Firstly, congratulations!
Having your offer accepted is an exciting moment, whether you're buying your first home or adding to your property portfolio. It's the point where everything starts to feel real and you can begin imagining yourself in your new home.
Whilst it's tempting to start planning the move, there's still an important legal process to complete before you can collect the keys. Don't worry if you're unsure what happens next, that's exactly what your conveyancer is there to guide you through.
The Short Answer
Once your offer has been accepted, your conveyancer will begin the legal process of investigating the property. This includes obtaining the contract papers from the seller's conveyancer, reviewing the legal title, carrying out searches, raising enquiries and, where applicable, working with your mortgage lender.
Only once all of the necessary legal work has been completed will you be ready to exchange contracts and agree a completion date.
The Explanation
After your offer has been accepted, one of the first things you'll need to do is formally instruct a conveyancer if you haven't already done so.
Your conveyancer will contact the seller's conveyancer and request the contract papers. These documents provide the legal information needed to begin investigating the property and will usually include the draft contract, title documents and the property information completed by the seller.
Whilst your conveyancer is reviewing these documents, they'll also arrange the necessary property searches and, if you're buying with a mortgage, review your mortgage offer once it has been received.
As the transaction progresses, your conveyancer may raise enquiries with the seller's conveyancer. These aren't problems, they're simply questions asked to clarify information or obtain documents needed before you commit to buying the property.
There will also be times when your conveyancer needs information from you. This may include proof of identity, evidence of your deposit, signed paperwork or responses to questions that arise during the transaction.
Once all of the legal investigations have been completed, any enquiries have been satisfactorily answered, your mortgage lender's requirements have been met and you're happy to proceed, you'll be ready to exchange contracts.
Who Might Be Involved in Your Conveyancing Transaction?
No two property transactions are exactly the same. Depending on the type of property you're buying and your individual circumstances, you may deal with some or all of the people and organisations below.
| Who? | What do they do? |
| You | Provide instructions, complete paperwork, supply identification and proof of funds, and make the key decisions throughout the transaction. |
| Seller | Provides information about the property and signs the legal documentation needed to transfer ownership. |
| Estate Agent | Negotiates the sale, issues the Memorandum of Sale and helps keep communication flowing between everyone involved. |
| Your Conveyancer | Carries out the legal work, investigates the property, advises you on any issues and guides you through the transaction. |
| Seller's Conveyancer | Prepares the contract papers, responds to enquiries and deals with the legal aspects of the seller's transaction. |
| Mortgage Lender (if applicable) | Assesses your mortgage application and provides the funds for your purchase. |
| Surveyor (if instructed) | Inspects the property's condition and prepares a survey report. |
| Search Providers | Supply information about the property from organisations such as the Local Authority and water company. |
| Local Authority | Provides information relating to planning, highways and other matters through the Local Authority Search. |
| Managing Agent / Management Company (where applicable) | Provides information for leasehold properties and managed estates, including service charges, management arrangements and compliance requirements. |
| Freeholder (where applicable) | May need to provide information, certificates or consents for leasehold properties. |
| HM Land Registry | Registers you as the new legal owner once your purchase has completed. |
Please note: Every transaction is different. A straightforward freehold purchase may involve fewer parties, whereas leasehold properties, new build homes or managed estates often require additional people or organisations to be involved.
Common Questions
How long will it take before I hear something?
Your conveyancer will usually begin work as soon as they're instructed. However, some stages depend on receiving information from third parties, such as the seller's conveyancer, your mortgage lender or search providers.
Can I book my removals now?
It's usually best to wait until contracts have been exchanged. Until then, neither party is legally committed to the transaction and the completion date has not been fixed.
Is there anything I need to do?
Yes. Your conveyancer may ask you to provide identification, evidence of your deposit, signed documents or other information during the transaction. Responding promptly can help avoid unnecessary delays.
Top Tip
If you haven't already done so, instruct your conveyancer as soon as your offer is accepted. The sooner the legal work can begin, the sooner your conveyancer can request the contract papers and start investigating the property.
Did You Know?
Several parts of the conveyancing process happen at the same time. Whilst your conveyancer is reviewing the legal title, property searches may be underway, your mortgage lender could be processing your application and your survey may also be taking place.
Common Misconception
"Once my offer has been accepted, the property is mine."
This is one of the most common misunderstandings.
Although your offer has been accepted, neither you nor the seller are legally bound to proceed until contracts have been exchanged. This is why it's important to allow your conveyancer to complete all of the necessary legal investigations before you commit to the purchase.
The MA Lawyers Approach
At MA Lawyers, we know that buying a property can feel like a waiting game, especially in the early stages when much of the work takes place behind the scenes.
As soon as we're instructed, we'll begin progressing your transaction by requesting the contract papers, carrying out the necessary legal investigations and keeping matters moving wherever possible. We'll also explain what we're doing, why we're doing it and let you know if we need anything from you.
Our aim is to ensure you're kept informed throughout the transaction, whilst carrying out the thorough legal investigations needed to protect your interests.
Related Articles
- What is Conveyancing?
- What does my conveyancer actually do?
- Why do I have to prove where my money has come from?
- What are property searches and why do I need them?
- What is Exchange of Contracts?