Question 1

Do I really need to pay hundreds for a surveyor before making an offer?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. While 1 in 5 properties have significant issues that require a professional surveyor, the other 4 could be smarter analysed first. RelyMove helps you understand what you're getting into before committing to expensive surveys. We consolidate all publicly available information about the property, area, and local context in one place, so you can make an informed decision about whether to proceed, negotiate, or invest in a full surveyor's inspection.

Question 2

What's the actual process of buying a house? I have no idea where to start.

Accepted Answer

The UK home-buying process involves: (1) Getting mortgage approval, (2) Finding your property, (3) Making an offer, (4) Instructing a solicitor, (5) Conducting searches and surveys, (6) Exchanging contracts, (7) Completion. The problem? Most critical information only surfaces in steps 5-6, when you've already invested time and money and have little leverage to negotiate. RelyMove flips this—giving you insights early so you can make decisions when you still have full control.

Question 3

When do most buyers discover problems with a property, and why does that matter?

Accepted Answer

Most issues surface 8-12 weeks into the process during solicitor searches or surveys—when you've already spent thousands on legal fees and are emotionally invested. At that point, you have three bad options: overpay, renegotiate from a weak position, or walk away and lose your investment. RelyMove anticipates these concerns upfront, giving you leverage when it matters most—before you've made commitments.

Question 4

What information should I know about a property and area before making an offer?

Accepted Answer

Beyond the property itself, you need to understand: council tax band and costs, upcoming local developments, whether the area attracts buyers or renters, local demographics and lifestyle, school quality and Ofsted ratings, crime rates and safety data, environmental risks (flooding, subsidence), transport links, and future area prospects. RelyMove centralizes all this scattered information into one clear, easy-to-digest report.

Question 5

How do I know what searches and checks I actually need?

Accepted Answer

This is where first-time buyers get overwhelmed. Standard solicitor searches cover some basics, but there are dozens of potential checks—environmental, chancel, mining, flood risk, planning permissions, and more. RelyMove reviews what's publicly available online and guides you on what matters for your specific property. If something needs professional attention, we'll tell you exactly what type of surveyor or specialist to call.

Question 6

What questions should I ask the seller, and how do I know if they're being honest?

Accepted Answer

Sellers complete a Property Information Form (TA6), but they can legally answer 'not known' to many questions. RelyMove cross-references publicly available records, local authority data, and online information to help you verify claims and identify gaps in what you've been told. This gives you the right questions to ask and the confidence to challenge inconsistencies early.

Question 7

How can I avoid making an expensive mistake on my first property purchase?

Accepted Answer

The biggest mistakes happen when buyers don't have complete information early enough. You might overpay for a property in a declining area, miss upcoming developments that affect value, or discover the 'excellent transport links' means living next to a noisy road. RelyMove prevents these mistakes by putting all available information in front of you before you commit.

Question 8

Why does my house purchase take so long, and what causes delays?

Accepted Answer

The average purchase takes 12-16 weeks, but many take longer due to unexpected discoveries during solicitor searches or surveys. Suddenly finding out about planning applications, environmental issues, or property boundaries can add weeks or cause the sale to collapse entirely. RelyMove anticipates these discoveries by surfacing information early, helping both buyers and sellers avoid the delays, stress, and costs of deals falling through late in the process.

Question 9

What's the difference between what my solicitor checks and what I should know beforehand?

Accepted Answer

Solicitors conduct essential legal searches—but only after you've made an offer and instructed them. By that time, you're already invested in the property. RelyMove gives you access to much of this information before you make an offer, using publicly available online data. Think of it as a preview of what your solicitor will eventually find, helping you decide if the property is right for you before spending thousands on legal fees.

Question 10

How do I know if I'm making the right decision about a property and area?

Accepted Answer

Buying a home is the biggest financial decision most people make, but you're expected to decide based on a 20-minute viewing and some estate agent photos. RelyMove gives you the complete picture: property context, area insights, market dynamics, local trends, future developments, and risk factors—all in one place, quickly and clearly.

Question 11

Should I get a RICS survey, and when is it actually necessary?

Accepted Answer

RICS surveys are the gold standard for detailed property inspections—essential when you have specific concerns about structural issues, older properties, or visible signs of damage like cracks or damp. However, they're not always necessary for every property. RelyMove analyzes publicly available information to give you a clear picture upfront. If we spot red flags that warrant professional structural assessment, we'll recommend you instruct a RICS surveyor.

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