The complete guide to buying a property through Bettermove

Buying a property in the UK has never been more competitive. Rightmove and Zoopla are flooded with listings, and good properties are often gone before most buyers even get a look in. Bettermove gives buyers, whether you’re a first-timer, a seasoned investor, or a landlord expanding a portfolio, access to a private pipeline of properties that are never publicly listed.

Step 1: Register your buyer profile

The process starts by telling us what you’re looking for. Budget, location, property type, timeline, the more detail you give us, the better the matches. We vet every buyer to confirm they’re in a position to proceed: mortgage agreed in principle (or cash funds confirmed), solicitor identified, and ready to move within a realistic timeframe. This protects sellers and means when you receive a match, it’s a genuine opportunity.

Step 2: Receive private property opportunities

Once registered, you’ll receive property alerts directly via WhatsApp or email, before anything goes to market. These are real sellers who have agreed to sell through Bettermove’s private network. Properties include tenanted buy-to-lets, HMOs, residential homes sold below market value, and portfolios.

Step 3: View and make an offer

We arrange viewings quickly, often same day or next day. Once you’ve seen a property you want, we manage the offer process on your behalf, liaising between you and the seller to agree a price and terms. There’s no gazumping, no blind bidding, and no games.

Step 4: Pay the exclusivity deposit

Once your offer is agreed, you’ll be asked to sign an exclusivity agreement and pay a £1,000 exclusivity deposit. This gives you the exclusive right to purchase the property within an agreed timeframe. During that period, Bettermove cannot negotiate with or accept offers from any other buyer, your deal is protected and you can proceed without worrying about being gazumped. If you complete the purchase, the deposit is refunded in full within 5 business days. If the seller withdraws or a serious undisclosed survey issue comes to light, you also get your money back. The deposit is only forfeited if you fail to exchange without good reason, which keeps both sides committed and the process moving.

Step 5: Instruct your solicitor and mortgage broker

With the exclusivity deposit paid, instruct your solicitor immediately, every day saved here is a day closer to completion. If you don’t already have a conveyancer, Bettermove can refer you to an experienced solicitor from our recommended panel, all familiar with the pace of fast-moving property transactions. If you’re buying with a mortgage, we can also refer you to a specialist mortgage broker who can advise on the right product for your circumstances and help you move quickly. Using recommended professionals isn’t a requirement, but it often means fewer delays and a smoother process end to end.

Step 6: Exchange and completion

Exchange makes the transaction legally binding. Completion is the day funds transfer and keys change hands. With cash buyers or well-prepared mortgage buyers, the period from offer to completion can be as short as 14 to 28 days. Bettermove’s progression team chases solicitors, coordinates surveys, and keeps all parties moving so nothing stalls unnecessarily.

“We completed in 19 days. I’ve never bought a property that fast, I didn’t think it was possible.”

Mark T., portfolio landlord, Manchester

What does it cost buyers?

Nothing. Bettermove’s buyer service is completely free. You’ll never be charged a buying fee, finder’s fee, or registration fee by Bettermove. Your only costs are your solicitor’s conveyancing fee and any applicable stamp duty.