Useful links & contacts

A good place to start is the Which? Essential Guide ‘Buy and Sell and Move House: Navigate the Property Market without Getting Lost’.

You could also try UK Finance Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first]. They’re the trade association for the mortgage-lending industry, but their website also provides consumer information.

Or check out the government’s website Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first], which has detailed, step-by-step information and advice on applying for a mortgage.

The Council for Licensed Conveyancers Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first] has a searchable database of qualified conveyancers.

To find reputable estate agents, tips for buyers, and download property buying guides, visit the National Association of Estate Agents Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first].

Your solicitor should check if there are any building developments you should be aware of in the area, but you can also check the Planning Portal Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first] yourself.

The Law Society Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first] has a searchable database of solicitors. Or you could ask family and friends for recommendations.

You can search for a qualified surveyor at the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first].

And you can find the basics on Stamp Duty Land Tax, plus thresholds and rates, on the government’s website Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first].

Average costs

You can find out about the different council tax bands at property bands and charges Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first].

Find average house prices in England and Wales on the Land Registry's independent house price index Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first].

Environment & crime

Type in the postcode to get information on crime, living environments and people from the Office for National Statistics Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first].

Find out about local crime rates Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first].

Health

Find NHS doctors and dentists Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first] in the area.

Travel

This government website gives you information and advice on local travel Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first] by taxi, bus, train, plane or boat within the UK.

Sports & leisure

Find out where the green spaces Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first] are.

Visit your local council's website Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first] to find leisure centres and sports activities in the area.

Find out about art and leisure events and facilities Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first] in the area.

Schools & centres

Search for a local Sure Start Children's Centre Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first].

Research primary and secondary schools in an area and access Ofsted reports Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first].

Various national newspapers have school guides online for a small subscription.

Google Street View Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first] lets you virtually check out the neighbourhood.

Use Fish4Homes Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first], PrimeLocation Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first], Rightmove Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first] and Zoopla Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first] to find properties online.

Find out about road networks and future developments across England Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first], Scotland Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first] and Wales Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first].

And for flooding use the Land Registry's flood-risk-indicator tool Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first].

You can compare quotes from removal companies by using online comparison sites.

Search for trusted heating engineers, electricians and builders at TrustATrader Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first].

Find out about The Green Deal Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first] government scheme that could help you make energy-saving improvements, like adding insulation to your property.

Please note: Links to external websites are not reflective of our ability to offer a mortgage, and we obviously can’t accept any liability for the accuracy of the information provided by these websites.

Think carefully before securing other debts against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you don't keep up repayments on your mortgage.