Buying a home directly from the owner is perfectly normal. The legal process is exactly the same as buying through an estate agent: your solicitor or conveyancer does the same searches and checks either way. The difference is that you deal with the seller yourself, which often means quicker answers and a clearer picture of the home.
Here's what to check.
Before you view
- Know your budget. Get a mortgage agreement in principle, or proof of funds if you're buying with cash. Sellers will ask, and it makes your offer stronger.
- Check the EPC. Every home for sale needs one. It tells you how energy efficient the home is and gives a rough idea of running costs.
- Check who owns it. You can buy a copy of the title register from HM Land Registry online. The name on it should match the person you're dealing with.
At the viewing
- Ask how long they've lived there and why they're moving.
- Ask what's included in the sale (carpets, curtains, appliances, the shed).
- Look for signs of damp, cracks, or roof and window problems.
- Ask about the boiler's age and when it was last serviced, and about any building work or extensions.
- Visit at different times of day if you can, to see the traffic, parking and noise.
Making an offer
Put your offer in writing, through HownIt messages, so there's a clear record. Say whether you're a cash buyer, have a mortgage in principle, or have a home to sell. Agreeing a price is not legally binding in England until contracts are exchanged, so neither side is tied in until then.
Once your offer is accepted
- Instruct a solicitor or licensed conveyancer and give the seller their details.
- Book a survey. Your mortgage lender's valuation is for the lender, not you. A RICS Level 2 survey suits most homes; older or altered homes may need a Level 3.
- Let your conveyancer run the searches (local authority, water and drainage, environmental) and review the seller's property information forms.
- Budget for stamp duty. In England, first-time buyers pay no stamp duty on homes up to £300,000, and 5% on the part between £300,001 and £500,000. Other buyers pay nothing on the first £125,000, then higher rates above that. Use the GOV.UK stamp duty calculator to check your figure.
Protect your money
- Never pay a deposit or any money directly to the seller. All money should go through your solicitor's client account.
- Check bank details by phone. Before sending money to your solicitor, call them on a number you already know to confirm the account details. Property fraud often starts with a fake email changing the bank details.
Find homes for sale from their owners
Every home on HownIt is listed by its owner and checked by our team before it goes live. Browse homes for sale in Doncaster and the DN area.
This is general information, not legal or financial advice. Speak to your solicitor or mortgage adviser about your own purchase.
