UK Moving Timeline: What Happens After an Offer is Accepted?

The thrill of having an offer accepted on a property in the UK is unmatched—but once that initial excitement settles, you might wonder what actually happens next. From paperwork to inspections, the journey from offer acceptance to completion can be complex, especially if it’s your first time buying or selling a home.

To make things easier, we’ve broken down the post-offer process into a simple timeline. Whether you’re a buyer or seller, this guide will walk you through each step and provide useful checkpoints to help you stay on track.

1. Offer Accepted: The Journey Begins (Day 1)

Once your offer is accepted, both parties will need to inform their respective solicitors or conveyancers, who will oversee the legal aspects of the transaction.

Checkpoints:

• Buyers: Contact your solicitor or conveyancer immediately to initiate the legal process. Arrange for the deposit of any “earnest money” or “holding deposit” if required (although this is rare in the UK).
• Sellers: Notify your solicitor or conveyancer that the offer has been accepted and provide them with any necessary information about the property.

Pro Tip: Keep your documents organised. You'll need identification, proof of funds, and other details ready for your solicitor or mortgage lender.

2. Instructing Your Solicitor/Conveyancer (Within 1-2 Days)

In the UK, conveyancing—the legal transfer of property ownership—is handled by solicitors or licensed conveyancers. Once they’re instructed, they will start the process of gathering and reviewing important documents.

Checkpoints:

• Buyers: Your solicitor will conduct searches (local authority, water and drainage, environmental, etc.) to ensure there are no hidden issues with the property. Be prepared to pay search fees.
• Sellers: Provide your solicitor with essential documents like the property title deeds and complete the “Property Information Form” and “Fittings and Contents Form” (TA6 and TA10). These forms disclose important details about the property and what items are included in the sale.

Helpful Hint: Choose a solicitor or conveyancer who is experienced and communicates well—this can help avoid delays later on.

3. Apply for a Mortgage (Within 5-10 Days)

If you’re a buyer, this is the stage to submit a formal mortgage application to secure financing for the property.

Checkpoints:

• Buyers: Submit your mortgage application to your lender as soon as possible. They’ll require proof of income, bank statements, and details of your deposit. Most lenders will also conduct a valuation survey at this stage.
• Sellers: While the buyer works on financing, ensure your own paperwork is in order and that you’re available to answer any questions from the buyer's solicitor.

Quick Tip: Avoid making big financial changes, like taking on new loans, during this period. Mortgage approvals can be sensitive to any changes in your financial situation.

4. Property Survey and Valuation (Within 2-3 Weeks)

The mortgage lender will usually arrange a valuation survey to confirm the property’s value. Buyers might also opt to commission a more detailed survey, like a Homebuyer Report or Building Survey, especially for older properties.

Checkpoints:

• Buyers: Choose a survey type that suits the property’s age and condition. While the lender’s valuation focuses on the property’s value, a more detailed survey can reveal structural issues or potential problems.
• Sellers: Be prepared for the surveyor’s visit. If any issues are identified in the survey, you may need to negotiate repairs or offer a price adjustment.

Pro Tip: If the survey reveals major issues, talk to your solicitor about negotiating a price reduction or asking the seller to handle repairs.

5. Legal Enquiries and Property Searches (Within 2-4 Weeks)

Once searches are complete, the buyer’s solicitor will review the results and raise any necessary enquiries with the seller’s solicitor. These enquiries cover everything from boundaries to planning permissions.

Checkpoints:

• Buyers: Review any issues flagged by your solicitor and discuss potential red flags. They might ask the seller for more information or request specific documents.
• Sellers: Respond promptly to any enquiries to keep things moving. Delayed responses can slow down the process significantly.

Helpful Hint: This stage can be slow if any issues arise. Stay in close contact with your solicitor to address concerns as they come up.

6. Exchange of Contracts (Around Week 8-12)

When both parties are satisfied with the searches, enquiries, and survey results, it's time to exchange contracts. At this point, both the buyer and seller are legally committed to the transaction, and a completion date is set.

Checkpoints:

• Buyers: Before exchange, you’ll need to pay the deposit (usually 10% of the property price). Make sure your funds are ready to transfer and double-check the completion date.
• Sellers: Finalise any last-minute details and prepare for the completion date. Once contracts are exchanged, it’s time to start serious packing!

Pro Tip: Once contracts are exchanged, neither party can back out without major financial penalties, so make sure you’re ready.

7. Arrange Moving and Finalise Utilities (1-2 Weeks Before Completion)

With the completion date set, it’s time to prepare for moving day and take care of practical arrangements.

Checkpoints:

• Buyers: Arrange for home insurance to take effect from the day of completion. Set up utilities (gas, electric, water) in your name for the new property.
• Sellers: Notify your utility providers of your move-out date and arrange to settle final bills. Also, organise mail redirection to your new address.

Tip for Both Parties: Start packing early, especially for larger homes. Moving day will be a lot easier if everything is organised in advance.

8. Completion Day (Day of Ownership Transfer)

On completion day, the buyer’s solicitor transfers the remaining funds to the seller’s solicitor, and ownership of the property officially changes hands.

Checkpoints:

• Buyers: Once funds have been transferred, you’ll receive the keys and can move into your new home. Congratulations, you’re now a homeowner!
• Sellers: Leave the property in the agreed-upon condition and hand over the keys to the estate agent or directly to the buyer.

Final Tip: Completion day can be a bit hectic. Make sure you have any essential items (like important documents, medications, or valuables) readily accessible for the move.

9. Post-Completion Tasks (After Moving In)

After completion, there are a few additional steps to finalise the move.

Checkpoints:

• Buyers: Register the property with the Land Registry in your name. Your solicitor usually handles this, but check in to ensure it’s completed. Update your address on important accounts and documents (banks, driving licence, etc.).
• Sellers: Verify that all funds have been received and settle any final solicitor fees or estate agent charges. Redirect any remaining mail if needed.

Pro Tip: After moving, take a meter reading for your new home’s utilities. This will ensure accurate billing from your providers.

Wrapping It Up

The process of buying or selling a home in the UK might feel daunting, but following a clear timeline and knowing what to expect at each stage can make things far easier. By staying organised, keeping communication open with your solicitor, and addressing any issues as they arise, you can help ensure a smooth journey from offer acceptance to completion.

Whether you’re stepping into your dream home or passing on a cherished property to new owners, this timeline should help make your next move a breeze. Happy moving!

FAQs

1. How long does it take to complete a home sale in the UK after an offer is accepted?
   Typically, it takes 8-12 weeks from offer acceptance to completion, but this can vary based on property type, issues in searches, and the speed of solicitors.

2. Can I pull out after exchanging contracts?
   No, once contracts are exchanged, you’re legally bound to the transaction. Pulling out would result in financial penalties.

3. What is the purpose of property searches?
   Property searches uncover potential issues, such as planning restrictions or environmental risks, that may affect the property or its value.

4. Who pays for the survey and searches?
   The buyer is responsible for survey and search fees. These are essential checks to ensure there are no hidden surprises in the property.

Let me know if you'd like any further details or have specific questions about this timeline!