Just Gone Under Offer? Here’s What to Do Next

Congratulations! If you’ve just gone under offer on a property, you’re likely feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. Going under offer is a major milestone—but it’s just the beginning of the journey to becoming a homeowner. There’s still a lot to do to ensure your purchase goes smoothly, and delays or missteps at this stage can cause stress or even risk the sale falling through.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you stay organised, stay calm, and get those keys in your hand as quickly and smoothly as possible.

1. Instruct a Solicitor or Conveyancer ASAP

As soon as you’ve gone under offer, instruct a solicitor or licensed conveyancer. The sooner they’re involved, the faster they can begin the necessary legal work such as requesting contracts, running searches, and reviewing the title.

Make sure your chosen solicitor has experience in residential property sales in your area. If you're unsure who to choose, ask your estate agent or mortgage adviser for recommendations—or check reviews online.

2. Book a Building Survey

Even if the home looks perfect, don’t skip this step. Booking a building survey locally is essential to avoid costly surprises down the line. A qualified surveyor will inspect the condition of the property and highlight any issues you might not have spotted—think damp, structural movement, or roof problems.

There are several types of surveys available, but if you're buying an older or non-standard property, a Level 3 Building Survey is usually the best choice. It’s the most comprehensive type of report and will give you a full picture of the property’s condition.

Searching online for a building survey near you ensures you find someone local who understands property types and construction trends specific to your area.

3. Finalise Your Mortgage Application

Now that your offer has been accepted, it’s time to firm up your mortgage. If you already had a mortgage in principle, it’s time to submit your full application.

You’ll need to provide proof of income, bank statements, ID, and details of the property. Your lender will also likely commission a basic valuation—but remember, this isn’t the same as a building survey. It’s done for the lender’s benefit, not yours.

While the lender handles this, it’s still worth continuing your search for a building survey locally to ensure your independent report offers a deeper insight into the home’s true condition.

4. Organise Property Searches

Your solicitor will arrange local authority searches, which are a necessary part of buying a property. These will highlight things like planning issues, potential road schemes, or environmental concerns.

Searches can take time—especially in busy local authority areas—so it’s worth nudging your solicitor to get them started as early as possible.

5. Review the Survey Results Carefully

When your survey report comes back, read it carefully. If you’ve chosen a reputable building surveyor, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining any concerns.

Some issues may be minor and expected, especially with older properties. However, if the report reveals serious structural problems or costly repairs, you may wish to renegotiate the price or request that the seller addresses the issue before completion.

Having a surveyor who is local and understands typical problems in the area makes a big difference. They’ll know what’s standard and what’s worth pushing back on.

6. Communicate Openly with the Seller

Good communication can make or break a property deal. If the survey throws up issues, don’t panic—just speak to the estate agent or your solicitor about how best to approach it.

If you're renegotiating, be factual and reasonable. Use your building survey report as evidence and keep your expectations clear but fair.

7. Get Your Buildings Insurance in Place

Once contracts are exchanged, the buyer becomes legally responsible for the property. That means you’ll need buildings insurance in place from the date of exchange—not completion.

Shop around for quotes early, and be ready to activate your policy the moment exchange takes place.

8. Prepare for Exchange of Contracts

At this point, everything should be in place: the legal checks, your mortgage offer, the survey report, and any renegotiations. Once both parties are ready, contracts will be exchanged, and the sale becomes legally binding.

You’ll usually need to pay your deposit (typically 10% of the purchase price) at this stage, so make sure the funds are ready to transfer.

9. Final Walkthrough (Optional but Helpful)

If possible, arrange a quick final visit to the property before completion day. This can be a useful check that everything is in the same condition and that the seller hasn’t removed any fixtures or fittings they agreed to leave.

While you’re at it, it’s also worth asking any final questions about how the heating works, meter locations, or bin collection days.

10. Completion Day – Get Ready to Move!

On the big day, your solicitor will transfer the remaining funds and you’ll receive confirmation that the keys can be collected—usually from the estate agent.

It’s a great idea to have everything packed and ready, with a moving company booked in advance. Don’t forget to take meter readings and notify your utility providers of the change of address.

Final Thoughts

The journey from “under offer” to “keys in hand” can feel like a rollercoaster, but being organised and proactive makes all the difference. A major part of that is getting a building survey done early in the process, giving you the clarity and confidence to move forward with your purchase.

If you’re unsure what type of survey you need—or when to arrange it—speak with a local RICS-qualified surveyor. They’ll guide you through the process, provide a detailed and unbiased report, and ensure that your future home won’t come with hidden headaches.

When in doubt, remember this: no matter how modern or charming a property may seem, commissioning a building survey is always a wise investment. It protects you from unexpected issues, strengthens your negotiating power, and brings peace of mind during what is likely one of the biggest purchases of your life.

Need a Building Survey? Contact DAW Surveyors today for friendly, expert advice and a fast, thorough survey tailored to your future home.