Our Guide To 
The House Buying Process

The Buying Process and Typical Timeline in the UK

Having your offer accepted on a property is an exciting milestone, but there are still several important steps before you receive the keys. In England and Wales, the period between an offer being accepted and completion typically takes 8–12 weeks, although it can sometimes be quicker or slower depending on the circumstances. Here’s a simple guide to what usually happens next.

Offer Accepted (Day 1) - Once the seller accepts your offer, the estate agent will confirm the details with both parties and take the property off the market (although this is not always guaranteed).

At this stage you should:

• • Confirm your solicitor or conveyancer
  • Provide your mortgage agreement in principle
  • Supply proof of deposit funds and identification 
    The agent will issue a Memorandum of Sale, which outlines the agreed price and details of both parties.

Instructing Solicitors and Mortgage Application (Week 1–2) - Your solicitor will begin the legal work known as conveyancing.
This includes:

• • • Receiving the draft contract from the seller’s solicitor
    • Carrying out legal checks
    • Requesting property searches
      At the same time, you should submit your full mortgage application if you haven’t already done so.

Property Searches and Survey (Week 2–4) - Your solicitor will order several searches, which may include:

• • • •  Local authority searches
      • Environmental searches
      • Water and drainage checks
        
        You should also arrange a property survey to assess the condition of the home. This could be:
      • A Mortgage Valuation (basic check for the lender)
      • A HomeBuyer Report A Full
      • Building Survey
        Surveys help identify potential problems before you commit legally.

Mortgage Offer Issued (Week 3–6) - Once the lender is satisfied with the valuation and your financial checks, they will issue a formal mortgage offer. This document is also sent to your solicitor. Your solicitor will review the mortgage conditions and ensure everything is in place for the purchase.

Reviewing Contracts and Raising Enquiries (Week 4–8) - Your solicitor will review all legal documents and raise enquiries with the seller’s solicitor.
These questions may cover:

• • Property boundaries
  • Planning permissions
  • Guarantees for building work
  • Fixtures and fittings included in the sale
    Once everything is satisfied, your solicitor will send you the contract to sign.

Exchange of Contracts (Week 6–10) - Exchange of contracts is a key milestone because it makes the transaction legally binding. At this point: You pay your deposit (usually around 10%) A completion date is agreed. Neither party can withdraw without financial penalties This is when the purchase becomes secure.

1. Completion Day (Usually 1–4 Weeks After Exchange) - Completion is the day the purchase officially finishes.
   On completion day:
   • Your mortgage funds are transferred
   • Your solicitor sends the remaining balance to the seller’s solicitor
   • The estate agent releases the keys
   • You can now move into your new home.

Typical Timeline Overview

Final Tip: Even after your offer has been accepted, the property is not legally yours until contracts are exchanged. Keeping in close contact with your solicitor, lender, and estate agent can help keep the process moving and reduce delays.