A yes to the offer.
Now for the details.

Offer accepted: keep asking questions

An accepted offer starts the next stage of work. Keep in touch with your legal adviser, lender and estate agent, and ask what is needed from you and when.

Give the checks enough time

• Legal work: your solicitor or conveyancer checks the title, searches and contract.
• Mortgage: complete the application and read the formal offer.
• Survey: choose an appropriate survey and follow up the findings.
• Costs: confirm the money needed and when it must be available.

Know when the commitment becomes binding

In England and Wales, an offer is not legally binding until contracts are exchanged. Scotland uses a different process involving missives. Ask your own solicitor to explain the position where you are buying, including Northern Ireland.

Protect the payment

Treat requests to change bank details with care. Verify payment instructions with your legal adviser using a phone number you already trust. Do not rely on a new number in an unexpected email.

Plan the practical handover

Confirm dates before committing to removals. Ask when insurance should start and when keys will be released. Keep meter readings, important documents and first-night essentials easy to find.