You’ve found the house of your dreams, and your offer has been accepted. You’re itching to start your new life, but the process is turning into a marathon rather than a sprint. At this point, many buyers feel mystified. What’s the hold-up?
The first hurdle is the pre-contract stage. This can take anywhere between 1–3 months. During this time, your mortgage lender will carry out their own checks to make sure they can turn your Agreement in Principal into a concrete offer.
After this, the relevant contracts will be drawn up with the help of the seller, their conveyancer, and the Land Registry. Filling out forms incorrectly, or not having the right documents on hand can delay this process, so make sure you have your ducks in a row.
Once the contracts are ready, your conveyancer should organise a survey of the property. Delays may arise if any problems crop up, but there are ways around this, and being prepared is always the way forward!
Now it’s time to exchange contracts. At this point, you can agree on a completion date. This may take up to several weeks if you need time to access the money from your lender and sign any further documentation relating to the transfer. If you’re in a chain, you may also have to wait until the seller can leave.
With a move-in date on the horizon, you’ll have to sort your building insurance to protect your new home from the day you arrive. Where necessary, you must pay Stamp Duty tax, and you’ll need to notify the Land Registry to confirm your ownership, and ensure your conveyancer gives you the title deeds. Tying up these loose ends can take two weeks.
Overall, it takes six months on average to go from an accepted offer, to picking up the keys to your new home.
Having the right professionals on your side can make all the difference. When you buy or sell with us, our team can help you every step of the way. We offer advice, and work closely with you to ensure your transaction is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Visit our website to learn more about how we can help.
