Offer Accepted? Here's What Happens Next
Having an offer accepted on a property is an exciting milestone. However, it's often at this point that buyers start asking the same question:
"What happens next?"
The conveyancing process can feel overwhelming, particularly if you're buying a property for the first time. While every transaction is different, there are several key stages that most purchases will go through before you receive the keys to your new home.
This guide explains what happens after your offer is accepted and what you can expect from your conveyancer throughout the process.
1. Return Your Initial Paperwork
Once you instruct us, we'll send you our initial client care documentation and onboarding forms.
These forms help us gather important information about your transaction, including:
Details of the property you're purchasing
Whether you're obtaining a mortgage
Details of any related sale
Information about gifted deposits
How you intend to fund the purchase
Returning your paperwork promptly helps us get your file up and running as quickly as possible.
What this means for you
The sooner we receive your completed paperwork, the sooner we can begin progressing your purchase.
2. Identity & Verification Checks
Before we can act on your behalf, we're required to carry out identity and anti-money laundering checks.
This is a legal requirement on every transaction and helps ensure that property transactions are conducted safely and securely.
We may ask you to provide documents to verify:
Your identity
Your address
The source of funds being used towards your purchase
Any third-party contributions, such as gifted deposits
While this stage can sometimes feel administrative, it is an important part of the process and helps avoid delays later in the transaction.
What this means for you
Providing the requested information promptly allows us to complete our checks and continue progressing your purchase.
3. Your File Is Opened
Once we've received your paperwork and completed our initial checks, we'll formally open your file and begin acting on your behalf.
At this stage, we will:
Request your initial payment on account so searches can be ordered
Contact the seller's solicitor
Request the contract documentation
Confirm key transaction details
Begin progressing the legal work
What this means for you
We're now actively working on your purchase and taking the necessary steps to move the transaction forward.
4. We Receive The Contract Pack
The seller's solicitor will provide us with the legal documentation relating to the property.
This typically includes:
Draft Contract
Official Copies of the Title
Property Information Form (TA6)
Fittings & Contents Form (TA10)
Leasehold documentation (where applicable)
We'll carefully review these documents and begin investigating the legal title.
What this means for you
This is where we begin examining the legal details of the property you're buying.
5. Searches Are Ordered
As part of our investigation, we'll review the title documents, including the title register and title plan.
We'll ask you to check that the title plan reflects the property and land you expect to purchase.
Once this initial review has been completed, we'll arrange the searches required for your purchase.
These commonly include:
Local Authority Search
Provides information relating to planning permissions, building regulations, road schemes and other matters affecting the property.
Drainage & Water Search
Confirms whether the property is connected to mains water and drainage services.
Environmental Search
Highlights potential environmental risks such as flooding, contaminated land and ground stability issues.
Additional searches may be recommended depending on the property's location and circumstances.
What this means for you
Searches help identify issues that may not be obvious during a viewing and allow us to advise you before you become legally committed to the purchase.
6. Enquiries Are Raised
Once we've reviewed the contract pack and search results, we'll raise any necessary enquiries with the seller's solicitor.
Enquiries are requests for clarification or additional information.
Examples may include:
Missing documentation
Planning permissions
Building regulation approvals
Rights of way
Restrictive covenants
Leasehold matters
Service charge information
This stage is often one of the most important parts of the conveyancing process, as it allows us to investigate any issues before you proceed.
What this means for you
We're making sure you have the information you need to
7. We Review Your Mortgage Offer
If you're purchasing with a mortgage, your lender will issue a formal mortgage offer once their requirements have been satisfied.
We'll review the offer carefully and ensure that all lender requirements have been met.
This includes checking:
Special conditions
Mortgage terms
Property requirements
Any lender-specific instructions
As conveyancers, we act for both you and your lender, which means we must ensure that the lender's requirements have been satisfied before exchange can take place.
What this means for you
We'll ensure there are no outstanding lender requirements that could delay your transaction.
8. Review & Sign Your Documents
Once we've received satisfactory search results, replies to enquiries and your mortgage offer, we'll prepare our reports to you.
This may include:
Report on Searches
Explaining the results of the searches and highlighting any issues identified.
Report on Mortgage Offer
Summarising your mortgage offer and any conditions attached to it.
Report on Title
Explaining the legal title and any rights, restrictions or matters affecting the property.
We'll also ask you to:
Review and sign any required documents
Approve your completion statement
Review and approve your SDLT return (where applicable)
What this means for you
You'll receive clear advice on the property and mortgage, allowing you to make an informed decision before becoming legally committed.
9. Exchange Of Contracts
Exchange of contracts is the point at which the transaction becomes legally binding.
Before exchange can take place:
Contracts must be signed
Deposit funds must be available
A completion date must be agreed
Any outstanding requirements must be satisfied
Once contracts are exchanged, neither party can withdraw from the transaction without potentially significant financial consequences.
You should also ensure that buildings insurance is in place from exchange where required.
What this means for you
Once contracts have been exchanged, your completion date is secured and all parties are committed to the transaction.
10. Completion Day
Completion is the day ownership of the property transfers to you.
On completion day:
Purchase funds are transferred to the seller's solicitor
The seller's solicitor confirms completion
Keys are released
You can move into your new home
After completion, we'll deal with the post-completion formalities, including submitting your SDLT return and registering your ownership at HM Land Registry.
What this means for you
Congratulations — you're now the legal owner of your new property.
How Can You Help Keep Things Moving?
While some factors are outside anyone's control, there are several things you can do to help keep your transaction progressing smoothly:
✓ Return paperwork promptly
✓ Provide any requested source of funds evidence as early as possible
✓ Respond to enquiries and requests without delay
✓ Keep us informed of any changes to your circumstances
✓ Ask questions if you're unsure about anything
Good communication and preparation can make a significant difference to timescales.
Need Help With Your Move?
Whether you're buying your first home, moving house or remortgaging, we're here to guide you through every stage of the process.
At Dawson & Co Conveyancing, we believe legal services should be clear, transparent and explained in plain English.
Clear. Calm. Direct.
Get in touch today to discuss your move or request a personalised quote.