Buying a Home: A Simple Day-to-Day Guide
Buying a Home: A Simple Day-to-Day Guide
Congratulations—your offer has been accepted! But before the celebration begins, it’s time to start the legal process of buying a home, known as conveyancing.
This day-by-day guide walks you through what typically happens between offer acceptance and key collection. Actual timelines may vary, but this gives you a good overview.
Day 1: Instruct Your Solicitor and Book a Valuation
You’ve found your home—now it’s time to:
- Instruct a conveyancing solicitor (they handle all legal matters).
- Notify the estate agent of your solicitor’s details.
- Instruct a property valuation with your lender (required before mortgage approval).
Day 3: Complete and Return Your Forms
Your estate agent will issue a memorandum of sale to both parties’ solicitors. Your solicitor will then send you forms to:
- Confirm your identity.
- Declare where your deposit is coming from.
Important: Return all documents promptly to avoid delays.
Day 9: Pay for Searches, Ask Questions, Book a Survey
Now that the valuation is likely done:
- Pay your solicitor to begin property searches.
- Ask your solicitor to raise any concerns with the seller's solicitor.
- Book a HomeBuyer Report or Building Survey through a qualified RICS surveyor.
A survey helps identify costly hidden issues before it’s too late.
Day 13: Solicitor Raises Enquiries
Based on the legal pack and contracts, your solicitor may raise further legal enquiries with the seller's solicitor.
Day 16: Searches Ordered
Your solicitor orders key property searches, including:
- Local authority
- Drainage and water
- Environmental
- Chancel repair liability
Day 23: Search Results Arrive
Your mortgage offer should also arrive now. Your solicitor will review the search results and discuss any issues with you.
Day 26: Seller Responds to Enquiries
The seller’s solicitor replies to any outstanding legal questions.
Day 30: Solicitor’s Final Report
Once everything is in order, your solicitor compiles a final report and prepares for signing.
Day 32: Sign the Contract & Pay Your Deposit
It’s exchange day!
- You sign the contract and pay your deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price).
- The seller signs their copy.
- Both solicitors agree on a completion date—the day you get the keys.
After exchanging contracts, the purchase is legally binding.
Day 34: Pay the Balance
You pay the remaining balance to your solicitor, who will prepare to complete the transaction.
Day 41: Completion Day – Move In!
The big day is here!
- Your solicitor transfers the funds to the seller.
- You get the keys and can move in.
Time to celebrate—you’re now a homeowner!
Note: Stamp Duty and Land Registry fees are usually paid shortly after completion. Your solicitor will handle this and confirm once done.
Ready to Make Your Property Move?
At ParachuteLaw, our expert property solicitors are here to guide you through every step of the process. Whether you’re buying, selling, or need legal advice, we provide clear, reliable, and efficient services to make your property journey smooth.
Important Notice
This guide is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice. While we’ve taken care to ensure the information is accurate and up to date as of the time of writing, it does not take into account your personal circumstances and should not be used as a substitute for tailored legal advice. Reading this guide does not create a solicitor-client relationship between you and Parachute Law. We accept no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this guide. If you need legal advice about your specific situation, we encourage you to get in touch with us for a confidential consultation. We're here to help you understand your options and take the next step with confidence. Contact us at: thelegalteam@parachutelaw.co.uk
