Making the process of finding and buying a property hassle-free
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Buying a home is one of the most important purchases you will ever make and whether you are a first-time buyer or looking to trade up to a larger home, hoping to downsize, or planning to invest in a buy-to-let property, we are here to help you every step of the way.
Garrett Whitelock makes the whole process of finding and buying a property in SE1 and the surrounding areas as straightforward and hassle-free as possible.
Before starting to look for a property to buy, it’s imperative to get your finances in order and have a clear idea of your budget. If you find your dream property but don’t have proof from a lender that you can secure the necessary mortgage, you could lose out to another buyer in a stronger position, and it could all end in tears. Garrett Whitelock has close links with a number of trusted local independent mortgage brokers who would be happy to offer you any help and advice you may need.
It’s also a good idea to make a list of what you’re looking for. How many bedrooms do you need? Is outside space a priority? Do you need a garage or car parking space? What transport links do you want to be close to? It’s also a good idea to consider which of these criteria are set in stone, and which are more flexible.
Step 1: Starting your search
Once you have a clearer idea of exactly what you’re looking for, pop into our office, call us on 020 3318 5532, or register and we will give you the details of all available properties that meet your criteria. We will also continuously update you via email and text alerts when new properties become available.
Step 2: Viewings
Once you have found a property – or properties – that you’d like to view, please call our sales team on 020 3318 5532 to make an appointment. Due to the fast-paced nature of the London property market, early viewings are always recommended.
At Garrett Whitelock we accompany all viewings so that we’re on hand to answer any questions you may have about the particular properties you’re interested in. Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am – 6:30pm, and Saturday 10am – 4pm, but we regularly conduct viewings outside these times to suit the needs of our clients.
Step 3: Making an offer
Once you have found a property that you’d like to buy, you can make an offer, stating any particular conditions, which we will put forward to the vendor for consideration. After any negotiations have taken place, hopefully your offer will be accepted. At this point, we will ask you for your solicitor’s details in order for your purchase to proceed. We will also prepare a memorandum of sale and send it to all parties involved, to confirm what has been agreed.
To avoid any unnecessary delays, you can check the status of your prospective purchase at any stage in the process using Garrett Whitelock’s free online service, My Property File.
Step 4: The conveyancing process
After you’ve sent off your mortgage application (if relevant), the conveyancing process begins. This is the process of legally transferring the property from one person to the next, and is normally carried out by a solicitor, although you can do it yourself (this is only advisable if you know what you’re doing).
Your solicitor will act as an intermediary between you, the mortgage lender and the seller, looking over any contracts on your behalf. They will also deal with the Land Registry, sort out Stamp Duty Land Tax and organise for your funds to be transferred during the sale, as well as check for any structural risks, such as subsidence, following a survey of the property. (There are two types of survey in addition to the valuation that your mortgage company will insist on: a HomeBuyer Report, which should highlight any urgent repair work needed, and a full Building Survey, recommended for older properties or buildings of ‘non-standard construction’).
Once any surveys have been completed to your satisfaction, you’ve received your mortgage offer, you have sorted out insurance for the property, and the rest of the paperwork is in order, you’re ready to exchange contracts and move in. Upon exchange of contracts, you will be asked to pay a deposit, which is non-refundable should, for any reason, you pull out of the purchase after exchange.
Step 5: Completion
Upon exchange of contracts, you will agree a completion date, which is the date when you legally become the new owner of the property. On this date, once the outstanding funds have been transferred by your solicitor to the vendor’s solicitor, you will receive the keys and move into your new home.
At this point, you will need to read the meters and contact the utility companies to inform them that you have moved in, as well as contact your preferred telecommunications company and the local council for Council Tax purposes.
Now all that remains is for you to settle in and enjoy your new home!
Get answers to common questions people ask about the home buying process and our buyers service.
Do you offer a property finder or search service?
Yes, Garrett Whitelock offers a property finder and search service designed to match you with suitable properties based on your specific requirements, budget, and preferred locations across south east London.
As well as properties listed on the open market, Garrett Whitelock also has access to off-market opportunities that are not advertised on property portals, giving you an advantage over other buyers. Our team takes the time to understand exactly what you are looking for and will alert you to properties that meet your criteria as soon as they become available.
Can you arrange viewings outside of normal working hours?
