Getting an offer accepted on your dream home is a big milestone, but it’s only the beginning of the journey. Many buyers are surprised to learn how much still needs to happen before they can collect the keys. To help you feel confident and prepared, we’ve broken down the steps that follow once an offer is accepted on a property in the UK.
1. Instructing a Solicitor or Conveyancer
The first step is to appoint a solicitor or licensed conveyancer who will handle the legal work. This process, called conveyancing, involves checking the legal ownership of the property, carrying out searches, and ensuring the purchase is legally sound.
Choosing the right solicitor early can help prevent unnecessary delays later.
2. Applying for Your Mortgage
If you’re not a cash buyer, you’ll need to apply for your mortgage once your offer has been accepted. Even if you already have a mortgage agreement in principle, the lender will now need to carry out a full application process.
This usually includes:
- Valuation survey to check the property is worth the purchase price
- Reviewing your financial documents and affordability
- Issuing a formal mortgage offer once approved
At S J Smith Estate Agents, we also work with a trusted mortgage adviser. If you’d like a second opinion or some expert guidance during this stage, we can put you in touch with them to make the process as smooth as possible.
3. Property Surveys
Although not always legally required, most buyers arrange a survey to assess the condition of the property. Common types include:
- HomeBuyer Report – highlights major issues, suitable for modern properties.
- Building Survey – more detailed, recommended for older or unusual homes.
A survey can help you identify potential issues early and, in some cases, renegotiate the purchase price.
4. Legal Checks and Searches
Your solicitor will carry out several property searches with the local authority and other bodies. These typically cover:
- Local planning and building regulations
- Environmental risks such as flooding
- Legal restrictions affecting the property
These checks protect you from unexpected surprises after you move in.
5. Drafting and Reviewing Contracts
Once the seller’s solicitor has prepared a draft contract, your solicitor will review it carefully. They’ll raise any questions with the seller’s side and ensure everything is in order before you commit.
At this stage, you’ll also agree on key details, such as:
- Fixtures and fittings included in the sale
- Completion date
- Deposit amount (usually 10% of the purchase price)
6. Exchange of Contracts
The exchange of contracts is the moment the purchase becomes legally binding. Both you and the seller sign identical contracts, and your solicitor exchanges them with the seller’s solicitor.
At this point, you’ll usually pay your deposit, and if you pull out afterwards, you could lose it. The seller is also legally obliged to sell the property to you.
7. Completion Day
On the agreed completion date, the balance of the purchase price is transferred to the seller’s solicitor. Once the money has cleared, the estate agent will release the keys, and you can finally move into your new home.
This is the moment buyers often describe as the most exciting, the official handover of your property.
8. Post-Completion Tasks
Even after moving in, there are a few important steps left:
- Your solicitor will register your ownership with the Land Registry
- You’ll receive your legal documents confirming ownership
- If applicable, you’ll need to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax (your solicitor usually handles this on your behalf)
Key Takeaway
Having your offer accepted is an exciting step, but it’s just the start of the legal and financial process. With the right solicitor, a reliable mortgage broker, and an estate agent to guide you, the journey from acceptance to completion can run smoothly.
Buying or Selling in Ashford or Staines?
At S J Smith Estate Agents, we support our clients at every stage of the property journey. Whether you’re buying your first home, upsizing, or selling a property, our team is here to help.
View our latest properties here: https://www.sjsmithestateagents.co.uk/property-search/?orderby=price_desc&instruction_type=sale&showstc=on or contact us today to discuss your move.