Easier way to buy home?

user1977

Herzlos said:

For our sale, most of the estate agent interaction (except the viewing) was done via email. Instructing the solicitor to make the offer was via email and I think we only had to go to the solicitor in person to sign the paperwork and give them copies of ID. They should be able to accomodate a more suitable way for you to do that though, but I'm not entirely sure what that would entail.

It's pretty normal for solicitors to be dealing with clients completely remotely - often they are on the other side of the country from their client (or not even in the same continent).

And if communicating in writing is a reasonable adjustment in terms of the Equality Act, then everyone you'd be dealing with is obliged to do so.

confusedfreelancer

user1977 said:

Herzlos said:

For our sale, most of the estate agent interaction (except the viewing) was done via email. Instructing the solicitor to make the offer was via email and I think we only had to go to the solicitor in person to sign the paperwork and give them copies of ID. They should be able to accomodate a more suitable way for you to do that though, but I'm not entirely sure what that would entail.

It's pretty normal for solicitors to be dealing with clients completely remotely - often they are on the other side of the country from their client (or not even in the same continent).

And if communicating in writing is a reasonable adjustment in terms of the Equality Act, then everyone you'd be dealing with is obliged to do so.

I don't know if it's a reasonable adjustment in the act or not? Every other service I've ever interacted with, from the NHS to utility companies to financial services, has refused to do it.

Myci85

Could you hire a PA to help you navigate the process if you don't qualify for funded support? Or as others have said maybe contact one of the autism charities and see if they can provide support. 

As a first time buyer I'm finding the process very complex myself, and I can only imagine how much harder it would be to navigate it alone if you are autistic, but I would hope that there would be a solution to make it feel possible for you. 

confusedfreelancer

What's a PA?

Flugelhorn

Personal assistant?

RHemmings

The closest way I know of in terms of paying the money and getting a house is to buy a house at traditional auction. As completion happens at the fall of the gavel. 

As a first time buyer, I found the general house buying process very intimidating. As it happened my first offer (for sale by private treaty) was accepted and things are still progressing. Even though my lawyers are local so far it's been one telephone call from them and the rest all by email. So far. But, I've had much more to deal with in terms of communications from the estate agents by many phone calls and emails. 

I did consider the concept of buying at traditional auction and taking the risk, should things repeatedly go wrong with a private treaty purchase.  But, the risk of doing so is immense. Unless a fair chunk of money is invested by having a survey and legal advice on the buyer's pack before buying. Which is a risk in itself as the buyer might not win the auction and then lose those costs. With the OP only having £150,000, then risking losing hundreds if not a thousand or so might be too big a risk. 

I'm very relieved that I'm buying a property with no chain, and no need for a mortgage. The OP can choose to do the same which will make things easier. But, reading the OP's situation makes me think that it is going to be difficult overall. IMHO, as recommended by others, the OP needs help. E.g. from charitable organisations. I'm not doing so now due to pressure of work (I hope to do so again soon), but I used to work for a food bank. As well as doing the food bank thing myself and other volunteers would help people in many ways in their lives. I would think it likely that the OP will find someone similar to help them. But, there's always the situation of trusting someone when there are large amounts of money involved. In the OP's situation, I would only ask for organisation help, and make sure that all money transfers are direct to local reputable conveyancing solicitors.