Yes, Garrett Whitelock offers flexible viewing times to fit around your schedule, including evenings and weekends. We understand that most buyers are balancing property viewings with work and other commitments, which is why we make it as easy as possible for you to view properties at times that suit you.
Simply let your Garrett Whitelock agent know your availability and we will arrange viewings accordingly.
Do you work with any conveyancers you can recommend?
Yes, Garrett Whitelock works with trusted, proactive conveyancers who we are happy to recommend. The quality and responsiveness of your conveyancer can make a significant difference to how smoothly and quickly your purchase completes, which is why we only recommend solicitors and conveyancers who have consistently delivered a reliable service to our clients.
You are under no obligation to use our recommendations, but many Garrett Whitelock buyers choose to do so for the added confidence and coordination it provides.
Do you offer new build properties or just resale homes?
Garrett Whitelock offers both new build and resale properties across south east London and the surrounding areas. Whether you are looking for a brand new home from a developer or an established resale property, our team can help you find the right option to suit your needs and budget.
What support do you provide from offer acceptance to completion?
Garrett Whitelock guides you through every step of the buying process from the moment your offer is accepted through to completion and key handover. Our dedicated team manages the process end-to-end, coordinating with solicitors, mortgage brokers, surveyors, and the seller’s agent to ensure everything progresses as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Garrett Whitelock will keep you informed at every key stage, chase outstanding actions on your behalf, and proactively address any issues that arise during the transaction so you can move into your new home with confidence.
Do you offer virtual viewings or video tours of properties?
Yes, Garrett Whitelock provides high-quality virtual tours and video walkthroughs where available. Virtual viewings are a convenient way to get a detailed first look at a property before deciding whether to arrange an in-person visit, which is particularly useful if you are relocating to south east London from another area or have limited availability during the week.
Garrett Whitelock’s virtual tours are designed to give you an accurate and comprehensive feel for the layout, condition, and proportions of a property from the comfort of your own home.
Do you have access to off-market properties not advertised online?
Yes, Garrett Whitelock often has access to off-market properties that are not advertised on Rightmove, Zoopla, or other property portals. Some sellers prefer a discreet sale without public marketing, and Garrett Whitelock’s strong local network and relationships with property owners across south east London mean we are frequently made aware of these opportunities before they reach the open market.
By registering your requirements with Garrett Whitelock, you can gain access to properties that other buyers may never see.
What after-sales support do you provide once my purchase completes?
Garrett Whitelock remains available for support, advice, and assistance after your purchase has completed. Whether you need advice on a future property decision, or simply have a question about the area, the Garrett Whitelock team is always happy to help.
We value long-term relationships with our clients with some buyers return to us when they are ready to sell, let, or purchase their next property.
What buyer protection or guarantees do you offer?
Garrett Whitelock ensures transparency, thorough due diligence, and professional guidance at every stage of the buying process. As members of The Property Ombudsman, we are bound by a strict code of practice that protects buyers and ensures fair treatment throughout the transaction.
Garrett Whitelock will always act with honesty and integrity, provide you with accurate information about any property you are considering, and ensure you are fully informed before making any decisions. If you ever have a concern about the service you receive, you have recourse to an independent ombudsman at no cost.
How do you keep buyers updated during the process?
Garrett Whitelock provides regular updates via phone and email at every key stage of the buying process. From the moment your offer is accepted through to exchange and completion, you will be kept fully informed about the progress of your purchase and any actions required from you.
Garrett Whitelock’s proactive approach to communication means you will never be left chasing for information or wondering what is happening with your transaction.
Will I deal with one person throughout or multiple negotiators?
You will have a dedicated point of contact at Garrett Whitelock throughout your buying journey. We believe that consistency is essential to providing a high-quality, personal service, and having one main agent who understands your requirements, preferences, and circumstances means nothing is lost in translation.
What makes you more likely to call one buyer before another?
Garrett Whitelock prioritises buyers who are financially ready and responsive. Buyers who respond quickly to new opportunities are naturally the first to hear about suitable properties.
By ensuring your finances are in order and maintaining regular contact with Garrett Whitelock, you put yourself in the strongest possible position to be notified of properties ahead of other buyers.
What information do you need from me to be taken seriously as a buyer?
To be taken seriously as a buyer and prioritised for property notifications and viewings, Garrett Whitelock will need to see proof of funds, a mortgage agreement in principle (if you are buying with a mortgage), and evidence that you are ready to proceed with a purchase.
Do you group viewings or offer private appointments?
