1. Set a budget that includes all costs
On top of the price, allow for transfer tax, notary, lawyer, registration and the agency fee, which together come to roughly 6–8% of the price.
2. Get mortgage pre-approval
You learn how much you can borrow and negotiate with confidence.
3. Choose an area, not just a house
Schools, commute, noise, parking: visit the neighbourhood in the morning and in the evening.
4. View with a checklist
Damp, orientation, windows, service charges, energy class.
5. Legal and technical checks
Your lawyer checks the title and the engineer checks for unauthorised works. Never pay a deposit before this.
6. Preliminary agreement and loan
You sign a preliminary agreement with a deposit while the bank values and approves.
7. Contract and keys
Signing at the notary, registration at the Land Registry and transferring the utility accounts.
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