If you buy from a dealer in Germany. They will do all that is required. That is: fix export plates with MOT &
Insurance for a 15 or 30 day period. 15 day is better is cheaper. Hand in your Passport to the dealer and pay for the MH in full. Make sure you get a reciept for your passport. This should take a max: of 2 days, one day is possible also. When it is done you pay for the paperwork. It shouldn't cost no more than €200. Make sure you get your passport back. Also the Eport Reg: papers and your Bill of Sale. You will need these when Re-registering in the UK.
Get him to book your Ferry for you if you wish. He will do it for nothing but you pay for it with your credit card.
Once you get home:
1) Get your MOT and
Insurance cover note. Tell the
Insurance company you will give them the UK Registration plate number when you get it from the DVLA. 2) Go to your local DVLA, fill in the V5 (or whatever) form, hand them in with all the papers from Germany and your MOT & Cover note for
Insurance. Also fill in the Tax disc form and have the money up front to pay for it. Also, any other money the DVLA may want for Registering, (I think that part is free, but not sure)
That's it, I think. Hope this helps.
If you buy from a private person, stick a post on here and I will reply.