What Happens After Accepting an Offer on Your House?
Accepting an offer is an important milestone, but the sale is not legally binding in England until contracts are exchanged. Understanding the next stages helps sellers keep the transaction moving and respond quickly when information is needed.
Confirming the offer
Your estate agent should confirm the agreed price, the buyer’s position and any conditions attached to the offer. This includes whether the buyer has a mortgage agreement in principle, a property to sell and a complete chain. Proof of funds and identification checks may also be required.
Instruct your conveyancer
If you have not already appointed a solicitor or licensed conveyancer, do this immediately. They will send you the property information forms, request title documents and prepare the draft contract pack for the buyer’s conveyancer.
Completing forms accurately and returning them promptly can prevent avoidable delays. Leasehold sellers may also need a management information pack from the freeholder or managing agent.
The buyer arranges their mortgage and survey
A mortgage lender will normally arrange a valuation. The buyer may also commission a home survey. A survey is for the buyer’s benefit and can identify repairs or further investigations. If questions arise, your estate agent and conveyancer can help keep the discussion factual and focused.
Legal enquiries and searches
The buyer’s conveyancer reviews the contract documents, orders searches and raises enquiries. Some questions can be answered by your conveyancer, while others may require documents or clarification from you. Quick, complete responses help maintain momentum.
What does the estate agent do now?
A proactive estate agent continues working after the offer is accepted. They speak with the buyer, solicitors and other agents in the chain, monitor progress, identify delays and help everyone understand the next action required. This sales progression is a major part of the service.
Exchange of contracts
Once finance, searches, enquiries and the chain are ready, both parties sign contracts and agree a completion date. At exchange, the agreement becomes legally binding and the buyer normally pays a deposit.
Completion day
On completion, the remaining purchase money is transferred to your conveyancer. Once funds are received, the estate agent is authorised to release the keys. Your conveyancer then settles agreed costs, including the estate agent’s fee and any mortgage balance, before transferring the remaining proceeds to you.
How sellers can reduce delays
Prepare documents early, respond promptly, keep the property accessible for surveys and stay in regular contact with your agent and conveyancer. Tell them immediately if your circumstances or timescale changes.
Home & Castle supports sellers from valuation and marketing through negotiation, sales progression and completion across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, including Dinton, Shabbington, Chearsley and Haddenham. Explore the areas we cover to see the full list of locations we serve.
