What is the process?
1. See what’s available
Take a look at all our available properties on this site. You can also download brochures and the application
form here too. The sales team can advise you on the current properties available, prices, and which properties you can afford.
form here too. The sales team can advise you on the current properties available, prices, and which properties you can afford.
2. Registration and mortgage assessment
Register with the Homebuy Agent (e.g. Lea Valley Homes). Completing their application form, once approved by them, you will be given a registration number which you'll need for your application form.
If you need a mortgage, we’ll arrange for you to be assessed by an Independent Financial Advisor (IFA) from our recommended panel. They will establish what mortgage you can afford, and advise you on the best rates available. We can provide details of recommended panel solicitors and IFAs.
3. View properties
Once we’ve received confirmation from the IFA that you’re able to get a mortgage, we’ll contact you to arrange viewings of the properties you’re interested in. You’ll be shown around by one of our sales team, who can also answer your questions.
4. Apply
Fully complete and return the Hightown Homes Application Form with copies of the documentation listed in the form. The list will include bank and savings statements and various evidence of your earnings. Once we have received your application form and all the required documents, it will be assessed. We will confirm to you, normally in 24 hours, if your application has been successful.
Fully complete and return the Hightown Homes Application Form with copies of the documentation listed in the form. The list will include bank and savings statements and various evidence of your earnings. Once we have received your application form and all the required documents, it will be assessed. We will confirm to you, normally in 24 hours, if your application has been successful.
5. Reserve
Once you’ve viewed the property, you can reserve, which means it’ll be taken off the market. You will need to pay a reservation deposit of £500, which is payable by cheque (made payable to HPCHA), or by debit card via phone.
Once you’ve viewed the property, you can reserve, which means it’ll be taken off the market. You will need to pay a reservation deposit of £500, which is payable by cheque (made payable to HPCHA), or by debit card via phone.
The reservation deposit is not refundable once your application has been approved. However it will be deducted from the purchase price on completion. You’ll also be required to confirm contact details for your acting solicitor and IFA/lender. Once your application has been approved, formal documentation will then be sent to you, your solicitors and IFA/lender to start the purchasing process. We will keep you informed on the progress of your purchase. You will need to liaise directly with your solicitor and IFA/lender.
6. Arrange a mortgage
Your IFA/lender will handle the mortgage process. In order to formally approve your mortgage, the lender needs to be sure of the value of the property. The lender will appoint a surveyor to provide a mortgage valuation, which you’ll need to pay for. The lender will contact our sales team directly to arrange an appointment for the valuation. The surveyor will send a copy of the valuation report to your lender who, if they are happy with the report, send the mortgage offer directly to you and your solicitor.
Your IFA/lender will handle the mortgage process. In order to formally approve your mortgage, the lender needs to be sure of the value of the property. The lender will appoint a surveyor to provide a mortgage valuation, which you’ll need to pay for. The lender will contact our sales team directly to arrange an appointment for the valuation. The surveyor will send a copy of the valuation report to your lender who, if they are happy with the report, send the mortgage offer directly to you and your solicitor.
Once you have reserved your chosen property...
7. Legal process
Your solicitor will handle the legal process on your behalf. They will:
- check the contract pack and lease that will be sent from our solicitors
- conduct the searches
- check your mortgage offer
- forward a copy of the mortgage offer to us for our approval
Once we’ve approved the mortgage offer, we’ll confirm this to you and your solicitor. Then we will be able to confirm the exchange and completion dates.
Before exchanging you’ll need to complete a direct debit form for rent and service charge payments and return it to us.
8. Exchange
You will be expected to exchange contracts within 28 days from the date the contracts have been sent to your solicitors. You will need to ensure that your deposit money will be available by this date.
Your solicitor will need your signed contracts and mortgage deed returned with your deposit money – as cleared funds – ready for exchange of contracts. You’ll have 5–10 working days after the 28-day exchange deadline in order to complete the sale.
9. Complete
The date for completion will be set when you exchange contracts. If you’re buying off-plan (a property that is still being built), you will still be expected to exchange contracts in 28 days, but completion will take place ‘on notice’. Normally we will give you 10 days notice of the completion date.
The date for completion will be set when you exchange contracts. If you’re buying off-plan (a property that is still being built), you will still be expected to exchange contracts in 28 days, but completion will take place ‘on notice’. Normally we will give you 10 days notice of the completion date.
Our solicitor will forward the completion statement to your solicitor which will give you a full breakdown of all the costs relating to your purchase, including the deposit that you have paid which will be deducted from the purchase price.
On the day of completion your solicitor will confirm that completion has taken place. Once our solicitors have informed us that the completion money has been received, your Home Ownership Officer will contact you directly to confirm the time to meet you at the property for your handover.
10. Move in!
On handover, you’ll receive the keys to your new home. The Home Ownership Officer will take meter readings of the utilities and show you where your parking bay, cycle shed and bin stores are located, and make sure you’re happy with everything.
You’ll be given a welcome pack which will give you full details of the property, insurances, guarantees, maintenance, repair and management services. You’ll need to contact the utility suppliers and council tax department to confirm your completion and move in date.
