An Agreement in Principle doesn't affect your credit score or credit file as we use a soft credit check.
When you've found the right place, make an offer through your solicitor.
Remember the sale price is what the seller hopes to get, but you may be able to agree a lower price.
So that you're confident in your discussions, you can use our Agreement in Principle tool to find out how much we could lend you without affecting your credit score or credit file.
Now's the time to finalise your mortgage. Speak to your lender to see what paperwork and information they need from you.
They'll arrange a valuation to see what the property is worth. You'll also get a Home Report giving information about the property, so make sure you read this carefully.
Royal Bank of Scotland mortgages are available for over 18s.
Once your offer has been accepted, your solicitor and the seller's solicitor will deal with the formal process of transferring title and firming up the deal, known as concluding missives. Once this has happened you'll be formally bound to purchasing the property.
At this point your solicitor or conveyancer will have carried out all necessary land searches. You'll need to have buildings insurance in place too, in case something happens to the property before you move in.
It's time to pick up the keys to your new home - this is when the property legally becomes yours. All the forms have been signed, Land and Buildings Transaction Tax has been paid and the money has been transferred to the seller's solicitor.
Don't forget to:
Tell your old utility suppliers you're moving and take any final meter readings
Let the council know you're moving so you can stop paying council tax at your old address
Tell your new utility suppliers when you move in and give them meter readings
Get in touch with Royal Mail to redirect your post from your old address
