Moving home is exciting — but it’s also filled with jargon, logistics, and to-do lists that can make even the calmest among us sweat. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned relocator, understanding the lingo is half the battle.

To make your move smoother, we've created this A–Z of moving terms to guide you from start to settled-in.

A – Architectural Plans
The full set of drawings showing how your home will look and be built—like the floor plan, elevations, and materials.

 

B – Buildings Insurance

Your mortgage normally requires this insurance, to cover your property, against fire, theft and flood.

C – Completion

The day the property transaction is finalised and legal ownership is transferred. It’s also the day you can officially move in.

D – Deposit

An upfront payment (usually a percentage of the purchase price) paid by the buyer to secure the purchase of the property.

E – Exchange of Contracts

In the UK, this is when the house sale becomes legally binding. From here, backing out means you will lose your deposit (usually a percentage of the purchase price)

F – Freehold

Means you own the property and the land outright.

G – Green Mortgages

A type of mortgage deal that incentivises homeowners to purchase energy efficient properties. Lenders offer lower interest rates, cashback, or additional borrowing at lower rates to encourage energy efficiency and sustainability in homes. 

H – Home Survey

An inspection that checks the condition of the property you’re buying. Varies in detail depending on the type of survey, whether it’s a full home buyers survey or mortgage valuation survey.  

I – Independent Financial Advisor (IFA)

A financial advisor who provides impartial advice about the full range of financial products available in the market, without being tied to any specific provider or firm. They can consider all options to find the best solution for their client's individual needs, as opposed to being limited by a restricted advisor's selection of products. 

J – Jargon

If you ever come across a term during your move that you don’t understand, ask your Sales Executive for clarification. Understanding the language of moving helps reduce stress and avoids costly mistakes.

K – Keys

The magical moment — once contracts are completed, keys are handed over and the house is officially yours.

L – Land Registry

The central body holding the register of title to land in England and Wales and records dealings (for example, sales and mortgages) with registered land.

M – Mortgage in Principle / Mortgage Offer

A lender’s statement that they’re willing to loan you a certain amount, subject to final approval — often required before house hunting.

N – NHBC

Your Rowland home is protected by a warranty from the NHBC (National House Building Council). This highly acclaimed independent industry regulator guarantees your new home, for up to 10 years in the unlikely event of major structural defect. NHBC site inspectors will oversee the build of your new home at various key stages throughout its construction to ensure that it conforms to the required quality and industry standards.

O – Options & Extras

To personalise your new Rowland home you can choose your options (depending on build stage) of kitchen design and bathroom tiling plus we also offer an extensive range of extras. All extras are competitively priced and are available subject to the build stage of your home. These can include: Upgraded kitchen, Tiling upgrades, Carpets, Additional lighting, Additional sockets

P – Powermove

If you have a house to sell, we can help. We'll take control of the selling of your old house and when it's sold, you're free to reserve your brand new Rowland home – plus we’ll even pay your Estate Agent fees.

Q – Quality Build

Built and designed to a good quality and offering a high specification as standard throughout all of our homes.

R – Reservation Fee

A fee paid to reserve a plot before exchanging contracts.

S – Stamp Duty

Stamp Duty is a tax that’s charged on property purchases and works in a similar way to income tax – you pay different rates on different portions of the property price. The amount you will pay varies based on the property price and your situation – for instance, whether you’re a first time buyer or buying an additional property.

T – Title Deeds

Legal documents that prove ownership of a property. Most properties are registered with the Land Registry and a copy of your title can be downloaded from their website for a minimal fee. Where a property has not been registered with the Land Registry often your bank or building society will hold your original Title Deeds.

U – Utilities

When moving, you need to notify your existing utility providers (energy, water, gas) about your move, take meter readings on the day you move out and provide them to your old supplier to ensure accurate final bills. Your new utilities will already be set up and your Sales Executive will give you details.

V – Valuation

An assessment of a property’s market value, typically carried out by your mortgage lender.

W – Walk through

Before move in day, you will walk through your new home with the Sales Executive & Site Manager for the final inspection priory to key hand over.

X – Part E(X)change

If you have a home to sell, we can make you an offer to buy your existing home leaving you free to reserve your new home.

Y – You

We are committed to excellence in customer service and endeavour to make the journey to your new home as seamless as possible.

Z – Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

You can sleep soundly knowing that you’re now living in your new Rowland home.