From deposit to completion — the UK home-buying journey.
Getting a mortgage as a visa holder or settled residentYou don't need ILR to buy — but visa holders face fewer lenders, bigger deposit asks and minimum-time-remaining rules that vanish once you're settled.
Building a house deposit the tax-smart wayA Lifetime ISA adds a 25% government bonus to up to £4,000 a year — but the £450,000 property cap and withdrawal penalty have sharp edges.
From offer accepted to keys in handBetween offer and completion sit searches, surveys and contracts — nothing is binding in England until exchange, so either side can walk away.
Leasehold vs freehold: what you actually ownMost flats are leasehold — you own the right to live there for the lease term, not the building — and short leases and service charges can sink a purchase.