Home buying checklist

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