The 10 Stages of Buying a Home (and what your solicitor does at each one)

Buying a property is one of life’s biggest milestones. While it is exciting to imagine moving into your new home, the legal process can sometimes feel daunting. That is where your solicitor comes in. From the moment they are instructed until long after you collect the keys, your solicitor is working to protect your interests and make sure everything runs smoothly.

Here are the 10 key stages of buying a home and what happens at each one.

1. Instruction

The process begins when you instruct a solicitor and provide details about the property and how you will fund the purchase. At this stage, the solicitor confirms their instruction, explains costs, and carries out ID, anti-money laundering and source of funds checks.
Tip: Create a dedicated folder (digital or paper) to keep all your moving documents, ID and correspondence in one place.

2. Reviewing the Contract Pack

Once instructed, the solicitor requests the draft Contract Pack from the seller’s solicitor. This contains the title documents, property forms and other key information. You may be asked to provide other documents such as your mortgage offer details at this stage.
Tip: Try to respond quickly to requests for documents so the process keeps moving forward without delays.

3. Searches

Your solicitor orders searches with the Local Authority, water and drainage provider, and environmental agencies. These reveal important information such as planning restrictions, flood risk or road adoption. No action is usually required from you at this point, unless you also wish to obtain a survey, which we would always recommend.
Tip: Searches can take time. Use this stage to look into things like removals, home insurance, or broadband for your new property.

4. Raising Enquiries

The solicitor reviews the Contract Pack and search results and  raises any necessary enquiries with the seller’s solicitor. If any clarification is needed, you may be asked to provide further information.
Tip: Keep a checklist of any questions you have about the property so you feel confident that everything is being covered.

5. Mortgage and Finance

You progress your mortgage application with your Lender. The solicitor receives the formal mortgage offer, checks the terms, and provides you with a clear report with an explanation of your obligations.
Tip: Stay in regular contact with your mortgage broker or lender so you know exactly where things stand and keep up to date, in case there is a better offer available.

6. Reporting

Once all checks and enquiries are complete, the solicitor prepares a full report on the property. This explains the results of the searches, the details of the Contract, and any other relevant information regarding the property, so you understand exactly what you are buying.
Tip: Set aside quiet time to read the report without distraction. It is a lot of information, and you will feel more confident once you have reviewed it properly. Raise any final queries at this stage, prior to exchange.

7. Signing the Documents

When you are happy to proceed, you sign the Contract, Transfer Deed, and Mortgage Deed. The solicitor ensures that all documents are accurate and that you understand their significance.
Tip: Make sure your diary is flexible around this stage so you can return signed documents promptly, as you will also need a witness for the Transfer Deed and Mortgage Deed.

8. Exchange of Contracts

At this stage, the deposit (usually 10 per cent of the purchase price) is required. The solicitor then formally exchanges contracts with the seller’s solicitor. The agreement to purchase the property becomes legally binding, and the completion date is confirmed.
Tip: Once the exchange happens, start finalising moving arrangements such as booking time off work and confirming removal companies.

9. Completion

On the agreed date, the full amount of the purchase (any deposit and mortgage funds) are transferred to the seller’s solicitor and the Estate Agent is notified to release the keys. You can then collect the keys and move into your new home.
Tip: Aim to move essentials first (like a kettle, bedding, and cleaning supplies) so your first night in the new property is as stress-free as possible.

10. After Completion

Even after you move in, the solicitor continues to work on your behalf. They file the SDLT return with HMRC to pay your Stamp Duty, register your ownership with the Land Registry, and issue your title deeds once registration is complete.
Tip: Keep copies of your SDLT confirmation and Land Registry documents safe in case you decide to remortgage or sell in future.

Moving with francis george solicitor-advocate… our conveyancing team by your side, every step of the way.

The role of a solicitor is to guide you at every stage, handling the legal complexities so you can focus on the excitement of moving. From instruction through to completion and beyond, francis george solicitor-advocate is here to make the process clear, efficient and stress-free.

Ready to move? Contact francis george solicitor-advocate today to start your property journey with confidence.