Explanation of the legal stages of purchase: offer, mortgage, exchange, completion.

Explanation of the legal stages of buying property in the United Kingdom

Buying a home in the United Kingdom is a structured and formalised process that involves several key legal stages. Understanding each of them will help you avoid misunderstandings, delays and risks. This article explains what happens at each stage, how a solicitor is involved and what foreign buyers should consider, especially if you are a resident of Ukraine.

Key legal stages of buying property in the UK

Buying property in the UK is a clearly structured process that requires not only financial readiness but also a deep understanding of the legal stages of the transaction. Compared to Ukrainian or European practice, every detail is important in the UK: from the moment of the offer to the registration of ownership.

Stages of buying a home in the UK:

1. An offer is an informal agreement that has no legal force but is the first important step. The buyer submits their offer through an agent, specifying the price and possible conditions. The seller can accept, reject or make a counteroffer. Despite its informality, a well-prepared offer can influence the further course of negotiations.
2. Mortgage in principle / Mortgage application — if you are planning to take out a mortgage in the United Kingdom, you must first obtain a ‘Decision in Principle’ — a document of preliminary approval from the bank. Once the offer is accepted, the full loan application process begins, which includes verification of income, credit rating and source of funds documentation.
3. Searches and due diligence — one of the most important stages. A lawyer conducts legal due diligence on the property, checking ownership, the existence of liens, transaction history, local zoning, infrastructure, taxes, flood risks, etc. This allows you to avoid hidden legal problems.
4. Exchange of contracts — a legally binding stage: the parties sign contracts, the buyer pays a deposit (usually 10%), and the parties agree on the date of completion of the transaction. After that, withdrawal is no longer possible without losing the deposit or facing legal consequences.
5. Completion — the final step, when the funds are transferred to the seller, the property is registered with the Land Registry, and the buyer receives the keys. From this moment on, you officially become the owner.

After completion, there may still be issues to resolve, such as paying property tax in the UK, registering the deed, and interacting with the bank, especially if the buyer is a non-resident.

The role of a solicitor at each stage of buying property in the UK

A professional solicitor in the UK is not just an assistant, but a guarantee that your transaction will not fall through due to banking, documentary or legal issues.

Legal support for the purchase of real estate in the UK includes:

• Checking the legal status of the property through the Land Registry and checking for debts or encumbrances.
• Analysis of the purchase and sale agreement, its terms and conditions (especially important for non-residents).
• Coordination of legal searches: infrastructure, roads, right of access, planning, flood risks, etc.
• Agreement of terms with the mortgage bank — correct reflection of the cost, deposit, and loan restrictions.
• Preparation for the exchange of contracts, deposit of funds, and legal formalisation of ownership.
• Registration of property rights with the HM Land Registry and submission of reports, if necessary.

Involving a lawyer at the stage of selecting a property not only saves time and money, but also avoids legal pitfalls that are common for foreigners.

Why clients choose Consultant

Experience working with foreign buyers (especially from Ukraine).

Consultations in different languages.

Full support from property selection to receiving the keys.

Lawyers with many years of experience in Conveyancing Law.

Frequently asked questions about the stages of buying property in the UK