Securing the right mortgage is the foundation of any successful property purchase. With so many lenders, products, and rates available, it’s vital to get expert advice early. We recommend speaking to an independent mortgage advisor to find the most suitable deal. Having an Agreement in Principle in place will strengthen your position when making an offer and help you move quickly once you find your ideal property.
Once your finances are in place, register your details with Keystones Properties. Let us know your budget, preferred areas, and property requirements, and our team will match you with suitable options across East London, including Newham, Hackney, and Barking & Dagenham. We’ll notify you as soon as new listings become available. You can also stay up to date through our website and major property portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla.
Start viewing properties that meet your needs and lifestyle. Make a checklist of essential features, desirable extras, and potential deal-breakers. Our experienced agents will guide you through each viewing, highlighting both the benefits and considerations. We’ll ensure you have all the information you need to make a confident, informed decision before proceeding to an offer.
Once you’ve found the right property, you can make an offer through us. Carefully consider your budget, factoring in your deposit, mortgage amount, Stamp Duty, and legal fees. We will communicate your offer to the seller promptly and keep you updated throughout the negotiation process. Once an offer is accepted, it’s time to instruct a solicitor to handle the conveyancing.
Once your offer is accepted, the buying process formally begins. We will prepare a memorandum of sale and liaise between all parties — including solicitors, lenders, and surveyors — to ensure a smooth transaction. On average, the process from offer to completion takes six to eight weeks, but our dedicated sales team will work to progress matters as efficiently as possible.
Your chosen solicitor will handle the legal aspects of transferring ownership. They’ll conduct Land Registry and Local Authority searches, check boundaries, and review any legal restrictions affecting the property. Keystones Properties will remain in regular contact with your solicitor and the seller’s representative to ensure the process stays on track and any queries are resolved quickly.
If you require a mortgage, this is when your lender will arrange a property valuation. You may also wish to commission a more detailed survey to assess the property’s condition, especially for older or non-standard buildings. The survey results may influence your mortgage terms or negotiations with the seller. Once your mortgage offer is issued, you’re one step closer to exchange.
When your solicitor has completed all necessary checks, received your mortgage offer, and both parties are ready, contracts are exchanged. You’ll pay your deposit (typically 5–10% of the purchase price), and the sale becomes legally binding. A completion date is then agreed — this could be immediate or within a few weeks, depending on circumstances and any related transactions.
On the agreed completion day, your solicitor will transfer the remaining balance to the seller’s solicitor. Once confirmed, the property legally becomes yours. We’ll arrange for you to collect the keys from our office or directly at the property. Congratulations — you are now the proud owner of your new home.
Now the exciting part begins! Arrange for your post to be redirected, notify your utilities and council, and book your removals in advance. Take meter readings, check appliances, and familiarise yourself with your new surroundings. At Keystones Properties, we’re here to help make your move as smooth as possible — and we’ll be on hand should you ever need further assistance.
This guide is provided for general information only and may not reflect your individual circumstances. You should always seek independent financial and legal advice before purchasing a property. Keystones Properties accepts no liability if you rely solely on this guide.
