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Buying guide

Everything you need to know about buying a home in the North East, from budget to keys.

1. Work out your budget

Speak to a mortgage adviser and get an agreement in principle. As well as your deposit, budget for stamp duty, a survey, conveyancing fees and moving costs. Our mortgage and stamp duty calculators are a good place to start.

2. Register and search

Search our properties for sale and register for alerts so you hear about new homes first. Save favourites in My Dowen.

3. View

Book viewings online or with your local branch. View more than once if you are serious, at different times of day, and ask about the chain, council tax, broadband and running costs.

4. Make an offer

We will ask for proof of your deposit and your agreement in principle, and your chain position. Every offer goes to the seller in writing, and we will tell you the outcome as soon as we know.

5. Instruct a solicitor and surveyor

Once your offer is accepted, instruct a conveyancer and book a survey. We can recommend both, with fixed conveyancing fees and RICS surveys.

6. Exchange and complete

Our sales progression team keeps everyone moving. At exchange the sale becomes legally binding; on completion day you collect your keys from the branch.