Q&A Final Insights

You’ve officially reached the end of the Entralon Real Estate Academy training—a major milestone on your journey into the property world.

Before you move on to the final exam, we’ve prepared a Q&A section featuring the most common questions real estate agents hear from clients. These are practical, everyday enquiries—collected to help you feel more prepared when speaking to buyers, investors, or partners.

You’ll find the questions and answers listed separately for easy reference. No need to memorize everything—just review, get familiar, and keep them nearby whenever you need a boost in confidence during client conversations.

1) What is the first step in purchasing a property?

The crucial first step is for your client to get a DIP (Decision in Principle) to get a better understanding of their affordability.

2) What is the purchasing process for a new build property?

1) Organise finances and discuss it with the mortgage advisor.

2) Property search and viewings

3) Once the suitable property has been chosen, an offer can be forwarded to the developer.

4) Legal & financial review- this can last 4-6 weeks.

5) Exchange- contracts are signed and deposit is transferred from the buyer's solicitor to the developer's solicitors.

6) Completion becomes official once the remaining funds are transferred from the buyer's solicitor to the developer's solicitor.

3) What is a mortgage and how does it work?

A mortgage is a loan from a bank or lender to help you buy a home. You repay it in monthly instalments, including interest, over an agreed period. If payments aren't made, the lender can take back the property. If needed, the mortgage can be refinanced.

4) Can overseas buyers apply for a mortgage in the UK?

Yes, overseas buyers can apply for a mortgage in the UK, but the process may have stricter requirements. Lenders often require a larger deposit (typically 25-40%) and proof of income, credit history, and financial stability. Some UK banks offer specialist expat or international mortgages to help non-residents purchase property.

5) How long do I need to live in the UK to get a mortgage?

Generally, you need to live in the UK for at least 3 years to qualify for a mortgage, as this helps build a reliable and traceable credit history. Some lenders may accept visa holders with a stable income and at least one year left on their visa.

6) What is the required deposit for purchasing a property?

Depending on your mortgage eligibility, lenders may require a deposit ranging from 10% to 25% of the property price. However, first-time buyers may have access to schemes/incentives that allow them to purchase a property with as little as a 5% deposit.

7) Can property prices be negotiated?

Yes, most developers offer room for negotiation. Additionally, you may receive incentives such as a furniture package, parking space, or contributions toward legal fees.

8) What are the advantages of a new build property / why do you recommend new builds over the second hand market?

• Freedom of customization. Generally, new builds are designed with neutral colours, fixtures and fittings allowing considerable personalisation. Second market properties often require amendments from the previous owner's designs in order to achieve the same results.

• Off plan customization If the property is purchased before it is completed, many developers offer the option to customize options such as kitchen cabinets, wall paint and flooring.

• Lower maintenance cost. All new builds come with a guaranteed 10 year NHBC warranty.

• Energy efficiency. New builds are much more energy efficient compared to second hand market. This significantly reduces monthly utility bills.

  
  

9) What are the advantages of purchasing an off plan property?

A major advantage of purchasing an off-plan property is the potential for capital appreciation. A property's value increases as the project progresses and construction is completed. Buyer's can benefit from significant returns on their investment.

10) What are the 3 key factors to consider when purchasing a new property?

Many factors depend on the purpose of the purchase; investment or relocation, affordability, personal situation.

Three key factors:

- Good location

- Easy commute

- Affordability

11) How much does the agent charge the client?

The agent is paid by the developer, therefore there are no additional fees for services provided by the Entralon team.

12) How can a real estate agent/expert help me purchase a property?

They can help you find properties within your budget, arrange viewings and negotiate a better deal with the developers.

13) What is the first home scheme?

The First Homes Scheme is a government initiative that helps first-time buyers purchase a home at a discounted price, usually 30-50% off the market value. It is designed to make homeownership more affordable for local buyers and key workers.

14) What is shared ownership?

Shared ownership is a government-backed scheme that allows you to buy a percentage of a property (usually 25-75%) and pay rent on the remaining share. Over time, you can increase your ownership through a process called "staircasing." This option makes homeownership more affordable, especially for first-time buyers.

15) What is the difference between freehold & leasehold property?

Freehold - you own the property and the land it is built on for as long as you desire.

Leasehold- you own the property for a set period of time under a lease but not the land it is built on.

16) What is peppercorn ground rent?

If a lease specifies peppercorn ground rent, it usually means that the leaseholder must provide the freeholder with one peppercorn each year as their rent. In reality, that means the leaseholder pays zero ground rent. This is symbolic, and it's legally accepted as the rent being paid. The peppercorn has no cash value, and the freeholder cannot demand any other payment. This type of rent is sometimes referred to as "nominal" ground rent.

17) What is the estate service charge?

This is the fee collected to maintain the grounds and includes services such as gardening, facilities, litter picking and general grounds maintenance.

18) How long is the new home warranty?

Your newly built home should have a 10-year warranty registered with the National House Building Council (NHBC), Local Authority Building Control Warranty (LABC) or Premier Guarantee. In most cases, coverage begins when contracts are exchanged. It includes protection for your deposit as well as insurance against any major defects such as foundations, external render, load bearing parts of flooring, etc.

19) What is not covered by the warranty?

Weather damage, wear and tear or problems resulting from not maintaining the property adequately.

20) What do new build warranties cover?

Once the property is built, the warranty is split into two periods:

• The defects insurance period covers the first two years if any issues with the builder's work such as the windows letting in rain because they are not sealed properly or the heating not working because the pipes are faulty, the builder is obliged to come and fix them.

• A structural insurance policy lasts for 10 years from the date your purchase is completed.

Course Completion & Next Steps

You’ve reached the final module—and that’s something to celebrate. Completing the Entralon Academy training means you now hold the knowledge, language, and structure to navigate the real estate world like a professional.

We hope this programme didn’t just teach you—but transformed your perspective. From finance to legal procedures, from CRM workflows to confident communication, you’ve built skills that unlock opportunity.

This course is only the beginning. Real estate is about relationships, strategy, and continuous growth. You’ve stepped through the first door—and we’re excited to walk alongside you into the next one.

From all of us at Entralon, thank you for your commitment, your curiosity, and your effort. We’re proud to welcome you into our community of future agents and confident professionals.