UK home-buying checklist

Before your offer, before exchange and before completion.

1. Mortgage in principle and budget including stamp duty and fees
2. Freehold or leasehold, and remaining lease length
3. Own survey at the right level commissioned
4. Searches and the seller's forms reviewed
5. Flood risk and council plans checked
6. Formal mortgage offer received before exchange
7. Buildings insurance in place from exchange
8. Form of co-ownership (joint tenants or tenants in common) decided