Buying property in the UK works differently. From sourcing to handover, cash or mortgage, we manage every stage end-to-end for you.
Optivest doesn't only sell new-build. We source across the UK and London: new homes, resale (second-hand) and commercial property. Whatever you're looking for, we find it, then run the entire process with you, end-to-end. One partner, every solution.
Timing: Week 1
We listen to what you need: new-build, resale or commercial? We discuss your budget, area, target yield and purpose, then source the options that fit (sourcing).
What to prepare: Budget range, purpose (living or investing), preferred areas.
Timing: Start of the plan
We reserve the home you choose, and make clear up front when the reservation fee is refundable.
What to prepare: Reservation fee, ID.
Timing: Right after reservation (if using a mortgage)
A mortgage broker secures your Agreement in Principle (AIP). If handover is far away, mortgage offers are only valid for a limited time, so the formal application is timed to the handover date. Skipped for cash purchases.
What to prepare: Income documents, bank statements, ID, proof of address.
Timing: After reservation, before exchange
Your solicitor runs the searches and reviews the contract; source-of-funds checks happen here. Optivest has an assignment clause added to every contract, which is your safety net.
What to prepare: Documents showing where the money comes from (salary, sale, savings), ID and address.
Timing: About 4 weeks after reservation
Contracts are signed and the first deposit is paid. If you are using a mortgage, the approvals it depends on should be in place first.
What to prepare: The deposit ready in your account (allow time for the money transfer).
Timing: The project's handover date
The remaining balance or mortgage drawdown is paid, stamp duty and costs are settled, and you receive the keys.
What to prepare: Cash for the balance and costs, stamp duty payment.
Timing: After completion
Lettings, property management (finding tenants, the tenancy, deposit protection (TDS), income tracking) and, later, resale advice continue with Optivest.
What to prepare: Your letting preferences.
If you're using a mortgage, we won't ask you to pay the 10% at exchange before you have an Agreement in Principle (AIP). If the AIP doesn't come through, then before contracts are exchanged, the worst case is that we ask for the reservation fee back. For projects with a distant handover, mortgage offers are only valid for a limited time, so the formal application is timed to the handover date; if the mortgage never comes through or comes in lower than expected, the 10% already paid can be put at risk, so we model the scenario with our mortgage broker from the start.
Our solicitors also add an assignment clause to every contract: if a special/forced circumstance means you can't complete, you can assign/sell your rights in the contract (e.g. the 10% share already paid). Our aim is clear: to move you forward with 100% security, exposed to no risk.
Enter your cash and see what it buys, which costs come on top and in which months you pay, mapped onto these 7 steps.
Questions about any step? Let our specialist build a roadmap tailored to you.
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