a property– however it’s also one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make, so it needs to be carried out with some caution. 

Firstly, try to avoid getting carried away haggling on a price, and set yourself a maximum budget to avoid exceeding – consider any additional money you can afford to realistically spend on the property, such as any renovation or repair work needed. Some faults and repairs can be used as a bargaining tool to lower the offer, but also bear in mind that major repairs can affect the valuation of a property. 

Study what similar properties have sold for in the local area to guide you – websites such as Zoopla contain sale details online to back up the valuations you may have from lenders. If you do see a major variation between a lender valuation, the vendor’s asking price, and the amount you have offered, speak to us to find out how we can help you with the funding required to purchase the property. 

In instances where the property you are seeking is sought after by several potential purchasers, you can make yourself the more attractive buyer by having a mortgage ready and Decision in Principle in place and ready to go. Once your offer has been accepted, it is still subject to change as your survey results could reveal something that puts you back into the negotiation stage.

Selling your home

Once you’ve decided to move house, generally speaking, you have two options:

• Option 1 – Sell your existing house first, then buy the next property
• Option 2 – Buy your new house and then sell your existing property

The benefits of the first option mean that you’re in a much stronger position when it comes to making offers, however the downside is that you are likely now in a property chain, which can become complicated, being reliant on a number of other parties and external factors to keep the chain moving. 

If you decide to go for Option 2, buying your new property first ahead of selling your existing property (i.e. without a chain), then this provides more stability and confidence that you will secure your new property without a sale falling through. However, the downside to this is the cost of owning two properties at once, and the resulting bills arising, including tax and utility costs while you await a buyer for your property. You won’t be able to use your existing mortgage on the new property, so may need to take out a second mortgage for the new home.

Tips to help you in selling your property and purchasing a new one:

• Have your finances in place early on 

• Have a Decision in Principle ready

• Have all relevant documentation to hand: pay slips, bank statements etc. 

• Sign and return all documents required as soon as possible 

Some elements may be out of your immediate control, such as being reliant on other people signing and returning paperwork. In general, you can still help move things along by keeping in touch with your solicitor and estate agent on a regular basis, and never be reluctant to ask where your application is in the process. 

Top tips for selling your house

There are some top tips you can follow to try and make your house as attractive as possible for when it comes to selling. Small changes can make a big difference, so think carefully about the below and what you can do to make your property easier, and faster to sell. 

Increase kerb appeal 

First impressions always count – so grab your prospective buyers with a well-kept exterior, ensure any front garden is tidy, leaves are swept up, and driveway weeded and jet-washed. Make repairs to any damaged fences and clean the windows ready for any viewing appointments. 

Consider the time of year

It’s sometimes challenging to make a house and garden look as attractive in winter as it is at other times, it may be beneficial to wait until spring, with improved weather, brighter days and when garden plants are coming into bloom. 

Choose neutral colours 

Paint rooms in neutral shades, such as white or magnolia to help increase the appearance of space. You can still inject colour accents into soft furnishing, cushion or rugs, but the more neutral tones will help buyers visualise how they can place their own mark upon the property.

Clean & de-clutter your property

Giving your place a spring clean and tidying away any unsightly items in cupboards will help create more space and make it easier for potential buyers to think about how they can see themselves living there. Small changes can make a big difference. 

Presentation 

Finally, last-minute care and attention to the little details before estate agents come to take photos or potential buyers arrange a viewing can pay big dividends. For example, turn your lights on, ensure beds are made, curtains are tied back and kids toys are tidied away. Conceal pet beds & toys, and tactically place fresh flowers and air fresheners to increase the appeal for visitors. 

Accepting offers on your property

Once you start receiving offers from prospective buyers of your property, it’s important to choose your buyer wisely. Try and look beyond simply the largest offer, consider also which position they are in – are they a first-time-buyer, do they have a Decision in Principle (DIP) or are they caught in the middle of a complex chain? Ask yourself what is most important to you, are you seeking a quick sale or would you prefer to hold out for the right price and buyer?

Surveys and solicitors

A property is likely to be the largest financial commitment you will ever make, so it is critical to understand what you’re buying before you sign on the dotted line. Major structural issues aren’t always easy to spot unless you are a trained professional, so it makes sense having a property surveyed before you commit to purchasing it. 

House survey prices can tend to vary depending upon firm used, and the value & type of property, however it is worth completing, not only for peace of mind, but any serious issues found can be either rectified before sale or used as a bargaining tool to save money on your purchase. 

What types of house surveys are available? 

Condition Report 

This is the most basic form of survey that highlights any major risks, as well as any potential legal issues, however it doesn’t include any advice on how to deal with them. 

Home Buyer Report 

This survey will help to identify any significant structural problems, for example, subsidence or damp, however it is not covered in a lot of detail, so the inspection doesn’t go behind walls or under floorboards. 

New build snagging survey 

This survey provides an independent inspection of a new build house. The survey may highlight building quality issues that your developer must rectify before you complete your purchase. Although many developers pledge to remedy snagging issues for a period after you move in, this survey enables the majority to be resolved before you commit to moving. 

Building or full structural survey 

The most detailed and expensive survey, this is an excellent choice if purchasing an older property. Defects will be listed, and advice given on the repairs needed, including the surveyor’s opinion on any potentially hidden defects. 

