From Offer to Keys: What Happens Next (Your First-Time Buyer Roadmap)
You’ve made the offer, and it’s been accepted — cue excitement, nerves, and a slight sense of what now? Don’t worry, this is where we help you turn that “sold” sign into keys in your hand.
📑 Step 1: Instruct your solicitor
Your solicitor (or conveyancer) handles all the legal work. They’ll check the contract, raise any questions with the seller’s solicitor, and make sure everything’s above board before you commit.
🏦 Step 2: Finalise your mortgage
Now that your offer is accepted, your lender will arrange a valuation and confirm your mortgage offer. Your mortgage advisor will guide you through this part and help speed things along.
🔍 Step 3: Property checks and searches
This includes local authority searches, title checks, and sometimes an additional survey. It’s the due diligence phase — making sure you’re buying a property that’s as good as it looks on paper.
🖊️ Step 4: Exchange contracts
This is the big moment. You and the seller both sign the contracts and agree a completion date. From this point, you’re legally committed to the purchase.
🔑 Step 5: Completion day!
Your solicitor transfers the funds, and once the seller’s solicitor confirms receipt, you can collect your keys and officially call the place yours.
💡 Our tip:
Buying your first home is one of the biggest milestones in life, so don’t rush it. Ask questions, stay in touch with your agent, and lean on your mortgage advisor when things get technical.
🎉 Ready to start your own first-time buyer journey?
Speak to our friendly team today — we’ll walk you through the process, connect you with trusted mortgage experts, and make sure you’re holding those keys sooner than you think.