How buying a home works (England and Wales)
Offer, solicitor, mortgage, survey, searches, enquiries, exchange, completion. Usually 12 to 20 weeks.
An accepted offer isn't binding in England and Wales. Either side can pull out until contracts are exchanged.
Your solicitor checks the title, orders searches (local authority, water and drainage, environmental), raises enquiries and reports to you. Your lender values the property; a survey is your own check of its condition.
At exchange, you pay the deposit and the deal becomes binding. Completion is when the money moves and you get the keys. Stamp duty (or Land Transaction Tax in Wales) must be filed and paid within 14 days of completion.
From exchange you're usually responsible for insuring a freehold house.
What to check
- Track each stage in My purchase
- Have ID, bank statements and deposit proof ready
- Read your solicitor's report before signing
Who can help
A solicitor or licensed conveyancer (by law, only they can do conveyancing for you).
Official sources
Checked 5 November 2026. General information for England and Wales, not legal advice.