What Actually Happens Between Offer Accepted and Completion? 

"We've accepted the offer. So when do we get the keys?"

If only it were that simple.

Accepting an offer is a huge milestone, but there can still be a lot happening before completion day.

And if you've never bought or sold a property before, this period can sometimes feel like everyone is doing things behind the scenes without telling you what's going on.

So let's break it down.

The offer is accepted

The estate agent confirms the agreed price and the position of the buyer and seller.

The property will usually become Sold Subject to Contract.

It feels official.

But legally, you're not there yet.

Solicitors get involved

Both sides need their solicitors or conveyancers to progress the legal work.

The buyer's solicitor investigates the property.

The seller's solicitor prepares the legal information.

And the paperwork begins moving backwards and forwards.

Searches happen

The buyer's solicitor orders searches.

These can uncover information about the property and its surroundings that isn't obvious from a viewing.

This is an important part of the process and can sometimes take longer than expected.

The mortgage progresses

If the buyer needs a mortgage, their application continues.

There may be a lender valuation and requests for further documents or information.

Once the lender is satisfied, the mortgage offer can be issued.

Then come the questions

The buyer's solicitor may raise enquiries.

Some are simple.

Some require additional information.

Some lead to further questions.

This is often where patience starts becoming important.

Meanwhile, the estate agent is chasing

This is the bit buyers and sellers don't always see.

A good estate agent should be keeping in touch with everyone.

Where are the searches?

Has the mortgage offer been issued?

Have the enquiries been answered?

Is the rest of the chain ready?

Is there anything holding things up?

We're not replacing the solicitor, but we can help make sure communication doesn't disappear into the void.

The chain

If you're part of a chain, your transaction is connected to others.

You might be ready to go, but someone further up the chain might still be waiting for their buyer.

This is why a chain can sometimes feel like a game of dominoes.

One delay can affect everyone.

Exchange

Once the legal work is complete and everyone is ready, contracts are exchanged.

This is the point where things become legally binding.

The completion date is normally agreed at this stage.

Completion

And finally...

Completion day.

The buyer's money is transferred.

The seller's solicitor confirms receipt.

The transaction completes.

The keys are released.

The house changes hands.

Why can it take weeks?

Because there isn't one process happening.

There are lots of processes happening simultaneously.

Solicitors.

Mortgage lenders.

Search providers.

Buyers.

Sellers.

Agents.

And, potentially, an entire chain of properties.

The best thing you can do

Keep your side moving.

If your solicitor asks for something, send it.

If your mortgage adviser needs a document, provide it.

If your estate agent calls with an update, respond.

It sounds simple, but quick communication can prevent small delays becoming big ones.

And when completion day finally arrives, you'll realise why all those phone calls, emails and "just chasing for an update" conversations were worth it.