Your First-Time Buyer Roadmap: From Offer to Keys
You’ve found your dream home and made an offer — exciting times! But what actually happens between that happy phone call and the moment you get your keys?
Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you understand what to expect, who does what, and how to keep the process running smoothly.
Step 1: Offer Accepted
Once your offer is accepted, the property is marked as “Sold Subject to Contract” (SSTC). This means the seller has agreed to sell to you, but the sale isn’t legally binding yet, that happens later when contracts are exchanged.
At this stage, it’s normal to feel both excited and nervous. Don’t worry, your agent and solicitor will guide you through what comes next.
Your estate agent will send confirmation of the offer to both you and the seller in writing. They’ll also ask you for your solicitor’s details and your mortgage broker or lender information, so the legal process can begin.
Tip: Make sure your deposit funds are easily accessible (for example, not locked in a notice savings account), you’ll need them soon!
Step 2: Instruct Your Solicitor
Your solicitor (or conveyancer) is your legal representative. Their job is to handle contracts, manage funds, and make sure everything about the property is legally sound.
They will:
- Check the title deeds and property boundaries.
- Conduct local authority searches (e.g., checking for flood risks, planning issues, or road schemes).
- Review the draft contract sent by the seller’s solicitor.
- Explain any legal terms and flag anything that might need clarification.
If you don’t already have a solicitor, we can recommend trusted local firms who specialise in first-time buyers and understand how to keep things moving quickly.
Tip: Respond promptly to any forms or ID requests from your solicitor — delays here can slow down the whole process.
Step 3: Arrange Your Survey
Your mortgage lender will usually require a valuation survey to confirm that the property is worth the amount they’re lending. There are three main types of surveys:
- Mortgage Valuation – A basic check required by your lender.
- HomeBuyer Report – A more detailed survey that looks at the property’s condition and highlights potential issues (like damp or structural movement).
- Full Structural Survey – The most thorough option, usually for older or unusual homes.
Your survey gives you peace of mind before you commit financially. If any significant issues come up, your agent can help you renegotiate or request repairs before proceeding.
Tip: Ask your surveyor questions! They can often give practical advice on maintenance or improvement priorities too.
Step 4: Finalise the Mortgage
Once your survey has been completed and approved, your lender will issue a formal mortgage offer. This document outlines:
- The loan amount
- Your interest rate and term
- Monthly repayments and conditions
You’ll need to sign and return the mortgage offer before your solicitor can move forward. At this point, your solicitor and the lender will liaise to make sure funds will be ready for completion day.
Tip: Double-check any direct debits or account details with your mortgage advisor to avoid delays in releasing funds.
Step 5: Exchange & Completion
This is where it all becomes official!
Your solicitor will:
- Exchange contracts with the seller’s solicitor.
- Agree a completion date (the day you get your keys).
- Arrange for the transfer of your deposit.
Once contracts are exchanged, the sale becomes legally binding, and both sides commit to the agreed completion date.
On completion day, your solicitor sends the full payment to the seller’s solicitor. When the funds clear, your agent will call you with those magical words:
“Congratulations — you can collect your keys!”
Pro Tip: Keep in regular contact with both your solicitor and estate agent. Good communication helps avoid last-minute surprises and keeps everything running smoothly.
After Completion
- Collect your keys from the agent (don’t forget photo ID).
- Take meter readings at your new home.
- Inform your utility providers and update your address with your bank and employer.
- Celebrate your new beginning!
Need Trusted Help Along the Way?
If you’re not sure where to start with choosing a solicitor, surveyor, or mortgage advisor, we can connect you with our recommended local experts who make things simple and stress-free for first-time buyers.