The buyer journey

The UK buying process,
step by step.

Buying in London works differently from many markets. Here is the whole journey, explained plainly, so there are no surprises, wherever in the world you're buying from.

Eleven clear steps

From first conversation
to keys in hand.

We guide and coordinate every step. The regulated parts (legal, mortgage and tax) are handled by your own independent professionals, and we always make clear which is which. Where a step has a calculator or a guide behind it, it is linked from that step.

1
Initial consultation
We begin with a conversation: in person, by video or by phone. You tell us what you want to achieve; we explain how the London market and UK process work, and what to expect. No commitment, no pressure.
2
Buyer profile and budget
We build a clear picture of your objectives, total budget, funding method (cash or mortgage), deposit, timeline and any constraints. This is what lets us match you properly rather than generically.
What a purchase really costs →Stamp duty calculator →
3
Project shortlist
We prepare a focused shortlist of selected developments that fit your profile, and explain each one side by side: design, location, leasehold, charges and the honest trade-offs. We're clear about where we hold a confirmed developer relationship and where we don't.
Leasehold explained →How our advisory works →Compare them side by side →
4
Developer introduction
Where you wish to explore a development further and we hold the appropriate relationship, we introduce you to the developer or their sales team and register your interest correctly.
How we are paid →
5
Viewing or online presentation
We coordinate a viewing in London or, for overseas buyers, a structured online presentation, so you can assess the development properly before going further.
6
Reservation
If you decide to proceed, the developer typically asks for a reservation deposit to hold a specific unit, under a reservation agreement. We explain what reservation means and what comes next, but the agreement is between you and the developer.
Reservation vs exchange →Ten questions first →
Key milestone
7
Solicitor, AML & source of funds
You instruct an independent solicitor to act for you. As part of standard UK practice, you complete anti-money-laundering (AML) checks and provide evidence of your source of funds. We help you prepare in advance; the legal work itself is your solicitor's.
Who does what →Source of funds, prepared →
8
Exchange of contracts
Once your solicitor has reviewed the contract and you're satisfied, you exchange contracts and usually pay a deposit (commonly around 10%). At exchange, the purchase becomes legally binding. We make sure you understand this milestone before you reach it.
Legally binding
9
Mortgage or cash purchase process
If you're using a mortgage, your independent adviser and lender progress your application towards a formal offer. If you're buying with cash, your solicitor prepares the funds for completion. We help keep the moving parts coordinated.
Mortgage or cash →
10
Completion
On completion, the balance is paid, ownership transfers to you, and you receive the keys. For new-builds this may be a set date or, for off-plan purchases, when the building is finished. We explain off-plan timelines clearly so there are no surprises.
Keys in hand
11
Letting or management options
After completion, if you intend to let the property, we can introduce you to letting and management partners for furnishing, tenant find, rent collection and ongoing management, so the property is looked after even when you're abroad.
Lettings and management →Rental yield calculator →Yield or growth →

Throughout the journey, we guide and coordinate, but the regulated steps are handled by your own independent professionals. We are not financial, mortgage, legal or tax advisers; our role is to keep everything clear, connected and moving, and to make sure you always know who is responsible for what.

Book a consultation

Ready to take the first step?
Let's talk it through.

A clear, no-pressure conversation is the best place to begin, wherever you are in the world.

Book a Consultation