23 June 2025
At Aldridge Brownlee Solicitors, we’re here to make the process as clear, smooth, and stress-free as possible. Below is a step-by-step guide to the key stages of buying a property, so you know exactly what to expect.
1. Getting Started: Instruction and Initial Documents
Once you instruct us to act on your behalf, we’ll send you an initial welcome pack. This includes:
At this stage, we’ll carry out ID checks and gather information about how the purchase is being funded. These steps ensure legal compliance and allow us to open your file and begin preparing for the transaction.
2. Receiving the Seller’s Contract Pack
While we process your initial paperwork, the seller’s solicitor will prepare and send us the contract pack, which typically includes:
We’ll forward key documents to you and begin our legal review of the property to ensure there are no issues that could affect your purchase.
3. Searches and Surveys
To help protect your investment, we will carry out a series of legal property searches. These usually include:
Depending on the property’s location, additional specialist searches (such as coal mining or brine searches) may also be recommended.
Separately, you may wish to commission a survey of the property. These range from basic condition reports to full structural surveys, which can reveal any hidden defects or maintenance concerns.
It’s important to remember that in England and Wales, property purchases are governed by the principle of “caveat emptor” – or “buyer beware” – meaning it is the buyer’s responsibility to identify potential issues.
4. Raising Enquiries
Once we’ve reviewed the contract pack, search results, and survey findings, we’ll raise enquiries with the seller’s solicitor to clarify any concerns or request additional documentation. This could include questions about boundaries, rights of way, planning permissions, or any repair obligations.
This stage can involve several rounds of communication but is vital to ensure you are fully informed before committing.
5. Property Report and Legal Advice
When all enquiries have been resolved, we’ll prepare a comprehensive report on the property. This will include:
This report is designed to give you a clear understanding of the property before moving forward.
6. Exchange of Contracts
When you’re ready to proceed, we’ll arrange for the contracts to be signed and formally exchanged. This is the point at which the agreement becomes legally binding. A completion date will also be agreed upon.
If you are buying a freehold property, we recommend arranging buildings insurance from the date of exchange.
7. Completion Day
On the agreed completion date, we transfer the purchase funds to the seller’s solicitor. Once the funds are received, the sale is finalised, and you can collect the keys to your new home.
After completion, we will:
Guidance Throughout
Our dedicated property team is here to support you at every stage of the process. Whether you're buying your first home or your fifth, our goal is to ensure a seamless experience from instruction to completion.
Ready to get started?
Contact our conveyancing team today and take the next step with confidence.
Visit our website or call us on 01202 526343 to speak with one of our property specialists.
