The following is a stage by stage guide to buying your home. Shortcuts are highlighted to give you quick access to useful contacts.

Step 1. - Prior to selecting the property you wish to purchase seek advice from an Independent Financial Adviser to establish the maximum you can afford to borrow.

Step 2. - Arrange to view properties through "aprilhomes" by calling 01638 500063 or by email to enquiry@aprilhomes.co.uk.

Step 3. - Make an offer to the vendor, through “aprilhomes” who will handle the ongoing enquiry for you. Once your offer is accepted your Mortgage application, if you require mortgage funding, needs to be finalised with the appropriate Lender. This can be carried out by an Independent Financial Adviser.

Step 4. – You will need to arrange for a survey to be done on the property. This could cost as little as £200 and upwards dependent on the value of the property and the type of survey you require. If you require a mortgage to purchase the property, the Lender will handle the survey for you.

Step 5. - Appoint a Solicitor. They will work with the vendor's Solicitor and arrange for local searches to be made relating to the property. Your choice of Solicitor is important as, along with your surveyor, they are the most important people in the whole process as they protect your interest and can prevent you buying a house full of headaches.

Step 6. - Once your Mortgage offer is made, you are now in a position to exchange contracts. This may take a little time depending on how long the "chain" of other buyers and sellers is and how far the other purchasers and venders have to go to complete their own transactions.

Step 7. - Once contracts have been exchanged you and the vendor will need to set a date for completion, your Solicitors will then transfer your money electronically to the vendors Solicitors and complete the sale. The vendor will leave the keys with their Solicitor for you to collect.

Step 8. - Make sure that you have arranged for your mail to be redirected, informed your gas, electric, water and telephone suppliers, and that you have moved out at the time agreed with your Solicitor to avoid complications.