Viewing and Buying a Home in 2026: A Simple Guide for Buyers
This blog is for first-time buyers and home movers who have not been through the process in a few years. It’s designed to help you understand everything you need to know about viewing and buying a home in 2026.
Buying a home can feel overwhelming, especially if you are a first-time buyer or you have not moved house in several years. The process has changed a lot, and there are now more checks, paperwork, and preparation needed before you can secure your next home.
To help make things easier, we have put together this simple guide explaining what you need to do before viewing, offering, and buying a property in 2026.
Speak to a Mortgage Advisor Before You Start Viewing
One of the most important first steps is speaking to a mortgage advisor or broker before arranging viewings.
This helps you understand:
- How much you can realistically borrow
- What your monthly repayments may look like
- How much deposit will you need
- Which mortgage products may suit you best
At this stage, you do not necessarily need a Mortgage in Principle straight away, but you should have had an initial conversation so you understand your budget clearly before falling in love with a property.
What Is a DIP, MIP or AIP?
You may hear different terms used during the buying process, including:
- DIP – Decision in Principle
- MIP – Mortgage in Principle
- AIP – Agreement in Principle
These are all essentially the same thing. Different lenders and brokers simply use different names.
A DIP, MIP or AIP is a document from a lender showing how much they may be willing to lend you based on basic financial information and a credit check.
When Do You Need a Mortgage in Principle?
You will need your DIP, MIP or AIP ready when making an offer on a property. Most estate agents will ask for this before the seller agrees to take the property off the market, as it shows you are financially prepared to proceed. However, buyers should understand that this is not the same as a formal mortgage offer.
The full mortgage offer comes later, once your offer has been accepted and the lender has carried out further checks. This will usually include a Level 1 mortgage valuation survey to confirm the property is suitable security for the loan and that the lender is happy to lend the agreed amount.
Be Prepared for ID Checks and AML Verification
Once your offer has been accepted, you will need to complete identity checks before the sale can progress.
These checks are a legal requirement via the agent and include:
- ID verification
- Anti-Money Laundering checks (AML)
- Politically Exposed Person checks (PEP)
There is usually a charge for these checks, and the transaction cannot move forward until they are completed.
If part of your deposit is being gifted by a family member or another third party, the person gifting the money will also need to complete ID and AML checks.
You Will Need Proof of Funds
Estate agents will also ask buyers to provide proof of funds once an offer has been accepted.
This may include:
- Your DIP, MIP or AIP
- Bank statements showing your deposit
- Evidence of any gifted deposit
- Identification documents
In most cases, buyers should aim to provide all requested documents within 48 hours of their offer being accepted.
The Property May Not Come Off the Market Straight Away
Many buyers assume a property is immediately marked as sold once their offer is accepted, but this is not always the case.
Most agents will only mark a property as Sold STC once they have received all supporting paperwork, including:
- Mortgage in Principle
- Proof of deposit
- ID and AML checks
- Solicitor details
Delays in providing documents can slow the process down and may put your purchase at risk.
Have a Solicitor Ready
You will also need a solicitor or conveyancer ready once your offer is accepted.
Your solicitor handles the legal side of the purchase, including:
- Property searches
- Contracts
- Enquiries
- Exchange and completion
If you do not already have a solicitor, your local estate agent can usually recommend trusted local firms and arrange quotes for you.
Choosing the right solicitor is important, as communication and workload can have a major impact on how smoothly your purchase progresses.
How Long Does It Take to Buy a House in 2026?
On average, buying a home currently takes around 4 to 6 months from offer accepted to completion.
However, timescales can vary significantly depending on:
- The solicitor you choose
- How quickly the paperwork is returned
- Mortgage processing times
- Whether there is a chain involved
- Issues raised during surveys or searches
Unfortunately, delays are still common in the property market, so patience and good communication are key.
Final Thoughts
Buying a home in 2026 involves much more preparation than many buyers expect, but getting organised early can make the process far less stressful.
Speaking to a mortgage advisor, preparing your documents, arranging a solicitor, and understanding the checks involved will help you move quickly when you find the right property.
If you are planning a move this year and would like advice on the buying process, our team is always happy to help.