Offer – The buyer’s mortgage application moves forward next. Their lender will conduct a valuation to confirm the property is worth the agreed price. This is separate from any survey the buyer chooses to commission and is primarily for the lender’s reassurance rather than the buyer’s.
Surveys are an important part of the process. Depending on the type selected, these can highlight anything from minor maintenance issues to more serious concerns. If problems are identified, the buyer may seek clarification, request repairs, or renegotiate the price. This can feel unsettling for sellers, but it’s a normal part of the journey and often resolved with clear communication.
Meanwhile, solicitors begin the conveyancing process. This involves raising enquiries, reviewing contracts, checking title documents, and ensuring all legal aspects of the sale are in order. Sellers may be asked to provide additional information or documentation, so responding promptly can help prevent delays.
As the process progresses, a completion date is agreed by both parties. This is the day ownership officially transfers, funds are exchanged, and keys are handed over. Before this, contracts are exchanged, making the sale legally binding. At this point, both buyer and seller are committed, and the completion date is fixed.
Throughout this period, patience and organisation are key. Sales can be delayed by outstanding paperwork, slow responses, or issues within a longer chain. Having an experienced estate agent managing communication between all parties helps keep everything aligned and reduces unnecessary stress.
Accepting an offer is the start of a structured process, not a leap into the unknown. With the right guidance and clear expectations, it’s a steady journey towards a successful completion and a confident move forward for everyone involved.