Date published: 22nd August 2025

Selling a property is one of the biggest financial transactions most people will ever make. Yet many sellers enter the process unsure of what to expect from the legal side. That uncertainty can lead to delays, stress, and missed opportunities.

Emma Clark, Associate & Senior Property Lawyer at Jackson Lees, breaks down the five key legal stages of selling a home, helping you to stay in control of your property transaction whilst avoiding common pitfalls.

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1. Instruct a Solicitor

Do this before you accept an offer.

Your solicitor gets the legal groundwork in place so you’re ready to move fast when a buyer comes along. You’ll need to:

  • Provide ID and proof of address
  • Sign a letter of engagement
  • Fill out forms like the TA6 (Property Info) and TA10 (Fittings & Contents)

Tip: The earlier you do this, the smoother things go later.

2. Accept an Offer

Once you’ve accepted an offer, your solicitor:

  • Drafts the sale contract
  • Reviews the title deeds
  • Flags any legal issues to the buyer’s solicitor

If your property is leasehold, you’ll also need to complete a TA7 form and provide lease-related documents.

Meanwhile, the buyer’s solicitor starts their checks; including searches with the council, water company, and environmental agencies.

3. Respond to Enquiries

The buyer’s solicitor will raise questions based on the contract and search results. These might cover:

  • Planning permissions
  • Boundaries
  • Fixtures and fittings

Your solicitor will help you answer these. Delays often happen here, so respond quickly and provide any missing documents.

4. Exchange Contracts

Once all enquiries are resolved and the buyer’s mortgage is confirmed, both sides sign the contract. The buyer pays a deposit (usually 10%) and the completion date is set.

From this point, the sale is legally binding. If either side pulls out, there are financial penalties.

5. Completion and Post Completion

Completion Day is when the sale is finalised, and the keys are handed over. 

The buyer’s solicitor transfers the remaining funds, your solicitor confirms receipt, and you move out.

If you have a mortgage, your solicitor will repay it directly using the sale proceeds. They’ll have already requested a redemption statement from your lender showing the exact amount owed. Once the mortgage is cleared, your solicitor deducts legal fees and transfers the remaining balance to you.

After completion, your solicitor wraps up the final legal steps for the buyer, including paying Stamp Duty (if applicable), registering the new ownership with HM Land Registry, and sending the updated title deeds.

For sellers, once the mortgage is repaid and funds are transferred, the legal process is complete.

Why choose Jackson Lees for your property sale?

At Jackson Lees, we understand that selling your home is more than just a transaction, it’s a major life moment. Our experienced property solicitors guide you through every step, explain everything in plain jargon free English, and keep you informed from start to finish.

We’ve helped thousands of homeowners across the North West sell with confidence. With our award-winning team, transparent pricing, and commitment to client care, you’re in safe hands.

Please give us a call, request a callback or make an enquiry to find out how we can help.