When you have located your property, agreed a price and satisfied yourself (or your solicitor) that the property is free from all encumbrances and debts and or planning problems, it is structurally sound, bank guarantees are issued if it is a new build and that you are getting a good deal, then it is time to draw up a private contract.

This is a document that states in simple terms that you agree to buy and the seller agrees to sell the property as mentioned. It also stipulates the terms and conditions of the sale, what the price is, what is included in the price, when the completion date will be, what the amount of the deposit will be, how this will be paid, what the total amount to be paid is and how this is to be paid and anything else that is deemed important. Your solicitor will either draft this up for you or the agent will have drafted it so you need your solicitor to check it out.

Now then one piece of advice well worth heeding.

If the purchase of the property is dependent on anything