You can register by calling us on 01293 529999, emailing the office, or filling in our property search form at homes-partnership.co.uk. We’ll take details of your budget, preferred areas, must-have features (bedrooms, garden, parking) and timeframe. Registered buyers get matched alerts for new listings, often before they reach Rightmove and Zoopla, plus invitations to our pre-launch open events.

It’s strongly recommended. A Mortgage in Principle (MIP) shows sellers you’re a serious, qualified buyer — without one, your offer is much less likely to be accepted, particularly in a competitive market. An MIP usually takes 24–48 hours to obtain and is free through our in-house mortgage advisers. We can also help cash buyers evidence their funds via a Proof of Funds letter.

Offers can be made by phone, email, or in person — typically through the agent marketing the property. Your offer should include: your name and contact details, the offer amount, your position (cash buyer / mortgage approved / chain status), your timeframe, and any conditions (e.g. sale of your own property). We’ll communicate the offer to the seller, negotiate on your behalf, and confirm acceptance in writing. There’s no charge to make an offer.

Once your offer is accepted: (1) the property is marked Sold Subject to Contract (STC); (2) you instruct a conveyancer/solicitor (we can recommend); (3) you apply formally for your mortgage; (4) the seller’s solicitor sends contracts to your solicitor; (5) searches are ordered and the survey carried out; (6) exchange of contracts happens once everything checks out (typically 8–12 weeks later); (7) completion follows shortly after exchange. We project-manage the chain on the seller’s side throughout.

A reservation agreement is a legally binding short-term contract between buyer and seller, sealed by a small reservation fee. It commits both parties not to walk away during a specified window (typically 4–6 weeks), preventing gazumping and gazundering. Reservation agreements significantly reduce sale fall-through rates and are particularly useful in chains or where one party has had a previous deal fall through. Ask us about reservation agreements during your offer process.

Beyond your deposit, typical costs include: Stamp Duty Land Tax (calculated on purchase price, with first-time buyer relief up to £425,000); legal/conveyancing fees (£800–£1,500); searches (£200–£300); survey (£300–£900 depending on type); mortgage valuation and arrangement fees (varies); buildings insurance from completion day; and removal costs. Budget around 3–4% of the property price for total purchase costs, or higher above the stamp duty thresholds.

Yes — we operate a pre-launch policy where many of our properties are previewed to our registered buyer database and on our social channels before they go onto Rightmove and Zoopla. This typically gives you 24–72 hours’ head start on the rest of the market. To benefit, register with our team and tell us exactly what you’re looking for — we’ll match new instructions against your criteria automatically.