Sales progression made simple: What to expect after accepting an offer

Selling your home is an exciting but complex journey. The first few weeks are typically the busiest, filled with viewings and negotiations, with the ultimate goal of securing a strong offer. But what happens next?

At Hawthorn & Co, we know that sales progression can feel overwhelming, so we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process with confidence.

1. Choosing a Conveyancer/Solicitor

Once you accept an offer, the next step is instructing a solicitor or conveyancer to handle the legal aspects of your sale. It’s essential to choose a professional with a strong track record, excellent communication, and great reviews—this can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth process. While it may be tempting to opt for the cheapest option, investing in a proactive and responsive solicitor can save you time and stress down the line. We work with some great conveyancers we can recommend.

2. Completing the necessary forms

Your solicitor will send you various documents to fill out, including:

• TA6 (Property Information Form): Details about the property, boundaries, utilities, and any disputes.
• TA10 (Fixtures & Contents Form): Outlines what will be included or excluded in the sale.
• TA7 (Leasehold Information Form): Required if your property is leasehold, covering service charges, ground rent, and management details.

These forms provide key information to the buyer, so completing them accurately and promptly can prevent unnecessary delays.

3. Issuing the draft contract

Your solicitor will now prepare a draft contract, which includes the terms of the sale, title deeds, and the forms you’ve completed. This will be sent to the buyer’s solicitor, who will review everything and request any additional details or amendments if needed.

4. Property searches

The buyer’s solicitor will carry out property searches to uncover any potential legal or environmental issues. The three main searches are:

• Local Authority Search: Looks at planning permissions, restrictions, and any upcoming developments.
• Environmental Search: Identifies flood risks, land contamination, or other environmental factors.
• Water & Drainage Search: Checks sewer connections and water supply details.

The speed of this stage depends on the efficiency of the local authority, but in some cases, the buyer can opt for an expedited search (at an extra cost) to speed things up.

5. Management pack (for leasehold or share of freehold properties)

If you’re selling a leasehold or share of freehold property, your solicitor will need to request a management pack(LPE1 form) from the freeholder or managing agent. This includes details about service charges, ground rent, upcoming works, and building maintenance.

Obtaining this pack can take time, so if you’re selling a leasehold, instructing your solicitor early can help prevent unnecessary delays.

6. Mortgage valuation & surveys

If the buyer is using a mortgage, their lender will carry out a mortgage valuation to ensure the property is worth the agreed sale price. Some buyers may also commission a homebuyer’s survey or a full structural survey for peace of mind. These surveys can highlight any potential property issues, which may lead to renegotiations.

7. Responding to enquiries

The buyer’s solicitor will raise enquiries based on the information provided in the draft contract, searches, and surveys. These could be simple clarifications or requests for additional documents. Your solicitor will handle most of these, but some may require your input.

If any issues arise—such as boundary disputes or missing planning permissions—it’s important to work with your solicitor and estate agent to resolve them quickly to keep the sale on track.

8. Exchange of contracts

At this stage, both parties sign the contract of sale, and a completion date is agreed upon. The buyer will also pay their deposit (usually 5-10% of the property price).

Once contracts are exchanged, the sale becomes legally binding, meaning neither party can back out without financial consequences. This is the time to book removals and start preparing for your move!

9. Completion Day – The big move!

Completion is the final stage of the sale. On the agreed completion day, the buyer’s solicitor transfers the remaining funds, and once the money is received, ownership is officially transferred.

The estate agent will release the keys to the buyer, and you’ll be ready to move on to your next chapter! Completion usually happens between 12 pm and 2 pm, but can vary depending on the size of the chain.

How Hawthorn & Co helps you throughout sales progression

At Hawthorn & Co, we’re committed to keeping your sale moving smoothly. Our proactive approach means we:

• Work closely with your solicitor to ensure everything is chased up efficiently.
• Communicate with all parties to prevent unnecessary delays.
• Keep you updated at every stage, so you always know what’s happening.

Selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful—our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.

If you're thinking of selling or need advice on the process, get in touch with us today! on 01926 919553 or send us an email enquiries@hawthornandco.co.uk