Your Complete Buyer’s Guide – Apex Real Estate Slough
Navigate your path to property ownership with confidence and clarity
Buying a Property in Slough
Your Buyers Guide
Purchasing a home is one of the most significant investments you’ll ever make, and having the right partner beside you makes all the difference. In this Buyer’s Guide, Apex Real Estate Slough distils our decade-long experience into a clear, step-by-step narrative—so whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or planning to move on from your current home, you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to prepare at every turn.
Why Choose Apex Real Estate?
We’re proud to be your trusted local estate agent in Slough, offering:
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 mortgage advice to conveyancing, we’re with you from start to finish.
“Our clients aren’t just transactions — they’re relationships we build for life.”
Your Step-by-Step Buying Guide
Buying with Apex Real Estate
Our ten-point roadmap breaks down the home-buying process into straightforward, manageable stages – from understanding your buyer profile and securing a Mortgage in Principle through to exchanging contracts and collecting your keys.
Each step is designed to demystify what can often feel like a complex journey, providing clear guidance, expert support, and practical tips along the way. By following this guide, you’ll know exactly what to expect, how to prepare, and when to act, so you can move forward with total confidence and focus on what really matters: finding and owning your perfect home.
What Type of Buyer Are You?
Step 1
First-Time Buyer
You’ve never owned property before.
Buy-to-Let Investor
You’re buying to rent it out.
Let-to-Buy
You’re renting your current home to buy a new one.
Sell-to-Buy
You’re selling your existing home to fund your next purchase.
Get Your Finances in Order
Step 2
Secure a Mortgage in Principle before you start your search — it shows sellers you’re serious and helps you define your budget. Don’t forget to factor in:
Deposit, Legal fees, Survey costs, Mortgage and valuation fees, Stamp Duty (check our Stamp Duty Calculator), Moving costs etc.
Need help with a mortgage? We can connect you with trusted advisors.
Start Your Property Search
Step 3
Register with Apex to get early access to properties that match your needs. One of our team members will help you every step of the way.
Consider:
- Preferred location (e.g. commute, schools, amenities)
- Type of property (house, flat, maisonette)
- Number of bedrooms
- Your maximum budget
Let us take the stress out of finding your perfect home.
Appoint a Solicitor
Step 4
A responsive, proactive solicitor is essential for a smooth process. Not sure who to choose? Ask us for a recommendation.
Making an Offer
Step 5
When you find the right home, we’ll submit your offer to the seller both verbally and in writing.
Sellers usually consider:
- Your position (e.g. in a chain or cash buyer)
- Your moving timeframe
- Proof of funds (Mortgage in Principle or cash confirmation)
Offer Accepted!
Step 6
We’ll issue a Memorandum of Sale, confirming the details. This is sent to all parties to begin the legal process.
The Conveyancing Process
Step 7
Your solicitor will now:
- Open your case (you’ll pay money on account)
- Order searches with the local council
- Review the draft contract and raise enquiries
- Check property documentation and (if leasehold) request a management pack
Survey & Mortgage Offer
Step 8
If you’re using a mortgage:
- Your lender arranges a survey to check the value and condition
- Once approved, a formal mortgage offer is sent to you and your solicitor
- The property will now be marked as SSTC (Sold Subject to Contract).
Exchange of Contracts
Step 9
Once everything’s ready:
- You’ll sign contracts and transfer your deposit (usually 10%)
- Both parties agree a completion date
- Contracts are exchanged and the deal becomes legally binding
Completion Day
Step 10
Your solicitor transfers the remaining balance to the seller’s solicitor. Once confirmed, we hand over your keys.
🎉 Congratulations — you’re officially a homeowner!
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about buying your home with Apex Real Estate.
What type of buyer am I and why does it matter?
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, buy-to-let investor, let-to-buy, or sell-to-buy client, understanding your category lets us tailor mortgage advice, timing, and property recommendations to your specific needs.
Do I really need a Mortgage in Principle before I start searching?
Yes. A Mortgage in Principle not only shows sellers you’re serious, it also defines your budget and speeds up the offer process once you’ve found the right property.
How do I register with Apex for early access to properties?
Simply complete our online registration form or call the team – once we have your criteria (location, budget, property type, bedrooms), we’ll alert you to suitable listings as soon as they become available.
Why do I need to appoint my own solicitor?
A responsive, proactive solicitor ensures searches, contract reviews, and enquiries are handled promptly – keeping your purchase on schedule and avoiding costly delays.
What is a Memorandum of Sale?
When your offer is accepted, we issue a Memorandum of Sale to all parties, confirming buyer and seller details, the agreed price, and key dates, so solicitors can kick off the legal process.
What does “Sold Subject to Contract (SSTC)” mean?
SSTC indicates that an offer has been accepted and a mortgage offer issued, but contracts haven’t yet been exchanged—meaning the sale is still conditional until you exchange contracts.
What happens at the exchange of contracts?
You and the seller sign legally binding contracts, your deposit (usually 10%) is paid, and a firm completion date is agreed—after this point, the sale cannot be undone without penalty.
How long does the conveyancing process take?
Typically 6–12 weeks from offer acceptance to exchange, depending on search turn-around times, mortgage processing, and any leasehold management pack requirements.
Can I include special conditions in my offer?
Yes. We can submit any reasonable conditions—such as extended completion dates or fixtures & fittings requests—alongside your offer when we present it to the seller.
What should I do on Completion Day?
Your solicitor transfers the remaining funds to the seller, once confirmed, we collect the keys and hand them over to you—congratulations, you’re officially a homeowner!
Ready to get Started?
Our expert team at Apex Real Estate Slough is here to help you find your next home with confidence.
Apex Real Estate,
268 Bath Road,
Slough,
SL1 4DX