You have decided to buy a home - but what next? Next is the legal work, negotiations, dealing with surveyors and solicitors, finding a good mortgage deal, as well as the small matter of finding the home of your dreams.

Buying a house is one of the biggest financial decisions that you will make in your life. It can be a lengthy and complicated business, which while exciting is often accompanied by stress and worry. But luckily there is a lot of good advice around helping you to make your home-buying experience as easy and problem-free as possible.

PropertPicnic.com is one of the fastest growing property sites and this means you get the best choice, the latest search technology and the most appropriate companies to find what you are looking for. With local information, trusted in-depth guides, calculators, detailed property information and a host of complementary information available you can find everything you need for that ideal property.

The buying process: a step-by-step guide

We are here to help you with the main stages you will go through when buying a home.

• Work out how much you can afford
• Get a mortgage agreement in principle
• Choose your home
• Hire a solicitor
• Make an offer
• Have a survey and valuation done
• Do any necessary legal work
• Arrange for Building Insurance
• Finalise your mortgage
• Exchange contracts
• Organise your move
• Finalise your contract details
• Move in!