What Happens After an Offer Is Accepted? A Step-by-Step Timeline for Buyers and Sellers

Having an offer accepted is one of the most exciting milestones in any property transaction. Whether you're buying your dream home or successfully selling your property, it's a significant step forward. However, agreeing a sale is only the beginning of the legal and administrative process that takes place before the keys can be handed over. Understanding what happens next can help reduce uncertainty, avoid delays and keep your move progressing smoothly.

Here's a step-by-step guide to what typically happens after an offer is accepted:

Step 1: The Memorandum of Sale Is Issued

Once the buyer and seller have agreed the price and terms, the estate agent will prepare and issue a Memorandum of Sale.

This document confirms:

The agreed sale price
Details of the buyer and seller
Information about both solicitors or conveyancers
Any special conditions relating to the sale

The Memorandum of Sale acts as the official starting point for the conveyancing process and allows the legal work to begin.

Step 2: Instructing Solicitors or Conveyancers

Both buyer and seller will need to formally instruct a solicitor or conveyancer to act on their behalf. The buyer's solicitor will begin investigating the property and carrying out legal checks, while the seller's solicitor prepares the contract pack and supporting documentation.

Choosing an experienced solicitor and responding promptly to requests for information can help prevent unnecessary delays later in the process.

Step 3: Mortgage Application and Valuation

If the buyer is purchasing with a mortgage, they will now need to finalise their mortgage application. The lender will assess the buyer's financial circumstances and arrange a valuation of the property to ensure it provides suitable security for the loan.

Once approved, the lender issues a formal mortgage offer, which is sent to both the buyer and their solicitor.

Step 4: Surveys and Property Searches

At this stage, several important checks are carried out.

Property Survey

Many buyers choose to commission an independent survey to assess the condition of the property and identify any issues that may require future attention. Depending on the property's age and condition, this could range from a basic HomeBuyer Report to a more comprehensive Building Survey.

Searches

The buyer's solicitor will also order various searches, including:

Local authority searches
Environmental searches
Water and drainage searches

These searches help identify any legal or environmental issues that could affect the property.

Step 5: Enquiries and Negotiations

Once the searches and survey results have been received, the buyer's solicitor may raise enquiries with the seller's solicitor.

These questions often relate to:

Planning permissions
Building regulations
Property boundaries
Guarantees and warranties
Rights of way
Previous alterations or extensions

Occasionally, survey findings may also lead to further negotiations regarding repairs or price adjustments. While this stage can sometimes feel slow, it's an important part of ensuring buyers fully understand what they're purchasing.

Step 6: Exchange of Contracts

Exchange of contracts is one of the most significant milestones in the transaction.

Before exchange:

All enquiries must be resolved
Mortgage funds must be approved
Contracts must be signed by both parties
A completion date must be agreed

Once contracts are exchanged:

The sale becomes legally binding
The buyer's deposit is paid
Neither party can withdraw without financial consequences

For many buyers and sellers, this is the point where moving arrangements can finally be confirmed.

Step 7: Completion Day

Completion day is when ownership officially transfers from the seller to the buyer.

On the agreed completion date:

Mortgage funds and purchase monies are transferred
The seller vacates the property
Keys are released by the estate agent
The buyer can move into their new home

After weeks or sometimes months of preparation, the transaction is finally complete.

How Long Does the Process Usually Take?

Every property transaction is different, but a typical timeline might look something like this:

Stage	Typical Timescale
Offer accepted and Memorandum of Sale issued	1–3 days
Solicitors instructed	Within 1 week
Mortgage offer issued	2–6 weeks
Searches and surveys completed	2–6 weeks
Enquiries resolved	1–4 weeks
Exchange of contracts	8–16 weeks
Completion	1–4 weeks after exchange

These timescales can vary significantly depending on the circumstances of the transaction.

Common Causes of Delay

While many transactions progress smoothly, delays can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

Long or complex property chains
Delays with mortgage approvals
Outstanding legal enquiries
Leasehold properties requiring additional information
Search backlogs at local authorities
Missing documentation
Survey issues requiring further investigation

Good communication and prompt responses from all parties can often help minimise delays.

How Whitlocks Helps Keep Sales Moving:

At Whitlocks Estate Agents, our role doesn't end when an offer is accepted. We work closely with buyers, sellers, solicitors and mortgage advisers throughout the transaction to help keep everything progressing smoothly. By maintaining regular communication, monitoring key milestones and proactively addressing issues as they arise, we help reduce delays and keep everyone informed every step of the way.

Buying or selling a property can feel overwhelming at times, but with the right support and guidance, the process becomes far more manageable.

If you've recently agreed a sale and would like advice on what happens next, our team is always happy to help.

What Happens After an Offer Is Accepted? A Step-by-Step Timeline for Buyers and Sellers

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