Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but it can also come with a few challenges along the way. From setting the right budget to securing a property to buy in Purley, Croydon & Greater London, many UK buyers encounter similar obstacles during the process. The good news is that most issues are avoidable with the right preparation and guidance. In this article, we’ll explore the most common problems faced by property buyers and share practical solutions to help make your move smoother and less stressful.
One of the earliest stumbling blocks for buyers is working out what they can realistically afford. Some buyers focus purely on the purchase price, forgetting about the additional costs involved, while others underestimate their borrowing power and rule out homes that may actually be within reach.
Costs buyers often overlook include:
Stamp duty
Solicitor and conveyancing fees
Surveys and mortgage arrangement fees
Removal and initial setup costs
Applying for a Mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP) gives you a clear idea of what you’re likely to be able to borrow and helps you focus on realistic options. It also reassures sellers that you’re financially prepared. A mortgage adviser can help you understand monthly repayments and highlight any costs that could affect affordability later on.
We recommend CBM Financial an independent mortgage broker, who is well respected by mainstream institutions, private banks and other specialist providers.
Competition for homes means that many buyers miss out on a suitable property for sale in Purley, Croydon & Greater London simply because they weren’t quick enough.
To improve your chances:
Register with Shinerocks. We are a local estate agent in Purley, Croydon & Greater London
Be clear about your must-haves and nice-to-haves
Have your AIP ready so you can act quickly
At Shinerocks we often introduce buyers to suitable properties before they’re widely advertised, giving them a valuable head start.
Many buyers worry about getting their offer wrong. Go in too low and you risk losing the property. Go in too strong and you may feel uneasy about whether you’ve paid more than needed.
This is where local market knowledge really comes into its own. As an experienced estate agent in Purley, Croydon & Greater London we understand pricing trends, buyer demand and seller expectations, and that insight helps shape the strongest possible offer.
We will look at:
Recent sale prices of similar homes
How much interest the property has attracted
The seller’s position and preferred timescales
At Shinerocks, we’ll explain the options clearly and recommend the best offer to make, so you can move forward with confidence rather than guesswork.
Property chains often get a bad reputation, but many progress smoothly with good organisation and communication. Delays usually occur when updates aren’t shared or paperwork is slow to move.
A well-managed chain relies on everyone staying engaged. You can help things along by:
Instructing a proactive solicitor as soon as your offer is accepted
Returning forms and documents promptly
Keeping in touch with your estate agent
We play a central role in chasing progress, resolving issues early and keeping all parties aligned, helping the transaction move steadily towards completion.
Gazumping happens when a seller accepts a higher offer after already agreeing yours. It’s frustrating and can cost buyers both time and money.
You can reduce the risk by:
Booking surveys straight away
Instructing solicitors early
The quicker you progress, the smaller the window for gazumping.
Some problems only come to light after an offer is accepted, such as damp, roof issues or outdated electrics.
A professional survey highlights potential issues before you’re legally committed. It also gives you the chance to budget for future works. Skipping a survey can be a costly false economy.
From viewings and offers to legal paperwork, the buying process can feel like a lot to juggle, especially for first-time buyers.
As a supportive estate agent, we can make a big difference. At Shinerocks, we guide buyers through each stage, explain what’s happening in plain English and keep everything moving without pressure.
Buying a home doesn’t have to be stressful. By understanding the common challenges and knowing how to deal with them, you’ll feel more prepared and confident throughout the process. The right advice, early preparation and a trusted local agent like Shinerocks can turn an often complicated journey into a positive one.
If you’re looking for a property to buy in Purley, Croydon & Greater London and want clear, honest advice, speak to the team at Shinerocks. We’re here to help you find the right home, at the right price, with less stress along the way.
In the meantime, we've answered some of your common questions about buying a property.
An AIP is a statement from a lender confirming how much you may be able to borrow, subject to further checks.
usually, yes. Surveys often uncover issues that aren’t visible during viewings and can save you from unexpected costs later.
As early as possible. Registering early helps you hear about suitable properties quickly.
Yes. A good agent will manage the process through to completion, chasing updates and keeping everyone informed.
Use the form to send us your questions and we'll respond as quickly as possible.
You can also call us on 020 8660 2010, or email enquiries@shinerocks.co.uk.
Learn more about the areas we cover by reading these helpful location guides.
