Your purchase journey
The Property Purchase Process Explained
Every purchase is different, but most follow a similar sequence. Here is what happens at each stage — and we will guide you through all of it.
How it works
Nine stages, start to finish
The process begins once we are formally instructed to act on your purchase.
Some stages overlap, and timings depend on the other parties, the searches, any mortgage and the property itself. We keep you updated as the matter progresses.
1
Stage one
Initial instructions
We are instructed to act on your purchase and send you our initial paperwork. We will usually ask you for:
Your signed Terms of Engagement
Purchase particulars
Proof of identity
An initial payment
Initial payment
Initial payment of £400, covering disbursements we pay on your behalf before completion.
Depending on your circumstances we may need more information — where your funds are coming from, for example.
2
Stage two
Draft contract papers
We receive the draft contract package from the seller's solicitors, which usually includes:
The legal agreement for sale
Evidence of the seller's title
Information forms completed by the seller about the property
Details of the fittings and contents
Any other supporting documents relevant to the property
We review it all and identify the queries to put to the seller's solicitors.
3
Stage three
Searches and enquiries
Where applicable, we order searches on the property. As standard, that means:
Local Authority Search — planning permissions, building regulations and highways information
Drainage and Water Search — mains connections and the nearest public sewers and water pipes
Environmental Search — contamination, flooding, subsidence and mining risks
The searches are disbursements, which means we pay them on your behalf and they appear on your quote. What each one costs is set out in Conveyancing Costs Explained.
Once the searches are back we raise any enquiries arising from them with the seller's solicitors, along with anything in the contract papers that needs clarifying. If you come across a term you don't recognise, our Glossary of Terms explains the ones that come up most often.
4
Stage four
Mortgage offer
This stage applies only where you are buying with a mortgage. Without one, the transaction moves straight to the report and signing stage.
We receive your mortgage offer and the mortgage deed
We review the offer and the lender's requirements
We report anything relevant to you and your lender
We act on the legal side of the mortgage. We do not give mortgage or financial advice — speak to your lender or a mortgage adviser for that.
5
Stage five
Report, documents and signing
Once the searches are back and the enquiries are answered, we report to you on everything we have received and send the documents that need signing.
The contract
The Transfer Deed
The mortgage deed, where a mortgage is involved
Stamp Duty Land Tax Return
We also request the deposit that allows us to exchange contracts. Where possible we arrange for you to sign at the office; other arrangements can be made where that isn't practical.
6
Stage six
Exchange of contracts
We agree a completion date with the seller's solicitors, and once both parties are ready, contracts are exchanged.
The transaction becomes legally binding
The completion date is fixed, so you can confirm your moving arrangements
The deposit is dealt with as part of the exchange process
Neither party can withdraw without consequences under the contract
7
Stage seven
Pre-completion
Between exchange and completion we deal with the final steps:
We apply for the mortgage money from your lender
We apply for the pre-completion searches
We receive the clear search results
We receive the balance of the purchase money from you
We receive the mortgage money
8
Stage eight
Completion
Completion day
The purchase money is transferred, completion takes place and ownership passes to you. Keys are usually released through the estate agent once completion has gone through.
The exact time of day depends on how quickly funds move between the conveyancers in the chain, so it isn't something anyone can fix in advance.
9
Stage nine
Post-completion
The work does not stop when you get the keys. After completion we:
Complete and submit the Stamp Duty Land Tax return to HMRC — required even where no tax is payable
Pay any Stamp Duty Land Tax due, from the funds you have provided
Apply to HM Land Registration to register the property in your name
Send you a copy of the updated title once registration is complete
Send a copy to your mortgage lender, where applicable
Registration timescales are set by HM Land Registration and are outside our control.
Keep reading
Related conveyancing guidance
More guides to help you plan your move.
Top Tips for First-Time Buyers
What to sort out before you start looking, and what to expect once your offer is accepted.
Read the guide →
Conveyancing Costs Explained
What makes up your quote and what each cost covers, so there are no surprises later on.
Read the guide →
Glossary of Terms
Plain English definitions of the legal terms you will come across during your move.
Browse the glossary →
Moving Checklist
A printable checklist so nothing gets forgotten in the run-up to moving day.
View Checklist →
Conveyancing
All our conveyancing services in one place, with guides for buyers and sellers.
Back to the hub →
Sales Explained
Every stage of a sale, from draft contracts and enquiries through to exchange and completion.
Read the guide →
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