What happens after your offer is accepted: a step-by-step guide

Offer accepted? Now buy with confidence.

You brought the chutzpah — the nerve to go for the home you actually want. We'll bring the clarity. Here's exactly what happens next, step by step.

Buying a home is one of the biggest moves you'll ever make, and one of the least explained. So we've broken the whole journey into five simple stages. At each one you'll see three things: what you need to do, what your solicitor handles, and what the seller is responsible for.

You're not expected to know any of this. Removing the unknowns is our job — so nothing shakes your confidence between here and the keys.

First, a quick bit of admin

Before the legal process can start, we run standard identity checks — required by law on every UK purchase. We'll ask for:

• Proof of identity

• Proof of address

• Evidence of your funds

Someone from Chutzpah Properties will tell you exactly what's needed. Once it's done, we mark the property as sold, take it off the market, and your purchase officially begins.

Stage 1 — Getting set up

You've had your offer accepted. Let's get the wheels turning.

You:

• Choose a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to act for you

• Send their details to Chutzpah Properties so we can issue the Memorandum of Sale

• Send funds to your solicitor so they can order local authority searches

• If you're buying with a mortgage, start your formal application now

Your solicitor: orders the searches once funded, and receives the draft contract and title documents from the seller's side.

The seller: gives their solicitor everything needed to draft the contract (and, if it's leasehold, pays for a management pack).

Tip: A recommendation from friends or family is a great place to start when choosing a solicitor. We're happy to suggest trusted ones too — just ask.

Stage 2 — The legal legwork

The busiest stretch happens behind the scenes. Most of it is your solicitor's job, not yours.

You:

• Review the draft contract with your solicitor

• Decide whether you'd like a survey — and if so, instruct a surveyor

• If you're buying with a mortgage, share our details with your lender or broker so they can book the valuation

• Arrange building insurance if your lender requires it (usually from exchange)

Your solicitor: reviews the contract, title and search results (plus the lease, if leasehold), and raises any questions with the seller's solicitor.

The seller: allows access for surveys and valuations, and answers those questions through their solicitor.

Tip: Not sure which survey you need? Your surveyor will recommend the right level based on the property's age, condition and construction.

Stage 3 — Getting ready to exchange

You're close now. This is where everything gets checked and confirmed.

You:

• Read the Report on Title your solicitor sends you

• Sign your copy of the contract and the TR1 (the transfer deed)

• Transfer your deposit to your solicitor in good time

• Be reachable on exchange day to give the go-ahead

• Start booking your removals

Your solicitor: prepares your Report on Title, agrees a completion date, and calls to confirm you're ready before exchanging.

The seller: signs their contract and TR1 and confirms they're ready too.

Tip: Large bank transfers can take longer than you'd expect. Move your deposit early so nothing holds up exchange day.

Stage 4 — Exchange

This is the moment it becomes official. Once contracts exchange, the purchase is legally binding and your completion date is locked in.

Take a breath here — the hardest part is behind you. From this point, the home is as good as yours.

Stage 5 — Completion day (keys!)

The day you've been working toward.

You:

• Send the remaining balance to your solicitor before completion

• Be ready to collect your keys from Chutzpah Properties the moment completion is confirmed

Your solicitor: transfers the funds, registers the property in your name with the Land Registry, and handles your Stamp Duty return with HMRC.

The seller: moves out by the agreed time and leaves the property as promised in the contract.

Tip: Set up your utilities in advance, and let your bank, employer and the council know your new address. Future-you will thank you.

Still have questions?

You're not supposed to know this process inside out — that's on us, not you. If anything feels unclear at any stage, just ask, and we'll keep you moving.

Find your chutzpah. Then buy with confidence.

👉 Message us at hello@chutzpahproperties.co.uk and we'll get straight back to you.