What happens after accepting an offer?
The Short Answer
Congratulations! Accepting an offer is an exciting step, but it is only the beginning of the legal process.
At this stage, neither you nor the buyer are legally bound to proceed. Your conveyancer will begin preparing the legal documentation needed for the sale while the buyer arranges their mortgage, survey and legal representation.
The aim is to ensure everything is in place so that contracts can be exchanged as soon as both parties are ready.
What Happens First?
Once your offer has been accepted, you should instruct your conveyancer if you have not already done so.
Your conveyancer will:
- Verify your identity in line with legal requirements.
- Obtain copies of your title documents from HM Land Registry.
- Prepare the draft contract.
- Ask you to complete the relevant property information forms.
- Request any supporting documents that may be needed, such as planning permissions, guarantees or certificates.
Starting this work as early as possible can help avoid unnecessary delays later in the transaction.
What Will I Need to Do?
There are several documents that you will usually be asked to complete.
These may include:
- A Property Information Form (TA6).
- A Fixtures and Contents Form (TA10).
- A Leasehold Information Form (TA7), if your property is leasehold.
These forms provide the buyer with important information about the property and should be completed carefully and honestly.
If you are unsure about any question, your conveyancer will be happy to guide you.
What Happens Next?
Once the contract pack has been prepared, it will be sent to the buyer's conveyancer.
They will review the documentation, order searches and begin their legal investigations.
It is common for the buyer's conveyancer to raise enquiries about the property. This is a normal part of the conveyancing process and helps ensure the buyer has the information they need before Exchange of Contracts.
Should I Start Looking for Paperwork?
Yes.
If you have documents relating to the property, such as planning permissions, Building Regulations approvals, FENSA certificates, guarantees or warranties, it is helpful to locate them as early as possible.
Providing these documents promptly can help avoid delays if they are requested later.
What If I Have a Mortgage?
If there is an existing mortgage secured against your property, your conveyancer will obtain a redemption statement from your lender.
This confirms how much is required to repay the mortgage on completion so that it can be removed from the title.
When Can I Start Making Moving Arrangements?
Although it is natural to start planning your move, it is advisable not to make any irreversible arrangements until contracts have been exchanged and a completion date has been agreed.
Until Exchange of Contracts, either party can usually withdraw from the transaction without the legal consequences that apply after exchange.
Top Tip
Returning paperwork promptly and providing any requested documents as early as possible can make a real difference to the progress of your transaction.
If you're unsure whether a document is relevant, send it to your conveyancer—they can advise whether it will be needed.
In Practice...
One of the most common causes of delay is waiting for documents that could have been provided at the beginning of the transaction.
Items such as planning permissions, Building Regulations approvals, guarantees or leasehold management information are often easier to locate before they are requested. Preparing these early can help keep your sale moving.
Did You Know?
Many sellers believe that once they have accepted an offer, the hard work is over.
In reality, much of the legal work begins at this stage. Preparing a complete contract pack and responding to enquiries promptly helps create the best opportunity for a smooth transaction through to Exchange of Contracts and completion.