This guide walks you through the full journey from offer accepted to moving day, in simple, everyday language. No jargon, no legal waffle, just a clear picture of what’s coming.

1. Offer Accepted — You’re “Under Offer”

Your offer has been accepted, which is brilliant news. But just like selling, nothing is legally binding yet. Either side can still walk away until missives are concluded.

What happens now:

Your estate agent will confirm the sale as Under Offer and cancel further viewings.

If you haven't already chosen your solicitor you should do so, you can ask your estate agent to recommend one if you don't already have a solicitor in place.

You contact your mortgage broker or bank to let them know you have secured a property and they will progress your mortgage application.

Typical timescale: 1–3 days.

2. Your Solicitor Receives Paperwork

The seller’s solicitor sends the buyers solicitor— all the legal information about the property. This includes:

Title deeds

Draft contract

Property forms completed by the seller

Any guarantees, planning permissions, or supporting documents

Your solicitor reviews everything and begins raising questions (“enquiries”) about anything that needs clarification.

Typical timescale: 1–2 weeks.

3. Searches & Enquiries — Your Solicitor Does the Digging

This is where your solicitor checks the property’s background. They order searches from the local council and other authorities to make sure there are no hidden surprises. Searches usually cover:

Local authority information

Drainage and water

Environmental risks

Planning history

Any unusual liabilities

They’ll also raise enquiries with the seller’s solicitor — anything from boundary questions to guarantees for past work.

Your role:

Respond quickly to anything your solicitor asks for (proof of ID, mortgage details, planning paperwork, guarantees etc.).

Typical timescale:

Searches: 2–6 weeks

Enquiries: 2–4 weeks

4. Your Mortgage Offer Is Finalised

While the legal checks are happening, your lender is doing their own due diligence. They will:

Carry out a valuation

Check affordability

Review your documents

Issue your formal mortgage offer

This is a key milestone — you can't conclude missives without it.

Typical timescale: 3–5 weeks.

5. Final Checks & Getting Ready to Exchange

Once searches, enquiries, and your mortgage offer are all in place, your solicitor will talk you through the final contract and make sure you’re happy with everything. Our team provides tailored advice and quick responses, ensuring you feel confident at every stage.

Your part:

Review and approve the contract

Agree a completion date

Sign your contract ready for exchange

Transfer your deposit to your solicitor

Typical timescale: Weeks 6–10 of the process.

6. Exchange of Contracts — You’re Legally Committed

This is the moment everything becomes official. Once contracts are exchanged:

You pay your deposit (usually 10%)

Both sides are legally committed

Your completion date is locked in

Typical timescale: 8–12 weeks from offer accepted. There are factors of course that can alter the timeframe such as how many properties are in the chain.

7. Missives and Moving Day

Conclusion of missives is when the property is secured and none of the parties can pull out. Our attentive team will be on hand to ensure a smooth journey from when the offer is received right up to completion .

What happens:

Your lender sends the mortgage funds to your solicitor

Your solicitor transfers the full amount to the seller’s solicitor

The seller’s solicitor confirms receipt

Your estate agent will release the keys to you

Typical timescale: Missives can be concluded from a few weeks before completion right up to the day of settlement

8. After Completion — The Final Admin

You’re in your new home — but your solicitor still has a couple of final tasks, like registering your ownership with the Land Registry.

Typical timescale: 2–6 weeks.

If you have any questions about your home purchase journey, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Call us for a chat, email us if that's your preference, or pop in and see us if you like face-to-face contact. We're always here to help.