Böhm's Guide to Selling Your Home
If you're considering selling, allow us to guide you through our step-by-step process, ensuring you're well-informed and confident every step of the way.
Böhm's Guide to Buying your Home
04 November 2025
If you’re ready to begin your search, allow us to guide you through the buying journey with clarity and confidence.
From preparing before your first viewing to navigating the legal process with ease, we’re here to ensure each stage is straightforward and well-informed. Whether you’re buying your very first home or moving on to your next chapter, our aim is to make the experience as seamless - and as stress-free - as possible.
Preparation
Secure your mortgage in principle
If you require a mortgage, your first step is to obtain a Mortgage in Principle (MIP) — also called an Agreement in Principle (AIP), Decision in Principle (DIP), Mortgage Agreement in Principle, or a Mortgage Promise.
This document confirms, based on an initial assessment, how much a lender may be willing to lend to you. While it’s not a final mortgage offer, it places you in a strong position - particularly for high-demand properties where multiple buyers may be ready to make an offer. Combined with your deposit amount, it also gives you a clear idea of the property price range to focus your search on.
You can arrange an MIP directly with your bank or through a mortgage advisor, who can assess your affordability and compare deals from multiple lenders. We work closely with a trusted local advisor and can provide an introduction if required.
Instruct your solicitor
Choosing a solicitor early will allow you to act quickly when your offer is accepted, avoiding unnecessary delays.
Look for a solicitor who is proactive, communicative, and experienced in residential property transactions. They will manage the legal process, protect your interests, and ensure all paperwork is accurate and complete.
If you’re purchasing an apartment in a building over 11 metres in height, it’s worth checking whether the property falls under the Building Safety Act (BSA). If it does, make sure your solicitor is able to act on BSA-affected properties, as not all firms are insured to do so.
We can recommend reliable solicitors who have consistently delivered excellent service and are well-versed in these requirements.
Budget for additional costs
Beyond your deposit and mortgage, it’s important to factor in other expenses that will form part of your overall budget. These may include Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), solicitors’ fees, survey and valuation charges, and any mortgage arrangement costs.
Viewings
Once you’ve identified a property you’d like to view, we’ll arrange a suitable time and confirm the appointment with you by email. If you are running late, please call our office to let us know. If you need to cancel or reschedule, inform us as early as possible so we can update the seller.
Your viewing will be conducted by a member of our team. Take time to explore the space and ask any questions you may have. For leasehold properties, details such as service charges, ground rent, and lease length will be listed on our website, but we can also provide this information - along with details on the local area and amenities - during or after your visit.
For more detailed discussions or if you’re considering making an offer, please contact our office by phone or email.
Post Viewing
Feedback
We’ll follow up to hear your honest thoughts. Whether you’re ready to move forward or the property isn’t the right fit, your feedback helps us guide your search and advise the seller.
Making an offer
If you wish to make an offer, please contact our office by phone or email to do so. We’ll provide you with an offer form to complete, confirming details such as your offer amount, any conditions, your buying position, chain details, funding method, and preferred timescale. To support your offer form, we will also require:
- Your mortgage in principle or proof of funds
- Evidence of deposit (bank statement or solicitor’s letter)
- A copy of the Memorandum of Sale for your property (if applicable)
- ID verification (completed securely via a digital platform)
If any part of your deposit is gifted, we’ll need written confirmation from the person providing the funds. All documentation is handled confidentially.
Sales & Conveyancing Process
Offer Agreed
Once your offer is accepted, we will issue a Memorandum of Sale and send it to you, the sellers, and both sets of solicitors. This document formally records the details of the agreed sale and signals the start of the conveyancing process. Your solicitor will guide you from here, and the team at Böhm will stay in close contact to monitor progress, help resolve any delays, and answer questions whenever you need us.
Surveys
If you’re buying with a mortgage, it’s important to let your mortgage advisor or lender know that your offer has been accepted. They will then arrange a valuation of the property, and we will provide them with access as required.
In addition, you may wish to commission a HomeBuyer’s Survey or a Building Survey. These reports can highlight structural issues or repairs that may affect your decision to proceed, renegotiate, or budget for future works. We recommend arranging surveys promptly so any concerns can be addressed without holding up the transaction.
Exchange
At this stage, you will sign the contract for purchase, which your solicitor then exchanges with the seller’s solicitor. You’ll also transfer your deposit to your solicitor. A completion date is formally agreed, and from this point, the sale becomes legally binding on both parties.
Completion
On the agreed completion date, your solicitor transfers the remaining funds to the seller’s solicitor. Once this is confirmed, ownership of the property is legally transferred to you.
We will be informed by the seller’s solicitor when it is time to release the keys, and we’ll be in touch to arrange handover. At this point, we will also pass on any useful information provided by the seller to help you settle into your new home quickly.
Buying a home is a significant step, and we’re here to guide you throughout - from finding the right property to handing you the keys. If you’re ready to take the first step, or if you’d like some guidance before beginning your search, please do get in touch.
If you’ve already started exploring, you can browse our current listings here.
