Congratulations!
Accepting an offer on your property is an exciting milestone, but it's also the point where the legal work really begins.
Many sellers assume that once an offer has been accepted, the hard part is over. In reality, there's still a lot to do before contracts can be exchanged and your sale can be completed.
The good news is that your conveyancer will guide you through each stage, explain what's happening and let you know if they need anything from you along the way.
The Short Answer
Once you've accepted an offer, your conveyancer will begin preparing the legal paperwork needed for the sale.
This includes obtaining your title documents, preparing the draft contract, reviewing the information you provide about the property and sending the contract pack to the buyer's conveyancer.
The buyer's conveyancer will then begin their legal investigations before deciding what further enquiries they need to raise.
The Explanation
Once you've instructed your conveyancer, they'll start preparing your sale.
This usually involves:
- Obtaining your title documents from HM Land Registry.
- Preparing the draft contract.
- Asking you to complete the Property Information Form and, where applicable, the Fittings and Contents Form and Leasehold Information Form.
- Reviewing the information you've provided.
- Obtaining any additional documents that may be needed.
- Sending the contract pack to the buyer's conveyancer.
Once the buyer's conveyancer receives the contract pack, they'll begin reviewing the legal title and supporting documents before raising any enquiries.
Whilst this is happening, there may also be other things progressing behind the scenes, such as the buyer arranging their mortgage, searches and survey.
Your conveyancer will continue progressing your sale wherever possible and will contact you if anything further is needed.
Common Questions
Do I need a conveyancer before accepting an offer?
No.
However, once you've accepted an offer, instructing your conveyancer promptly allows the legal work to begin without unnecessary delay.
What forms will I need to complete?
Most sellers will be asked to complete forms about the property, including information about boundaries, disputes, guarantees, alterations and what fixtures and fittings are included in the sale.
If you're selling a leasehold property, you'll usually be asked to complete additional leasehold information.
Can anything be done before the buyer is ready?
Yes.
Preparing the contract pack and completing the property forms early can often help reduce delays later in the transaction.
Top Tip
Complete your property forms carefully and honestly.
If you're unsure about any question, ask your conveyancer rather than guessing. Clear and accurate information at the start can help avoid unnecessary enquiries later.
Did You Know?
The buyer's conveyancer can't begin their legal investigations until they've received the contract pack from the seller's conveyancer.
Preparing it promptly is one of the first opportunities to help keep your transaction moving.
Common Misconception
"I've accepted an offer, so everything is agreed."
Accepting an offer is an important milestone, but there are still legal investigations, enquiries and contracts to deal with before either party becomes legally committed.
The MA Lawyers Approach
At MA Lawyers, we like to get your sale moving as quickly as possible.
As soon as we're instructed, we'll begin preparing your contract pack, review the information you've provided and issue the legal papers to the buyer's conveyancer without unnecessary delay.
Starting the legal work early often helps prevent avoidable delays later in the transaction and gives your buyer the information they need to begin their legal investigations.
Related Articles
- What Does My Conveyancer Actually Do?
- What Information Will I Need to Provide?
- What Enquiries Will the Buyer Raise?
- Why Is My Sale Taking So Long?