A step by step guide to buying a property in England & Wales

Buying a property is one of the biggest financial commitments most people will make. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or moving up the ladder, understanding the legal process can help you feel more confident and in control.

Here’s a straightforward overview of the key legal stages involved in buying a property in England and Wales.

1. Getting started early

While you’re house hunting, you can find and instruct a solicitor. They can complete their compliance procedures in advance, so when you have an offer accepted, you’re an attractive prospect to sellers and your solicitor can immediately:

• Request the contract pack from the seller’s solicitor
• Carry out essential checks and searches
• Review the legal title and raise any enquiries
• Guide you through the process from start to finish

2. Conducting searches

Your solicitor will carry out a series of property searches, including:

• Local authority searches (planning applications, road schemes, building control)
• Environmental searches (flood risk, contamination, mining, and climate change)
• Water and drainage searches
• Chancel repair liability searches (where applicable)

They will also review the title documents, leasehold terms (if applicable), and raise enquiries with the seller’s solicitor. These enquiries can cover anything from rights of way to building regulations compliance.

3. Reviewing your mortgage offer

If you’re using a mortgage, your lender will carry out a valuation and issue a formal mortgage offer. Your solicitor will review this to ensure there are no legal issues that could affect the lender’s security over the property.

4. Preparing for exchange

Once all checks and enquiries are satisfied, and your mortgage is in place, your solicitor will:

• Send you the final contract and transfer deed for signature
• Agree a completion date with the seller’s solicitor
• Request your deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price)
• Ask you to arrange building insurance to start from exchange of contracts

At this point, you’re ready to exchange contracts.

5. Exchange of contracts

Exchange is when the agreement becomes legally binding. Your solicitor and the seller’s solicitor will:

• Confirm all signed contracts and the completion date
• Exchange contracts on your behalf
• Transfer the deposit to the seller’s solicitor

After exchange, neither party can withdraw without serious financial penalties.

6. Pre-completion preparations

Before completion, your solicitor will:

• Carry out final searches (including bankruptcy searches against you)
• Request the mortgage funds from your lender
• Request any outstanding balance from you
• Prepare the completion statement

Everything is now in place for completion day.

7. Completion day

On completion day, the remaining purchase money is transferred to the seller’s solicitor. Once the funds clear:

• The keys are released to you via the estate agent
• You officially become the legal owner of the property

Congratulations – you can now move in!

8. Post-completion tasks

After completion, your solicitor will:

• Pay any Stamp Duty Land Tax due to HMRC
• Register your ownership with HM Land Registry
• Send you the official copies of your title or confirmation from the Land Registry
• Notify your mortgage lender that registration is complete

Buying a home with confidence

The legal side of buying a home can feel complex, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right legal support, the process becomes clearer, smoother and far less stressful.

Our conveyancing team is here to help you navigate every step with confidence and clarity. If you’re thinking of buying or have just had an offer accepted, get in touch today.

Let’s make your move a positive one.