Having an offer accepted on a property is an exciting moment. After weeks or months of searching, it can feel like the biggest step is behind you.

However, this is also where the legal process begins. Understanding what happens next can help you feel more prepared, avoid unnecessary delays, and move forward with confidence.

Instruct your conveyancer

Once your offer has been accepted, one of the first things to do is instruct a conveyancer. Your conveyancer will handle the legal side of your purchase and guide you through the process from start to finish.

They will usually ask you to provide:

Your full name and contact details
Proof of identity
Proof of address
Details of your estate agent
Details of your mortgage lender, if you are using one
Information about your source of funds

Providing this information promptly can help your file get moving quickly.

Apply for your mortgage and arrange your survey

If you need a mortgage, you should make sure your mortgage application is progressing as soon as possible. Your lender will usually carry out a valuation of the property before issuing a formal mortgage offer.

Many buyers also choose to arrange their own survey. A survey is separate from the legal work and looks at the condition of the property. It can help identify issues such as damp, structural concerns, roof problems or other defects.

Your conveyancer does not inspect the physical condition of the property, so a survey can be a useful step.

The seller’s solicitor sends the contract pack

The seller’s solicitor will prepare and send a contract pack to your conveyancer. This usually includes the draft contract, title documents and forms completed by the seller.

These forms may include information about:

Boundaries
Fixtures and fittings
Alterations to the property
Planning permissions
Guarantees or certificates
Neighbour disputes
Leasehold information, if applicable

Your conveyancer will review these documents carefully and raise enquiries if anything is missing, unclear or needs further explanation.

Searches are ordered

Your conveyancer will usually order searches on the property. These help reveal important information that may not be obvious from viewing the home.

Common searches include:

Local authority search
Drainage and water search
Environmental search

Depending on the property and location, additional searches may also be recommended.

Searches can highlight issues such as planning matters, road schemes, drainage connections, flood risk, contaminated land or other concerns affecting the property.

Enquiries are raised and answered

After reviewing the contract pack and search results, your conveyancer may raise enquiries with the seller’s solicitor.

These questions are designed to clarify important points before you commit to buying the property. Some enquiries are straightforward, while others may take longer if documents need to be found or third parties need to respond.

Although this stage can feel slow, it is an important part of protecting your position.

You receive your report

Once your conveyancer is satisfied with the legal information received, they will prepare a report for you.

This will usually explain:

The legal title
Search results
Important contract terms
Any rights or restrictions affecting the property
Mortgage conditions
The deposit required before exchange
What you need to sign

You should read this carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.

Exchange and completion

Once everything is agreed, signed and ready, you can move towards exchange of contracts.

Exchange is the point at which the purchase becomes legally binding. A completion date is agreed, and both buyer and seller are committed to the transaction.

Completion is the day the money is transferred, the keys are released, and you can move into your new home.

Summary

After your offer is accepted, there are several important steps before you can collect the keys. By instructing your conveyancer early, responding quickly to requests and staying in regular contact, you can help keep the process moving as smoothly as possible.

At Arrow Conveyancing, we understand how important it is to feel supported throughout the conveyancing process. Whether you're buying, selling, or just planning ahead, our experienced team is here to make things simpler, clearer, and more reassuring.

Visit: www.arrowconveyancing.co.uk
Call: 0116 266 5394
Email: hello@arrowconveyancing.co.uk

Disclaimer
The materials on this website do not constitute legal advice and are provided for general information only. Whether express or implied, no warranty is given concerning such materials. We shall not be liable for any technical, editorial, typographical, or other errors or omissions within the information provided on this website, nor shall we be responsible for the content of any web images or information linked to this website. The information contained in this article does not constitute financial advice or recommendation and should not be considered as such. Arrow Conveyancing does not offer financial advice and is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The authors of this article are not financial advisors and are therefore not authorised to offer financial advice.

‍