Short answers for a long process.

Finding a home is unpredictable. Once an offer is accepted, exchange often takes roughly eight to sixteen weeks, with completion commonly one to four weeks later. Chains, searches and lending can extend this.

Some mortgages accept five per cent, but a larger deposit can improve product choice and rates. Keep buying costs and an emergency buffer outside the deposit.

They investigate title, order searches, raise enquiries, act for the lender, handle exchange and completion funds, submit tax paperwork and register ownership.

Exchange makes the transaction binding and fixes the completion date. Completion transfers the balance and ownership, allowing key collection.

Gazumping is a seller accepting another offer after accepting yours but before exchange. It is generally legal in England because the first agreement is not yet binding.

A lender valuation protects the lender and may say little about condition. A buyer's survey is separate and chosen according to the building's age, type and condition.

Sold Subject to Contract means an offer is accepted, but either party can still withdraw before exchange.

Freehold normally includes the building and land. Leasehold gives time-limited rights under a lease and can bring service charges, ground rent and restrictions.

Discuss serious findings with the surveyor, obtain quotations, then decide whether to proceed, renegotiate or withdraw before exchange.

You may renegotiate the price, add more deposit if affordable, challenge using evidence, or explore another lender. None is guaranteed.

Normally at exchange of contracts. Before that, an accepted offer remains subject to contract.

An Agreement in Principle is a provisional indication of possible borrowing. It is useful for offers but is not a guaranteed mortgage.

The seller instructs and normally pays the agent. Buyers should independently verify important claims.

They are reports used by the conveyancer to uncover planning, roads, drainage, environmental and other legal or location-specific information.

Common causes include chain failure, lending problems, survey findings, legal issues, delay, gazumping and changed personal circumstances.

Under many standard contracts the buyer needs cover from exchange. Confirm the exact requirement with your conveyancer and lender.

A chain links transactions because sellers need proceeds to fund their next purchase. One delay can affect every link.

It depends on price and eligibility. Use the calculator with current rates and confirm unusual circumstances with HMRC or an adviser.

A Lifetime ISA can add a government bonus to eligible savings. First-home withdrawals have account-age, mortgage and current property-price conditions.

Often yes, but the lender and conveyancer need a declaration that it is a gift and evidence showing the source of funds.

Common requests include identification, address history, payslips, bank statements, tax evidence for self-employment, commitments and deposit evidence.

Mortgage and buyer funds move through the conveyancers. Once the seller's conveyancer confirms receipt, the agent can release keys.

Usually your conveyancer collects the amount, submits the return and pays HMRC after completion. Confirm it was filed.

Ask the lender or broker early about an extension. The lender may refresh checks or decline, so keep the chain informed.

Yes. Use comparable sales, condition, demand and your financial ceiling. The seller decides whether to accept.