Save up a lump sum to use as a deposit. Aim for at least 5 to 10 percent, although 25% is fast becoming the norm. But remember, the more deposit you have, the less interest you will have to pay and the more deals are open to you.
Arrange your finance by getting a agreement in principle from a lender. You can do this through a repulable Independent Mortgage Advicer (IMA) or direct from the lender. If you already have a mortgage, speak to your lender first before exploring elsewhere.
Search for and instruct a solicitor or professional conveyancer to carry out the necessary legal work. It's usually best to get personal recommendations, otherwise you can search online or look in the phone book.
Once a property has been found, make a formal mortgage application with the lender. A variety of documentation will also need to be supplied. This can be done online, face-to-face, over the phone or through a broker.
The lender will issue a formal mortgage offer once a property valuation and references are deemed satisfactory. This is known as an offer of advance. It will include the conditions for which it is offering the loan. Once accepted, the lender is commited to providing the money.
Exchange and completion. If you're buying, once you've got a formal mortgage offer, your solicitor can agree a date for exchanging contracts with the seller's solicitor. At this time you usually pay a percentage of the purchase price as a non-refundable deposit and commit to paying the rest on the agreed completion date (when the property becomes yours).