# Home buying checklist

Every step of buying a home in order: budget and mortgage, viewings, offer, inspection and closing.

## Before you start

- [ ] Check your credit report and fix any errors
- [ ] Work out how much you can borrow and how much you are comfortable paying monthly
- [ ] Save the deposit and a reserve for fees and moving costs
- [ ] Get a mortgage pre-approval or agreement in principle
- [ ] List your must-haves and nice-to-haves
- [ ] Choose the areas you want to search in

## Searching and viewing

- [ ] Set up alerts on property portals and with local agents
- [ ] Visit each property at different times of day
- [ ] Check the neighbourhood: noise, parking, transport, shops, schools
- [ ] Look for damp, cracks, old wiring, plumbing and roof condition
- [ ] Ask why the owner is selling and how long it has been on the market
- [ ] Compare the asking price with recent sales nearby

## Making an offer

- [ ] Decide your maximum price before negotiating
- [ ] Make the offer in writing through the agent
- [ ] Confirm what is included in the sale: fixtures, appliances, furniture
- [ ] Agree on timelines and any conditions
- [ ] Ask about the seller's chain or plans so you know the risks

## Checks and legal work

- [ ] Hire a solicitor, notary or conveyancer
- [ ] Order a survey or building inspection
- [ ] Review the title, boundaries and any easements
- [ ] Check for planning permissions and any restrictions
- [ ] For apartments, read the building rules, service charges and recent meeting minutes
- [ ] Check energy performance and running costs
- [ ] Verify there are no outstanding debts or claims on the property

## Financing

- [ ] Compare mortgage offers on rate, fees and flexibility
- [ ] Submit the full mortgage application with all documents
- [ ] Arrange buildings insurance, effective from exchange or purchase
- [ ] Budget for taxes, legal fees and registration costs

## Closing

- [ ] Review the final contract with your legal adviser
- [ ] Do a final walk-through of the property
- [ ] Transfer funds for the deposit and completion
- [ ] Sign the contract and any transfer documents
- [ ] Collect the keys and take meter readings
- [ ] Keep all documents in one place

## After you move in

- [ ] Change the locks
- [ ] Set up utilities, internet and waste collection
- [ ] Register your new address with banks, employer and authorities
- [ ] Locate the water shutoff, fuse box and gas shutoff
- [ ] Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors