Buyers Guide
Buying a home in Slough
A clear, step-by-step guide from your first viewing to collecting the keys.
Your buyers guide
Buying with confidence
Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make, and it helps to have the right people beside you. We’ve put our team’s experience into this guide so you know what to expect at every stage, whether you’re a first-time buyer, an investor or moving on from your current home.
Have a question at any point? Call us on 01753 336 444 and we’ll talk you through it.
Why choose Apex Real Estate?
Your trusted local estate agent in Slough
Local expertise
Deep knowledge of the Slough property market and surrounding areas.
Exceptional service
Friendly, responsive and tailored to your needs.
Proven track record
Happy clients, repeat customers and successful property purchases.
Complete support
From finding a mortgage adviser to conveyancing, we’re with you from start to finish.
“Our clients aren’t just transactions. They’re relationships we build for life.”
Step by step
The 10 steps to buying your home
From working out your budget to picking up the keys, here’s how a purchase usually runs. Every sale is different, and we’ll guide you through each stage.
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1
Know what type of buyer you are
It shapes your mortgage, timing and the properties we suggest.
- First-time buyer
- Buy-to-let investor
- Let-to-buy
- Sell-to-buy
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2
Get your finances in order
Get a Mortgage in Principle before viewing. It sets your budget and shows sellers you’re serious. See the costs checklist below.
Need mortgage advice? We can put you in touch with independent advisers.
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3
Register and start your search
Register to hear about new properties first. Tell us your areas, property type, bedrooms and budget.
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4
Choose a solicitor
Instruct a responsive solicitor early so they’re ready when your offer is accepted. Ask us for a recommendation.
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5
Make an offer
We put your offer to the seller verbally and in writing. Sellers look at your position, timescale and proof of funds. We’ll also complete your ID and proof of funds checks.
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6
Offer accepted
The property is marked Sold Subject to Contract (SSTC) and we send a Memorandum of Sale to both solicitors so the legal work can begin.
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7
Conveyancing
Your solicitor orders searches, reviews the contract and raises enquiries. For leasehold homes, they’ll also request the management pack.
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8
Survey and mortgage offer
Your lender values the property and issues a formal mortgage offer. The valuation isn’t a survey, so we recommend your own.
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9
Exchange of contracts
You sign, pay your deposit and fix a completion date. The sale is now legally binding, so have buildings insurance in place.
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10
Completion day
Your solicitor sends the remaining funds and we hand over your keys. Congratulations, you’re a homeowner!
Before your offer is confirmed
ID and proof of funds checks
Under anti-money laundering regulations, every estate agent must verify the identity of buyers and check where the money for a purchase is coming from. It’s a legal requirement and applies to everyone.
Having these ready when you make an offer means there’s no delay in confirming your purchase to the seller.
What to have ready
- Photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence
- Proof of address, such as a recent utility bill or bank statement
- Your Mortgage in Principle, if you’re using a mortgage
- Proof of your deposit, such as bank or savings statements
- If any of your deposit is a gift, a letter from the person giving it and their proof of funds
- If you’re buying with cash, evidence of where the money has come from
Plan your budget
What buying a home costs
The price of the property is only part of it. Make sure your budget covers these too.
- DepositUsually 5% to 25% of the price, depending on your mortgage.
- Stamp DutyDepends on the price and whether you’re a first-time buyer.
- Solicitor’s feesLegal fees, searches and Land Registry fees.
- SurveyYour own RICS survey, priced by survey level and property size.
- Mortgage feesArrangement, valuation and any broker fees.
- Buildings insuranceNeeded from exchange of contracts.
- Moving costsRemovals, storage and any time off work.
- Leasehold chargesService charge and ground rent, if you’re buying a leasehold home.
First-time buyers
Stamp Duty relief
If you’re a first-time buyer, you pay no Stamp Duty on the first £300,000 of a home costing up to £500,000, and 5% on the part between £300,001 and £500,000.
Above £500,000, standard rates apply to the whole price.
Rates for England from 1 April 2025.Good to know
Surveys, leasehold and insurance
Choosing a survey
A lender’s valuation protects the lender, not you. A RICS survey tells you about the condition of the home before you commit.
- Level 1: a basic condition report for newer, conventional homes.
- Level 2: the most popular choice for most homes in reasonable condition.
- Level 3: a full building survey for older, larger or altered properties.
Buying a leasehold home
Most flats are leasehold. Ask your solicitor to check:
- How many years are left on the lease. A shorter lease can affect your mortgage and resale value.
- The service charge, ground rent and how they can increase.
- Any planned major works or reserve fund.
- Rules on pets, letting and alterations.
Buildings insurance
When you buy a freehold house, you’re usually responsible for insuring it from the moment you exchange contracts, and most lenders require it.
For leasehold flats, the building is normally insured by the freeholder or management company. Check what the policy covers and arrange your own contents insurance.
Buying commercial property?
Whether you’re looking for shop, office or industrial premises, or an investment, our commercial team can help you find the right property and negotiate on your behalf.
What our clients say
Trusted by buyers across Slough
Buyer FAQs
Your questions answered
Do I need a Mortgage in Principle before I start viewing?
It’s strongly recommended. It confirms how much you can borrow, helps you set a realistic budget and shows sellers you’re in a position to proceed, which can make your offer stronger.
Why do you need to check my ID and proof of funds?
Estate agents are legally required under anti-money laundering regulations to verify every buyer’s identity and the source of their funds. Having your documents ready means we can confirm your offer to the seller without delay.
How do I register to hear about new properties first?
Complete our registration form or call us on 01753 336 444. Once we know your preferred areas, budget, property type and bedrooms, we’ll let you know about suitable homes as soon as they come to market.
Why should I instruct a solicitor early?
Having a solicitor ready means the legal work can start as soon as your offer is accepted. A responsive solicitor keeps searches and enquiries moving and helps avoid delays.
What does Sold Subject to Contract (SSTC) mean?
SSTC means the seller has accepted an offer, but contracts haven’t been exchanged yet. The sale isn’t legally binding until exchange, so either side can still withdraw before then.
What is a Memorandum of Sale?
Once your offer is accepted, we send a Memorandum of Sale to both solicitors. It confirms the price, the buyer and seller, the solicitors acting and any agreed conditions, so the legal process can begin.
Do I need a survey if my lender is doing a valuation?
We recommend one. The lender’s valuation is for the lender’s benefit and checks the property is worth what they’re lending. A RICS survey looks at the condition of the home, so you know about any problems before you commit.
How long does buying a home take?
Every purchase is different, but from offer accepted to completion often takes around three to four months. It can take longer when there’s a chain, a leasehold property or delays with searches or mortgages. We’ll keep things moving and keep you updated throughout.
What happens at exchange of contracts?
You and the seller sign the contract, you pay your deposit and a completion date is fixed. From this point the sale is legally binding, so make sure your buildings insurance is in place.
Can I include conditions in my offer?
Yes. We can put any reasonable conditions to the seller with your offer, such as a preferred completion date or items you’d like included in the sale.
What happens on completion day?
Your solicitor sends the remaining money to the seller’s solicitor. Once it’s received, we’ll hand over your keys and the home is yours.
Ready to get started?
Talk to our sales team
Whether you’re just starting out or ready to make an offer, we’re here to help you find your next home with confidence.