New home buying guide

Stage 1: Getting started

The first step is to speak with one of our recommended independent financial advisors. They’re specialists in new build mortgages and can help you understand how much you can borrow, what your monthly repayments might look like, and which mortgage options are right for you. You’re under no obligation to use them, but their expertise often makes the process much easier.

Stage 2: Prepare to reserve

Once you’ve chosen your perfect new Dandara home, and all parties involved are in agreement, it’s time to pass a few important details to your sales consultant. They’ll need your personal information, along with the name of your chosen mortgage broker or lender and your solicitor (or advocate, if you’re buying in the Isle of Man). With this, they’ll be able to prepare the official reservation agreement for your new home.

Stage 2: Prepare to reserve continued...

Reservation checklist appointment

You’ll then attend a reservation appointment, which usually takes around two hours. During this time your sales consultant will explain all the technical details, show you the plans for your home and answer any questions.

Reservation complete!

When you’ve signed the reservation agreement and paid your reservation fee, your new home is taken off the market. From here, you’ll have a 14-day ‘cooling-off’ period.

Stage 3: Instructions begin

Ready to proceed? Your solicitor or advocate will step in to handle the legal side of things. They’ll receive the contracts for your new home and begin the formal process. Contracts should normally be exchanged within 42 days, which keeps everything moving smoothly.

Stage 4: Gathering your documents

At the same time, your financial advisor will guide you through the documents needed for your mortgage application. This usually includes proof of income, identification and bank statements. Getting everything ready at this stage helps your application progress quickly.

Stage 5: Mortgage application and valuation

Once your mortgage application is submitted, your lender will arrange a valuation of your new home. This is where a surveyor confirms that the property’s value matches the agreed price. It’s an important part of the process, and once complete, you’ll be another step closer to your mortgage offer.

Stage 6: Paying for search fees

Your solicitor will then carry out local searches to make sure that there are no hidden issues with the property, such as local planning restrictions or boundary disputes. You’ll need to cover the cost of these fees, and your solicitor will talk you through any findings.

Stage 7: Receiving the valuation report

Once the valuation report is complete and your lender has carried out their final checks, you will be one step closer to receiving your mortgage offer. This is a key step in securing your mortgage, and you can be assured that your lender will be carefully making sure everything is in place for a straightforward transition.

Stage 8: Contract review and signing

At this stage, you’ll receive your home purchase contract. Take the time to read it carefully, and if there’s anything you’re unsure of, your solicitor or advocate will be there to explain. Once you’re happy, sign the contract and return it to your solicitor or advocate so the process can continue.

Stage 9: Receiving and signing your mortgage offer

Your solicitor or advocate will receive the official mortgage offer from your lender. This document outlines the full terms and details of your loan, giving you the green light to proceed with your home purchase. Review it carefully, and when you’re ready, sign and return it. With that step complete, your mortgage is officially secured.

Stage 10: Paying your deposit

The next step involves your solicitor or advocate requesting your deposit payment, which confirms your commitment to buying your home. The deposit amount can vary depending on the location and type of property you’re buying, it's a good idea to discuss this with your sales consultant. If you’re arranging a reduced deposit, let them know early so everything is clear.

Stage 11: Confirming your deposit

Once your deposit has been received, your solicitor will carry out their final checks and confirm that everything is in order. This means you’re now on track for the final stages of the purchase.

Stage 12: Authorising the exchange or missive

You’re almost there! Dandara will authorise the exchange of contracts (or signing of missives if you’re buying in Scotland). This marks a firm commitment to the sale.

All you need to do now is give your solicitor or advocate the go-ahead to finalise the legal details and confirm the agreed completion terms. This could be a fixed date or a set of specific conditions, but everything will be made clear to you. Your solicitor or advocate, together with the Dandara team, will guide you through this final phase.

Stage 13: Finalising the exchange of contracts

Once contracts are exchanged, the sale becomes legally binding for both you and Dandara. Your solicitor will confirm the agreed completion date or terms, and you’ll be just one step away from moving in.

Stage 14: Notice to Complete

f you have exchanged on notice, our legal team or solicitor will provide your solicitor / advocate with the notice of legal completion according to the contract.

Legal completion then typically takes place within ten working days when the completion monies have been received by our Legal Team or solicitor / advocate.

Stage 15: Pre-completion Inspection

Before you move in, our team will carry out a quality inspection of your home. You’ll also be invited to conduct a pre-completion inspection yourself or a qualified inspector may undertake the visit on your behalf.

Please note that any independent inspector must comply with the following:

Be a member of a recognised professional association (e.g. RICS, RPSA, etc)
Hold relevant Professional Indemnity Insurance
Only work within their competency
Inspect the home within the Premier Guarantee technical standards

We also need to point out that any visitors will be expected to comply with safety regulations set out by the site manager. (Please note: the site manager has the right to ask individuals to leave should they breach site safety rules)

If you intend to appoint an inspector, please let us know as soon as possible.

Stage 16: New Home Demonstration

A few days before your official completion date, you’ll be invited to a new home demonstration. This is where your site manager or sales consultant will walk you through your property and run through all its facilities and functions, to make sure you’re familiar with them come moving day.

During the demonstration you will be shown:
Hot water, heating and kitchen appliances
How to ventilate your new Dandara home
Servicing and maintenance

There may be works on the development that still need to be completed when you move in. This could include things like roads, footpaths, landscaping, children’s play areas, etc. Our sales consultants will let you know the arrangements to finish these.

Stage 17: Legal Completion and Handover

The day you have been waiting for! Once the funds have been received by our legal team or solicitor, the transfer will be complete, and you will now become the legal homeowner.

Our sales consultant will call you to arrange a time to meet you at your new home to hand over your keys, take your meter readings, and ask you to sign a handover form.

Congratulations, your journey is complete, and you can now begin settling into your brand-new home.

Your essential guide to buying a new Dandara home