Garrett Whitelock primarily arranges private viewing appointments to give you the time and space to explore a property properly without feeling rushed. Private viewings allow you to ask questions, take a closer look at the details, and get a genuine feel for the property and its surroundings.
In certain circumstances, Garrett Whitelock may arrange open house events or grouped viewings, but the majority of our viewings are conducted on a private, one-to-one basis with an accompanying agent.
If I like a property, what's the best next step through your agency?
If you are interested in a property, the best next step is to register your interest with Garrett Whitelock as quickly as possible and be ready to submit an offer. In a competitive south east London market, acting quickly can make the difference between securing a property and missing out.
What's the best way to submit an offer through you?
The best way to submit an offer through Garrett Whitelock is in writing, with full details of your financial position and buying circumstances. This should include the offer amount, confirmation of your funding (mortgage agreement in principle or proof of cash funds), your chain status, and your preferred timescale for completion.
Submitting a clear, well-prepared offer allows Garrett Whitelock to present it to the seller in the strongest possible terms and gives you the best chance of having your offer accepted.
Do you present all offers to the seller, and how are they shared?
Yes, Garrett Whitelock presents all offers to the seller clearly and with full details of the buyer’s position. We are legally required to pass on all offers received on a property, and we do so transparently, providing the seller with the offer amount alongside information about the buyer’s financial status, chain position, and readiness to proceed.
Will you advise me honestly if my offer isn't competitive?
Yes, Garrett Whitelock provides honest, transparent advice at every stage. If your offer is unlikely to be accepted or is significantly below the level of competing interest, we will let you know and explain why.
What happens once my offer is accepted?
Once your offer is accepted, Garrett Whitelock confirms the agreed sale and begins managing the legal process. We will issue a memorandum of sale to all parties, including solicitors, and coordinate the next steps to ensure the transaction moves forward without unnecessary delay.
Who manages the sale progression?
Garrett Whitelock has a dedicated sales progression team who manage the transaction from offer acceptance through to completion. This team is responsible for coordinating all parties involved in the sale, chasing outstanding actions, and resolving any issues that arise during the conveyancing process.
How do you manage communication across a chain?
Garrett Whitelock liaises with all parties in the chain — including other estate agents, solicitors, mortgage brokers, and buyers and sellers at every link — to keep everything moving in the right direction.
What happens if someone in the chain delays or pulls out?
If a delay or fall-through occurs elsewhere in the chain, Garrett Whitelock acts proactively to resolve the issue or find an alternative solution. This may involve working with other agents to identify the cause of the delay and push for resolution, or in the case of a fall-through, helping to find a replacement buyer or seller as quickly as possible to keep the chain intact.
How do you reduce the risk of a sale falling through?
Garrett Whitelock reduces the risk of a sale falling through by qualifying all buyers thoroughly at the outset and managing the sales progression process closely from start to finish. This includes actions like verifying financial positions, assessing chain viability, maintaining regular contact with all parties, and identifying potential problems early before they escalate.
Do I have to use your recommended solicitor or mortgage broker?
No, you are under no obligation to use Garrett Whitelock’s recommended solicitors or mortgage brokers. You are free to instruct any solicitor or broker of your choice. However, we do recommend trusted professionals who we have worked with and who have consistently delivered a reliable, efficient service to our clients.
Are there any fees or obligations for buyers working with you?
No, Garrett Whitelock’s service to buyers is typically free of charge. In the standard property sales process in England and Wales, the seller pays the estate agent’s fee, which means there is no cost to you as a buyer for using Garrett Whitelock’s services.
What needs to happen before we can exchange contracts?
Before exchange of contracts can take place, all legal checks, property searches, and mortgage arrangements must be complete. This includes your solicitor carrying out local authority searches, environmental searches, and title checks on the property, as well as your mortgage lender issuing a formal mortgage offer following a satisfactory valuation and survey.
Both parties must also agree on a completion date, and your solicitor will need to confirm that all enquiries raised during the conveyancing process have been satisfactorily resolved. Garrett Whitelock will keep you informed of progress towards exchange and ensure all parties are working to the same timeline.
What's your role between exchange and completion?
Between exchange and completion, Garrett Whitelock coordinates timelines and ensures a smooth handover of the property. During this period, we confirm the completion date with all parties, ensure that any outstanding conditions are met, and liaise with solicitors and agents to make sure everything is in place for completion day.
