Ten tips to make the mortgage and property buying process less stressful

by Aaron Strutt

Mar 14 2025

Is getting a mortgage stressful?

The home-buying and mortgage process is more straightforward when you work with good companies, and there are fewer surprises when you do your research.

Getting a good mortgage broker and an experienced and efficient solicitor, plus buying through a good estate agent, is important. 

Mortgage brokers currently submit around 87% of all new mortgages written in the UK in 2024 – a figure expected to rise to 91% in 2026, according to the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association. 

Here are key steps to ease the process:

1. Work with the right mortgage, property and legal professionals

• Get expert mortgage advice – brokers find mortgages and explain financial jargon. Trinity Financial's brokers take the time to understand your situation and then research suitable, cost-effective mortgages.
• Work with a decent estate agent – A good agent understands your needs and negotiates effectively. They push the purchase so it is completed promptly where possible.
• Select an experienced solicitor – They handle legal aspects, ensuring a smooth transaction. An experienced solicitor will provide solid advice, often guiding you in whether buying specific properties is a good idea. Trinity has used Steph from SAS Daniels for years.

2. Get pre-approved for a mortgage

• Understand your budget and borrowing capacity early. It is well worth knowing roughly how much you can borrow before starting your property search. Research a range of different areas with different transport links.
• Pre-approval makes you a stronger buyer and speeds up the process.

3. Be financially prepared

• Save for a deposit. There are lots of mortgage options, providing you have a deposit of at least 5%. You often need a 35% or 40% deposit to access the cheapest rates, but lots of mortgages are priced around 4.3% now, even with smaller deposits.
• Be aware: credit cards, loans, kids and private school fees all reduce the amount you can borrow. Try not to take out new credit when you are applying for a mortgage or before completion.
• Unexpected costs include property valuation fees, homebuyer reports and electrical surveys, legal fees, and mortgage arrangement fees often added to the loan. Searches and solicitor fees. Removal fees. Stamp duty, especially if you are buying with someone who owns a property already.
• Keep your credit score healthy for better mortgage rates. Get a copy of your credit report well in advance to fix any errors. This is important because a blip or missed payment could mean you do not qualify with one of the lenders offering the lowest rates.

4. Do thorough research

• Research the area, property values, and market trends to avoid surprises.
• Visit properties in person to get a real feel for them. Speak to the neighbours. Google the management agents to check their reputation if you are buying a flat.

5. Stay organized & communicate

• Keep all necessary documents (ID, payslips, bank statements) ready for a smooth application.
• Maintain clear communication with your broker, agent, and solicitor to prevent delays. Be honest with your adviser. If you try to hide something it is likely to come back to haunt you.

6. Prepare for delays & stay flexible

• Property transactions often take longer than expected especially if there is a chain.
• Be patient and have backup plans for potential delays.

7. Don’t rush, but be decisive

• Take time to understand contracts and terms before signing. Speak to your solicitor and make sure you have read any legal pack.
• Have a chat with friends and family if you are unsure have doubts.
• Once confident, act quickly to secure the right property.

8. Consider getting a home survey

• A property survey helps identify hidden issues, preventing costly repairs later, especially if you are buying a house or older property. Home surveys on flats are often less popular. It also enables buyers to negotiate the purchase price if significant issues need addressing. 

9. Focus on the long-term for your plans and the property

• Think about resale value, location growth, and affordability beyond the initial purchase. Decide roughly how long you 

10. Consider your future plans

• Buying property is a big step—stay calm and ask questions. Try and be one step ahead and buy accordingly. For example, if you are a first time buyer and can afford to buy a property with a spare bedroom, you could let it out to help support you financially or have space to grow a family.

By following these steps, you can make the process smoother, reduce stress, and ensure a successful property purchase.

Call Trinity Financial on 020 7016 0790 to secure a mortgage, book a consultation, or complete our mortgage questionnaire. 

The information contained within was correct at the time of publication but is subject to change.

Your mortgage is secured on your property. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage