The precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential property vary according to the individual circumstances. Below are some of the key stages which a transaction would usually include:

Obtaining details of the transaction and providing you with a detailed fee quotation;
Taking your instructions and giving you initial advice on the transaction;
Carrying out identity and finance checks (as required);
Advising you on joint ownership and the possibility of a Declaration of Trust (if applicable);
Receiving, reviewing and advising on the draft Contract papers and Title to the property;
Carrying out pre-Contract searches and reviewing the results;
Making any necessary enquiries of the seller’s solicitor and agreeing the Contract terms;
Reporting to you on the Title to the property and the information received. This includes providing you with our detailed Contract Report advising you on any defects in Title or matters which could affect the future marketability or value of the property and providing suggestions of how such matters can be best remedied, including obtaining any necessary Indemnity Policy quotations and advising you on the same;
If applicable, to review and explain to you the conditions of your mortgage offer and the nature and effect of you signing and entering into the mortgage documentation;
Drafting the Transfer Deed which is the document that transfers ownership of the property to you on completion;
Having you execute the engrossment Contract and Transfer Deed and obtaining deposit funds from you. This usually being 10% of the purchase price of the property;
Agreeing the Completion Date (the date from which you will become the legal owner of the property);
Submitting the request for funds draw-down from the Lender (if applicable);
Exchanging Contracts and notifying you that this has happened. This will create a binding contract between you and the seller and reminding you of the need to ensure Buildings Insurance is in place from the day of exchange;
Obtaining pre-completion searches;
Completing the purchase;
Dealing with the payment of SDLT or LTT; and
Dealing with the application for registration at H.M. Land Registry.