Moving House Checklist: Budget, Area, Estate Agent and Solicitor

Planning a move? Our checklist covers your budget, the area and how to choose the right estate agent and solicitor.

Moving house is exciting, but it pays to plan. This checklist covers what to sort out before you start viewing, and how to pick the right estate agent and solicitor to get you over the line.

1. Know your budget and mortgage options

Work out what you can afford each month with a budget planner.
Look at the main mortgage types, such as fixed and tracker rates, and how long you want to tie in for.
Get a mortgage in principle before you view. It shows sellers you are ready to proceed.
Allow for moving costs such as stamp duty, legal fees, surveys and removals.

Our how much can I borrow calculator and stamp duty calculator give you a quick idea of the numbers.

2. Research the area

Visit at different times of day, including the school run and the evening.
Check travel times to work, schools, shops and public transport.
Look for planning applications nearby. New building can affect the value of your home when you come to sell.

3. Think about future value

It is easy to fall for a house, but try to think ahead. Homes near good schools and transport links tend to hold their value. Check the local planning portal before you commit.

How to choose an estate agent

Local knowledge: pick an agent who sells homes like yours in your area and knows local prices.
Reputation: read online reviews and ask friends and family who they used.
Track record: ask how quickly their recent sales went through and how close they got to the asking price.

How to choose a solicitor

Clear fees: ask for a full breakdown up front so there are no surprises.
Reviews: check what past clients say about speed and communication.
Easy to reach: you want a solicitor who answers the phone and replies to emails. Slow replies are the main cause of delays.

We can arrange a legal, survey or EPC quote for you, so you can compare costs before you choose.

Need help with your mortgage?

Our advisers can find a mortgage that fits your move and keep things on track with your agent and solicitor. Read our moving home guide or call us on 01332 300300.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Thinking of moving?

Call us on 01332 300300. We search lenders across the market for your next home.

Moving home mortgages

Get in touch with our team to get a handle on your finances…

If your mortgage deal is coming to an end, you are thinking about remortgaging or you want to switch mortgages, our team can help.

Book an appointment

Honest opinions from people like you

There simply are no superlatives sufficient to thank you for your fantastic service! I would highly recommend mortgage and finance area to any of my friends or family looking for a mortgage. You’ve made our dreams come true! The team go above and beyond to make everything so easy.

The advice and financial services I have recently had from Charlotte at Morgage And Finance Ltd in Derby has been first class. Very professional, helpful, efficient and supportive. I wholeheartedly recommend them.

Suzanne and Charlotte were amazing and made the process of buying our first home completely stress-free for us. They were both on hand if we ever had any problems/questions and always responded with knowledgeable and completely honest answers. I would highly recommend.

If I could rate this company more than 5 stars I would. I cannot fault the service and support my partner and I have received whilst getting our first mortgage together. Ian and Megan have been amazing, making the process completely stress free. They were both on hand if we ever had any questions. I would highly recommend. Thank you!

There simply are no superlatives sufficient to thank you for your fantastic service! I would highly recommend mortgage and finance arena to any of my friends or family looking for a mortgage. You’ve made our dreams come true! The team go above and beyond to make everything so easy.