What happens when you buy or sell
Buying and selling run through the same eight stages, but what happens at each one differs. Where they differ, I say which applies to you.
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Offer accepted
What I do
Confirm your written quote, and let the estate agent and your mortgage broker know I’m acting for you.
What you do
Give the estate agent my details. If you’re buying, book your survey and keep your mortgage application moving.
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Instruction, client care and ID
What I do
Taylor Rose’s onboarding team sets up your file, sends your client care letter and checks your identity and, if you’re buying, where your money is coming from. I’m kept informed while the checks are carried out.
What you do
Sign and return the client care paperwork, and send your ID and bank statements. If family are gifting money, I’ll need details from them too.
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Contract pack and searches
What I do
Selling: I prepare the contract pack, including the title, property forms and any leasehold information. Buying: I review the contract pack and order the searches.
What you do
Selling: complete the property information forms promptly. Buying: arrange your survey if you haven’t already.
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Enquiries and mortgage offer
What I do
Raise questions with the other side about anything in the contract pack, searches and title, and check the conditions of your mortgage offer when it arrives.
What you do
Answer any questions I pass on, and tell me as soon as your mortgage offer is issued.
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Report and signing
What I do
Send you a report on the property, and on the lease if it’s leasehold, explaining anything you need to know. Then I prepare the documents for you to sign.
What you do
Read the report and ask me anything. Sign the contract, transfer and mortgage deed, and send your deposit after checking my bank details by phone.
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Exchange
Legally binding from hereWhat I do
Exchange contracts with the other side. The deal is now legally binding and the completion date is fixed.
What you do
Book your removals. If you’re buying a house, buildings insurance should start from exchange. If you’re buying a flat, I’ll check the block’s policy for you.
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Completion
What I do
Send and receive the money on completion day. If you’re selling, I pay off your mortgage from the sale money. The agent then releases the keys.
What you do
Collect your keys, or hand them to the agent if you’re selling.
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After completion
What I do
If you’re buying, pay any Stamp Duty Land Tax and file the return, then register you as the owner at HM Land Registry. Stamp Duty Land Tax is due within 14 days of completion. If the property is leasehold I’ll also serve the notices the lease requires. Registration can take HM Land Registry several months. That doesn’t stop you moving in on completion day, and I’ll send you the updated title when it’s done.
What you do
Usually nothing more. I’ll let you know when the registration is complete.
Getting ready to move? Use my moving home checklist.
Questions about the process
Will I deal with you, or a case handler?
With me. I do the legal work on your file myself, from instruction to completion. It isn’t passed to a case handler. If I’m away, you’ll be told who is covering and for how long.
Can I call you?
Yes. My direct line is 01895 375246. Around exchange I’ll take your calls in the evenings and at weekends.
What’s the difference between exchange and completion?
At exchange the contract becomes legally binding and the completion date is fixed. On completion the money moves and you get the keys.
How much will it cost?
It depends on the price, whether the property is leasehold and whether there’s a mortgage. I’ll send you a written quote setting out the legal fee, VAT and the likely disbursements, such as searches and the Land Registry fee, before you commit to anything. Request a quote.
Who will I be instructing?
Me, Joanne Fernandes. Legal services are regulated, so I provide them through authorised and regulated solicitors’ firms. Your client care letter confirms which firm is acting for you, and I will be the person handling your matter and helping you when needed.
What will you need from me?
Your identity and where the money for your purchase comes from have to be checked, as anti-money-laundering law requires. Expect to provide ID and bank statements showing how your deposit built up. If family are helping with a gift, I’ll need details from them too.
I’m not sure I need a solicitor yet. Can we just talk?
Yes. Book a free 15-minute call on 01895 375246, or email me to arrange one, and we’ll talk it through.
General information, last reviewed October 2026. It isn’t legal advice about your situation, and reading it doesn’t make you a client.
Tell me about your move
Answer a few questions online or call me, and I’ll come back to you with a written quote.
- Direct line
- 01895 375246