Selling a home
Offers and negotiations
Choosing a buyer
Buyers can make offers verbally (over the phone or in person) or in writing.
If you’re using an estate agent to sell your home, buyers must make an offer through them. Your estate agent must inform you of any offers made.
If you’re selling your home privately, buyers can make offers directly to you.
During this stage, negotiations may take place between you and the buyer.
An offer is not legally binding in England and Wales until contracts are exchanged.
Enquiries
The buyer’s solicitor or conveyancer will ask you questions about:
- the title
- searches
- the mortgage offer
- the property
- the transaction
A legal professional can advise you on how you should answer these if you’re not sure.
Accepting an offer
Once you’ve accepted an offer, the buyer’s solicitor or conveyancer will arrange searches and a review of the property’s title.
Your property is not legally sold until you’ve exchanged written contracts with the buyer.