Buying a home combines legal investigation, mortgage requirements, practical deadlines and significant financial commitment. Understanding the stages helps buyers avoid assumptions and respond quickly when an issue arises.
Key points
What to know at a glance
- Budget beyond the purchase price
- Obtain a survey as well as legal searches
- Provide source-of-funds evidence early
- Do not promise a completion date prematurely
- Read and understand the report before signing
Before and after the offer
Budget for deposit, mortgage costs, survey, searches, insurance, professional fees and taxes. Once an offer is accepted, provide identification, source-of-funds evidence and mortgage information promptly. Until a binding contract exists, circumstances may still change.
Title and property investigation
The solicitor reviews title, boundaries, rights, burdens, planning information and replies to enquiries. The investigation is not a physical survey. A survey can identify condition issues that legal documents will not reveal.
Searches and enquiries
Searches may reveal planning, roads, statutory or property-registration matters. Additional enquiries depend on the property, tenure, alterations and information supplied. An issue does not always prevent purchase, but its practical and mortgage implications must be assessed.
Mortgage and lender requirements
Where there is a mortgage, the solicitor usually also acts for the lender and must satisfy its instructions. The offer conditions, valuation, gifted deposits, occupiers and source of funds may require documents. Do not commit to dates until mortgage and legal requirements are in order.
Contract and completion
The contract sets the price, property, completion arrangements and legal obligations. Signing documents is not a formality; ask questions before commitment. Completion occurs when funds and documents are dealt with in accordance with the contract and keys are released.
After completion
The solicitor addresses registration and any lender security. Keep insurance and ownership records safely. If there are immediate defects or missing items, report them promptly, but recognise that responsibility depends on the contract, enquiries and nature of the issue.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How long does conveyancing take?+
It depends on title, mortgage, searches, chain and responsiveness. A fixed date should not be assumed at offer stage.
Do I need a survey?+
It is strongly advisable. The solicitor does not inspect structural condition.
What is source of funds?+
Evidence showing where the purchase money came from, required for legal and anti-money-laundering checks.
Can I move in before completion?+
Usually not. Occupation should not begin without clear legal agreement and advice.
Primary legal sources
Legislation and official guidance
These sources are provided for transparency. Legislation may be amended or commenced in stages, and reading the statutory text is not a substitute for advice.