Solicitors – what do they do?

Once your offer has been accepted, a solicitor will take care of the legalities – from drafting contracts, carrying out searches, to overseeing the contract signatures, through to the exchange and completion. Please ensure to seek independent legal advice, as we do not provide this service. 

Here’s a little more detail about the stages involved - 

1. Contacting the seller’s solicitor 

Your solicitor will contact the seller’s solicitor who will give them a draft contract and other items requested, which usually includes fixtures and fittings. 

2. Carrying out conveyancing searches 

Your solicitor will carry out the conveyancing process too. This includes environmental searches, as well as any other searches and enquiries with the local authority. This can reveal any planning issues affecting the property. Your solicitor/conveyancer will carry out duties such as flooding, mining and contaminated land searches, if necessary. 

3. Signing the contract 

Your solicitor will report back to you on all of the investigations they’ve made and, if you’re happy to proceed with the purchase, they’ll finalise the terms of the contract and explain these to you. 

4. Exchanging contracts 

You’ll pay your deposit to your solicitor in order to exchange contracts on the purchase. Exchanging contracts with the seller’s solicitor means you’ve entered a legally binding contract to buy the house. 

5. Completion 

Completion is the final stage in the conveyancing process when your solicitor… 

• Receives funds from the lender 

• Repays any existing mortgage or loan that may be a condition of your mortgage offer 

• Pays the stamp duty and any other fees due 

• Transfers the purchase funds to the seller’s solicitor 

• Ensures the keys to the house are made available once completion takes place

Exchanging contracts and completion date

Both buyer and seller must sign identical contracts, which become legally binding once formally exchanged by solicitors. Once the exchange has taken place, this is the right time for buildings insurance to be arranged, which can commence after completion has been reached. If you’re selling a property, be careful to keep your current house insured until the completion date, to be fully protected. 

On completion day, your lender will release the funds to your solicitor, who will then transfer the money to your seller’s solicitor. Once this has been completed, you can finally collect the keys to your new home. 

Preparing for the move

Once your offer has been accepted and the solicitors are beginning their checks, it’s a great time to start preparing for the move. Planning and organisation are the secrets to a relaxing, stress-free move – create lists, or spreadsheets, or colour-coded labels – whatever your system, but organisation is key. 

Consider also a few key elements - 

Phone line/broadband – try to make some advance planning and arrangements to get this set up for the moving day, make advance bookings so that you are not left for long without phone or broadband service. 

Change of address – contact the Post Office in advance of your move to make them aware and set up a mail redirection service. Think of any major companies you deal with to also change any pre-saved addresses too. 

Meter readings – before you leave your old property behind, take readings and photographs of the utility devices to keep a record to allow you to pay your final bills with your utility providers before moving to the new property. 

Removal plans – plan ahead to see if you can cope with moving yourself or entrusting the move to a team of professionals. Scope out van hire costs, availability and any friends or family willing to muck in and lend a hand, or whether the higher costs of a removal firm outweigh any stresses and strains. 

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Packing tips 

Here’s how you can try and pack as efficiently as possible: 

Materials - you’ll need a variety of packing materials, including bubble wrap, strong boxes, sticky tape, brown tape and paper (but avoid newspaper, as this can leave ink prints on your belongings).

Even weight distribution – try to pack boxes with heavier items at the bottom and lighter at the top to help reduce any back injuries to yourself or the removal team. 

Colour coding – Use coloured labels to code the house by room, (e.g. kitchen is blue, living room is yellow etc) and put the relevant sticker on the box with the relevant contents in it. 

Fragile labelling – pack your delicate, fragile breakables together and add prominent ‘fragile’ labels to indicate extra care is required moving the box. 

Moving Checklist – Here are some general things to consider when moving.

Six weeks before 

• Confirm the date of your move 

• Get quotes from removals companies 

• Book extra storage space, if needed • Clear out any belongings you don’t need 

• Start packing items that you don’t use frequently 

• Notify utility companies that you’re moving 

• Organise insurance for your new home Four weeks before • Fill out official change of address form at the Post Office 

• Inform doctors, dentists, banks etc. of your move 

• Book your pets into the kennels/cattery if it’ll make things easier and less stressful for them 

• If you have children, consider arranging a babysitter to look after them on moving day 

• Check in with estate agents to confirm your moving date hasn’t changed 

Two weeks before 

• Continue packing non-essential items 

• Inform milkman, newspaper delivers, window cleaners etc. of your move 

• Finalise arrangements with removals company, if using one 

• Arrange a time to collect the keys to your new home 

• Start using up items in freezer One week before 

• Give gas and electric companies final notice of your move 

• Change TV license over to avoid being fined 

• Empty kitchen cupboards 

• Deep clean the house

Night before 

• Finish all packing 

• Put together a moving day survival kit 

• Clear out fridge and freezer 

• Charge phone Moving day 

• Make sure you have your survival kit to hand and it’s not been packed with everything else 

• Final checks to make sure you’ve not forgotten anything 

• Say your final goodbyes to your home! 

• Take the keys to the estate agents

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YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

There may be a fee for mortgage advice.