Our Buying Guide
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, second home-owner or an investor…our useful Buying Guides and top tips can help you.
1FinanceYour first port of call when it comes to purchasing a property, is having the correct financial support in place. This could be in the form of cash, a mortgage or a buy to let mortgage. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of stamp duty (view our Stamp Duty guide). Rest assured, we’re here to help. We work closely with locally based independent mortgage brokers that share our same ethos and are committed to providing outstanding customer service. Their skilled and caring advisors will guide you through the whole process from initial, free no obligation advice, right up to completion ensuring a smooth and stress free experience. Each application is handled by a dedicated case manager for all clients, ensuring your case is handled with the highest level of efficiency and professionalism. |
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2Property SearchOnce you’ve worked out your budget, it’s time to start looking. Location is one of the biggest influences on price, so it’s important to pick some key locations you’re interested in before you begin to search. Why not use our property search to see if there’s anything you like the look of? |
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3ViewingsArranging a viewing here at Turner Dooley couldn’t be simpler. Simply click our ‘book viewing’ button, select a time of day/date that suits you & then one of the team will be in touch within 24 hours to confirm your appointment. Alternatively, you can get in touch via one of our flexible methods of communication. |
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4ChainsIf you’re a first-time buyer, you won’t be in a chain. However, the properties you’re looking at might be, so it helps to check. A ‘chain’ is basically property jargon for when a bunch of home sales are dependent on each other. |
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5OffersOnce you’ve found the right property, it’s time to make an offer! Again, this couldn’t be easier here at Turner Dooley thanks to our ‘Make An Offer’ button & our flexible methods of communication. We will call upon our years of experience & deploy our expert negotiating skills to make sure we secure your dream home at the right price. |
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6ConveyancingA fancy word for ‘Solicitors’. It’s strongly recommended that you instruct a solicitor when it comes to purchasing a property. They’re able to deal with all the legal side of things, including searches which are a vital part of the legal process, ensuring a much smoother transaction. We can recommend reputable solicitors who are based in the area that share our same ethos in providing outstanding customer service. |
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7SurveysBuying a house is one of the biggest financial commitments that most of us will ever make. Understandably, you want to know you’re making the right decision. Surveys help you learn more about the property you want to buy, so that you feel completely confident about your purchase. We work closely with local RICS qualified surveyors that are able to offer a range of surveys to suit your needs, whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced mover. We are also able to give you advice and insights that can help you renegotiate, budget or plan for any works you may need to carry out on your new home. |
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8Exchange of ContractsAfter your survey & searches are completed, your solicitor will raise any further enquiries to the vendor’s solicitor (‘Vendor’ is the owner of the property you’re buying). There can sometimes be some back & forth during this stage of the process. Once all enquiries are satisfied, you will transfer your deposit to the solicitor. They will proceed to exchange contracts and then at this point, the sale is legally binding. A date for completion will be set shortly afterwards and you can begin the final preparations. |
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9CompletionThe moment you’ve been waiting for! On the completion day, once all funds have cleared throughout the chain, we can officially hand you over the keys to your new place! |
Stamp Duty
What is Stamp Duty?
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is the tax that must be paid when you purchase a property or a piece of land. The amount of money required for stamp duty depends on the overall price of the property as well as factors like whether it is residential or non-residential and whether or not you are a First Time Buyer.
How much will you pay?
First-time buyers in England and Northern Ireland are not required to pay stamp duty. This applies to any purchase up to £300,000 of a main residential property if it costs less than £500,000.
If the property is worth between £125,001 and £250,000, the stamp duty land tax rate is 2%. So if the property was valued at £250,000, you have to pay an extra £2,500 in stamp duty tax.
For the next £675,000, the rate is 5%. If the property you are purchasing was valued between £250,001 and £925,000 bracket, the buyer will not pay any stamp duty on the first £125,000 but will pay a 2% rate on the next £125,000 and a 5% rate on the following £675,000.
In Wales, they are exempt from land transaction tax on the initial £180,000 of their home. In Scotland, they don’t have to pay land and buildings transaction tax on the first £175,000 of the sale.
Property Price | Stamp Duty Rate | Additional Property Rate |
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Up to £125,000 | 0% | 3% |
£125,001 – £250,000 | 2% | 5% |
£250,001 – £925,000 | 5% | 8% |
£925,001 – £1,500,000 | 10% | 13% |
>£1,500,001 | 12% | 15% |