Ownership and title
Ask the solicitor to confirm the seller’s title, restrictions, rights of access, easements and any existing charges. For leasehold, review remaining term, rent terms, service charges, covenants and planned works.
Condition and use
Choose an appropriate survey and review construction, defects and repair costs. Check the actual planning use and any licensing requirements. Mortgage approval is not a certificate that the property has every consent it needs.
Income and costs
For an investment, review leases, tenancies, rent collection and deposits. Budget for management, insurance, voids and maintenance. A gross rent projection should not be confused with net income or a guaranteed return.
Funding and timing
Review the net facility, fees, conditions, repayment route and cash needed at each stage. Establish what must happen before exchange, completion or a drawdown. Ask what happens if the valuation is lower or the exit takes longer.
Record unresolved items
Maintain a list of issues, the professional responsible, evidence required and the decision deadline. A coordinator can organise the list, but legal, tax, structural and valuation conclusions belong to the appointed specialists.
Further reading: MoneyHelper: mortgages and homebuying. Content reviewed 9 September 2026. General information; availability depends on the individual case.