First Time Buyers: Don't Wait Until Your Offer Gets Accepted
One of the most common mistakes first time buyers make is waiting until their offer is accepted before speaking to a solicitor. By that point, you are already on the clock. Instructing a conveyancing solicitor early can save you weeks and help avoid the delays that catch so many buyers off guard.
Our friendly team is ready to help. No obligation, just a straightforward conversation about your situation.
Our friendly team is ready to help. No obligation, just a straightforward conversation about your situation.
Typical Conveyancing Timeline: 8–12 Weeks
Every transaction is different, but here is what a typical purchase looks like
Why Most First Time Buyers Lose Weeks
When your offer gets accepted, the excitement kicks in and you want everything to move quickly. But this is exactly when delays start.
Your solicitor needs to open your file, verify your identity, confirm your source of funds, and request the draft contract from the seller's solicitor. If you haven't instructed anyone yet, none of this has started. You are already weeks behind where you could be.
Meanwhile, the seller's solicitor is ready to go. The estate agent is chasing for updates. And you are still filling in forms.
What Happens When You Instruct Early
If you instruct a conveyancing solicitor before your offer is accepted, we can get the groundwork done while you are still viewing properties. That means:
- Identity checks completed so there is no delay when things start moving
- Source of funds verified including any gifted deposit documentation
- Your file is open and ready so we can request the contract pack the same day your offer is accepted
- Searches can be ordered immediately rather than waiting days or weeks to get started
The result? When your offer is accepted, we are already working for you. No paperwork backlog. No wasted time.
How Much Time Can This Actually Save?
In a straightforward transaction, instructing early can save between two and four weeks. That might not sound like much, but in a property chain it can be the difference between completing on time and losing your buyer or your property.
We regularly see transactions stall because one party instructed their solicitor late. Searches take time. Mortgage lenders have their own timescales. Every day you wait at the start adds pressure at the end.
It Costs Nothing to Prepare Early
Speaking to us before your offer is accepted does not cost you anything extra. Our fees are the same whether you instruct us on day one or day thirty. The only difference is how smoothly your purchase runs.
We will explain the process, answer your questions, and make sure you understand what to expect. If you have a mortgage agreement in principle, we can review it. If you have questions about shared ownership, gifted deposits, or Help to Buy, we can advise you now rather than when the clock is ticking.
What You Should Do Today
If you are thinking about buying your first home, here is what we suggest:
- Get a mortgage agreement in principle so you know what you can afford
- Gather your ID documents including passport or driving licence and a recent utility bill
- Know your deposit source and whether any of it is a gift from family
- Call us for a free initial chat so we can open your file and be ready when you find the right property
There is no obligation and no pressure. We just want to make sure you are in the best possible position when the time comes.
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