Home Buying: Process & Timeline When Buying A House

How long will it take to buy a house?

The time from acceptance of your offer to the date you can move in depends on a number of factors. The average process of buying a house takes between 10 and 12 weeks but it can be quicker or slower depending on the number of parties in the chain and their circumstances: e.g. whether all parties have a mortgage approved in principle; the time taken for them to obtain information for local authorities or management companies.

The home buying process and how we can help you

(Please note: the steps and order in which the following happen can vary in each purchase):

• We take your detailed instructions and advise according to you own circumstances
• We receive and review the contract documents
• We submit searches
• We review the search results and advise you on them
• We obtain further planning documentation if required
• We make any necessary enquiries of the seller’s solicitor
• Flats and leasehold houses – we obtain information from the Landlord or Management Company about the management; maintenance and additional costs
• Flats and leasehold houses – we prepare any additional deeds to be signed by you and the Landlord  
• We advise you on all the documentation and information received
• We go through any mortgage documentation with you
• We arrange signature of the documents
• We ensure the completion date (i.e. date when you get the keys) is agreed
• We exchange contracts on your behalf: this is the stage at which the agreement becomes legally binding on both you and the seller
• We report to any mortgage lender
• We arrange for all money to be received from the mortgage lender and you
• We complete the purchase
• We submit your Stamp Duty return and arrange payment
• Flats and leasehold houses – Inform the Landlord or Management Company of the change of ownership
• We deal with the registration of your ownership at HM Land Registry