Spencer & Leigh recognises the fact the purchase of your home is the most important and expensive transaction you are likely to undergo.

Our database features a number of properties and we are sure that with our local knowledge and expertise, we will be able to find you a property to suit your needs.

Please click here to see a list of our current properties.

To enable you to unravel the complexities of buying your home, we have set out below an overview of the various procedures involved:

The first requirement is for you to register your details and property specifications which can be achieved in a number of ways i.e. by email, phone, in person or by completing our registration form. This will give us an insight into your personal requirements, thereby enabling us to modify the details sent to you.

Once registered, you are then in a position to receive details from us either directly in person, via mail, email or by downloading the particulars directly from our website. We also offer an SMS text service direct to your mobile phone.

Our friendly team are available to arrange those all important viewings of your selected properties. Our offices are open 6 days a week from 9.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. on Saturday. Please contact us to arrange a mutually convenient time to view on; Patcham office: 01273 565566, Portslade office: 01273 421777.

In order to speed up your house buying process, it is advisable wherever possible, to get a mortgage agreed in principle before any final decision on your new property is made. This has the advantage of providing you with a clear indication of what is affordable and the fact that you have a mortgage agreed in principle is also attractive to sellers. For independent advice an appointment can be made with The Finance Planning Group mortgage adviser.

Once you have located your ideal property, your offer will be submitted by us to the vendor for their consideration. This is done both verbally and in writing.

NB: Please note that all offers are "subject to contract" and therefore neither party is legally bound until the contract is actually signed.

As soon as your offer has been accepted by the vendor, you should instruct a solicitor to act on your behalf. Your solicitor will handle all legal requirements of your purchase (property conveyancing).

At this point, you also need to formally proceed with your mortgage application and instruct your mortgage consultant/broker accordingly.

The next step is to obtain the Mortgage Valuation, as required by law. This will be conducted by a Chartered Surveyor acting for your Lender. The report is to provide a Valuation i.e. determine whether the amount to be loaned is secure and also deals with the basic condition of the property. Since you as the buyer are also provided with a copy, it allows both parties to evaluate the findings prior to entering into a commitment to purchase.

NB: However, we would not recommend that a buyer relies solely on the Mortgage Valuation survey as the inspection is limited and although it may cost a little more to obtain a more detailed report yourself, this could in the long run save you from making a costly mistake.

1. Homebuyer Survey/Valuation

This is the mid-range option as it is more expensive than the Mortgage Valuation but less than the Building Survey (see below).

It is a basic service and therefore more appropriate to properties in apparently good condition and conventionally constructed. The survey's purpose is to highlight any pressing or significant defects and problems which are likely to have an overall impact on the value of the property.

The objective of the Homebuyer Survey is to provide a more in depth report which will assist the buyer in making an informed decision whether to proceed with the purchase and also whether the agreed price reflects the actual value. Moreover, the professional opinion of the surveyor as contained in his report will also set out particular features of the property which may possibly have an affect on the present value and potential future marketability.

2. Building Survey

Unlike the Homebuyer Survey, this is suitable for all types of property whether conventional or unconventional. The term "unconventional" encompasses properties that have an unusual construction, are historic or Listed Buildings, have been extensively altered or where major work is planned.

The Building Survey is comprehensive and lists full technical details of the construction, materials and condition. It highlights the full spectrum of defects from the more serious down to the insignificant and the terms of the survey are therefore tailored to fit the client's specific needs. However, it should be noted that this does not include a valuation and is only conducted by prior agreement.

The draft contract is drawn up by the seller's solicitor and is forwarded to the buyer's solicitor for consideration alongside the HIP. Any additional queries or questions will be asked and answered and the contract amended accordingly, subject to final approval.

The Lender is now in possession of the Mortgage Valuation survey and, subject to the findings of this report; receipt/approval of the mortgage application and provided all references and checks have been conducted satisfactorily, the Lender will send a formal mortgage offer to the buyer and their solicitor. The document is then signed and returned and funds requested by the buyer's solicitor.

Once the contract has been signed by both parties, a deposit (normally a small percentage of the purchase price) is paid by either bank transfer or banker's draft. At this stage, the parties agree on a date for completion.

Completion usually follows a few days or weeks after exchange of contracts. The balance of the purchase price is transferred by the buyer's solicitor to the seller's solicitor and the keys released - Congratulations! You are now the owner of your new home!