Summary
After your offer is accepted on a house, you'll need to instruct a solicitor, arrange your mortgage and survey, and wait for your solicitor to carry out property searches and prepare the contract. This process usually takes 12 to 26 weeks, but you can help speed it up by replying quickly and avoiding major changes, like switching jobs.
Many buyers assume that once their offer is accepted, the hardest part is over. But in fact, this is often where the real uncertainty begins. Most buyers do not know that sellers and buyers can still negoicate the house price after an offer has been accepted. Then there is the legal process. It is vital to understand that the sale is not secure until contracts are exchanged.
Delays with paperwork, surveys or mortgage approval often lead to frustration for buyers and sellers, and can even cause the sale to fall through.
This stage can feel stressful, especially if you're unsure what’s meant to happen next. But with the right information, you can avoid common pitfalls and stay one step ahead.
Quick Guide: After Your Offer Is Accepted
Here’s what to do after you’ve had an offer accepted on a house:
- Confirm the property is marked Sold STC
- Instruct a conveyancing solicitor
- Submit your mortgage application
- Arrange your home survey
- Prepare for the exchange of contracts
- Hire a removal company
- Complete and collect your keys
You can find more detail on each step in the sections below.
To help you through this uncertain period, this guide gives you a clear, step-by-step overview of what happens after your offer is accepted. It explains what to do, how long each stage usually takes, and how to stay in control throughout the process.
How Long Does It Take to Buy a House Once the Offer Is Accepted?
It usually takes between 12 weeks and 6 months to move into your new home once your initial offer has been accepted.
You can avoid unnecessary delays by responding to your solicitor and mortgage broker requests quickly, arranging your home survey as soon as your offer has been accepted, and avoiding big financial changes, like switching jobs or taking on new credit.
Also, being proactive at each step helps reduce the risk of delays and keeps your move on track.
Save money on your conveyancing costs
Accredited property conveyancers
Used by over 1.8 million movers in the UK
What to Do Once Your Offer Has Been Accepted
1. Confirm the Property Is Off the Market
The seller's agent should take the property off the market as soon as your offer has been accepted. If this hasn't happened, contact them and ask them to mark the property as “Sold Subject to Contract” and remove it from listings.
This will help to minimise the risk of gazumping, where another buyer makes a higher offer and wins.
2. Instruct a Conveyancing Solicitor
A conveyancing solicitor handles all the legal aspects of the property transaction. As you research regulated solicitors, we recommend looking specifically for solicitors who are responsive and transparent about fees. This will reduce a lot of stress throughout your homebuying journey.
After making your decision, you will need to instruct your solicitor. You should check in with your solicitor frequently to ensure the conveyancing process is running smoothly and to inform them of any situational changes.
While it's your conveyancer's role to complete tasks such as paperwork and organising your exchange and completion, as a buyer, you play an important role in the process too.
To keep everything running smoothly and to avoid delays in the conveyancing process, always provide any necessary information, including your mortgage Agreement in Principle and paperwork as soon as possible.
3. Submit Your Full Mortgage Application
If you're buying the home with a mortgage, you will need to formally apply after your offer has been accepted.
It can take a few weeks to arrange and receive your formal mortgage offer, so the sooner you complete the application and let your mortgage lender know, the better.
If you haven’t already, consider using a mortgage broker. They’ll:
- Submit the application on your behalf
- Chase the lender for updates
- Recommend suitable deals
You’ll usually need to provide:
- Proof of ID (e.g. passport)
- Proof of address (e.g. full driving licence)
- Proof of income (e.g. payslips)
Bills and statements must be dated within 3 months unless otherwise stated.
At this point, your mortgage lender will complete a mortgage valuation on the home to ensure they are lending the correct amount.
Save money on your conveyancing costs
Accredited property conveyancers
Used by over 1.8 million movers in the UK
4. Arrange Your Home Survey
A home survey isn’t mandatory, but it’s essential if you want peace of mind about the property’s condition.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, you must organise this yourself. In Scotland, the seller must provide a Home Report.
The four main home survey types are:
- Snagging Survey: For new-builds
- RICS Level 1 Home Survey: A basic condition check
- RICS Level 2 Home Survey: For conventional properties
- RICS Level 3 Home Survey: For properties over 50 years old
Once you've researched and chosen the most suitable survey type, compare trusted RICS surveyors to find the best surveyor for you. It's important to discuss availability, how long the survey report will take, and costs with your surveyor.
5. Prepare for the Exchange of Contracts
The exchange of contracts marks the legal binding of your property transaction. At this point, your negotiations should have concluded, and you and the seller should be satisfied with the sale terms.
To prepare, ensure your solicitor has your formal mortgage offer and that your house deposit and any funds are ready to be sent to the seller. If you have money in an ISA, a gifted deposit, or are combining funds with a partner, transfer these into your main account before your completion day.
Your mortgage lender will require you to have buildings insurance in place from the date of exchange. You should also arrange your contents insurance to begin from completion.
6. Hire a Removal Company
Once you've been given a completion date, we recommend hiring a removal company. It's useful to compare removal companies and book as far in advance as possible to ensure they have availability.
Not only will a removal company save you time and stress on your moving day, but it will also help protect your items during transit. All reputable removal companies will have Goods in Transit and Public Liability insurance.
You can enquire about pricing and read customer reviews to determine the best removal company for your specific needs. Where possible, aim to move on a Wednesday as this is the cheapest day for house removals.
Save money on your conveyancing costs
Accredited property conveyancers
Used by over 1.8 million movers in the UK
7. Finalise Your House Transaction
Completion day marks the end of your house-buying process, where homeownership will legally be transferred to you.
Once the financial proceedings are completed by your solicitor, it's your responsibility to collect the keys from the seller's estate agent and pass on any keys for your old property if you're selling.
You can then move into your new home and begin the process of setting up your utilities and bills, including council tax.
Can a House Sale Fall Through After an Offer is Accepted?
Yes, a house sale isn't guaranteed after an offer is accepted and can still fall through. This is because the sale isn't legally binding until the exchange of contracts, making it easier for either the buyer or seller to withdraw at this point. Therefore, make sure you understand what is a reasonable offer on a house before making an offer.
Numerous factors can cause a house sale to fall through, including changes in financial or personal circumstances, a change of heart, delays in the conveyancing process and survey issues.
This is why it's so important to have a clear understanding of what's needed from you, the buyer, to help prevent any delays in the conveyancing process.
How to Find a Local Conveyancer
Compare My Move can connect you with up to 5 conveyancers in your local area. Fill in our conveyancing comparison form to compare conveyancing quotes and save up to 70% on your conveyancing fees.
All partners must pass our verification process to join our network. For conveyancers, this includes providing proof of regulation from either the SRA, CLC, LSS, LSNI or CILEx.
