Inside the Sales Process: From First Offer to Completion Day
You’ve launched your property, interest is building, and viewings are underway — congratulations! This is the stage where all the preparation pays off. It’s exciting, but it can also feel like a lot to take in.
From the moment the first offer lands to the day you hand over the keys, we’ll be by your side every step of the way, guiding you through negotiations, conveyancing, and moving day with clarity and care.
Here’s exactly what to expect.
💰 1. Offers and Negotiation
When interest builds, our focus shifts to securing the best possible deal for you — not just in price, but in certainty and timing too.
How will offers be presented to me?
Every offer is presented to you clearly and in writing. We’ll include a full summary of the buyer’s position — their funding status, chain details, and any conditions attached to the offer — so you can make an informed decision.
Do you check that buyers are financially qualified?
Absolutely. We verify proof of funds for cash buyers and request mortgage agreements in principle from those purchasing with finance. No offer is discussed with you until we’ve confirmed that the buyer is in a strong, proceedable position.
How do you handle offers below asking price?
We’ll always share every offer with you, but we’ll also provide professional guidance on whether it reflects true market value. Early lower offers can sometimes open up valuable negotiations — and we’ll always handle these strategically to maximise your final sale price.
What happens if I get multiple offers?
If multiple offers come in, we’ll talk you through the pros and cons of each buyer and, if appropriate, invite final and best bids to ensure you achieve the strongest possible result. Everything is handled transparently and with your best interests front and centre.
Should I accept an offer now or wait for more viewings?
It depends on the strength of the offer and the level of interest. We’ll always advise you honestly — sometimes it’s best to seize a strong, proceedable offer quickly; other times, it’s worth holding out for more competition.
What happens if a buyer pulls out?
It’s rare, but if it happens, we act fast. Because we stay in touch with every potential buyer who’s viewed your home, we can usually reignite interest or find a new buyer quickly without having to start from scratch.
📄 2. Legal and Conveyancing
The legal side can seem daunting, but we’ll make it smooth and straightforward by keeping everyone communicating and on track.
When should I instruct a solicitor?
We recommend doing this as soon as your property goes live — it allows your solicitor to prepare early and avoid delays once an offer is agreed.
Can you recommend a conveyancer?
Yes — we work with a select group of trusted, proactive conveyancers who understand how we operate and share our commitment to communication and speed.
What documents will I need to provide?
Your solicitor will request:
- Proof of ID and address
- Title deeds (if applicable)
- Warranties, guarantees, and service charge details (for leaseholds)
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Property Information and Fixtures & Fittings forms
How long does the conveyancing process usually take?
Typically, it takes 8–12 weeks from offer to completion, depending on the chain. We’ll stay in regular contact with your solicitor to keep things moving.
What’s the difference between exchange and completion?
Exchange: contracts are signed and the sale becomes legally binding.
Completion: the funds are transferred, the sale completes, and you hand over the keys.
When do I have to move out?
Usually, on the day of completion, unless you’ve agreed a different arrangement with your buyer.
⏱️ 3. Timelines and Process
We know how important it is to understand how long things take and what could affect progress.
How long will it take to find a buyer?
This varies with market conditions, price, and presentation. In Herne Hill and Dulwich, our listings typically attract strong interest within the first two weeks thanks to our targeted marketing strategy.
What’s the average time from offer to completion?
Most sales take 10–14 weeks from offer to completion. We’ll keep you informed at every milestone.
What can cause delays in the process?
Delays can occur if:
- Buyers take time securing finance
- Solicitors are slow to respond
- Surveys or searches raise queries
- There’s a chain involved
We actively manage all these areas to keep your sale moving forward.
What can I do to help speed things up?
- Instruct your solicitor early
- Have all documents ready
- Respond quickly to requests
- Keep communication open
🧾 4. Fees and Financials
We believe in transparency — no hidden extras, ever.
When do I pay your fee?
Our fee is payable on completion, once your sale legally completes and funds are transferred.
What’s included in your fee?
Everything — professional photography, videography, Matterport tours, floorplans, portal listings, and full sales progression right through to completion. We make our donation to a school of your choice as soon as the Sale is completed!
Are there any extra marketing or admin costs?
No. Your agreed fee covers all marketing and admin unless you request bespoke extras, such as interior styling or PR features.
What happens if I decide to withdraw my property from the market?
There’s no charge to withdraw, though we’ll always want to talk through your options first and explore any tweaks to strategy before making that decision.
📦 5. Moving and Next Steps
Once your sale is progressing, it’s time to look ahead to your move — and we’ll help with that too.
When should I start looking for my next property?
Start viewing early to get a feel for what’s out there. Once your sale is agreed, you’ll be in a strong position to offer.
What happens if I haven’t found somewhere to buy yet?
That’s common — we can negotiate a flexible completion date or help arrange short-term accommodation if needed.
Can you help me find my next home?
Yes — as a London-wide agency, we have access to properties across prime central and south London and work with trusted partners for moves beyond the area.
What happens if the chain collapses?
We’ll immediately re-engage with underbidders and interested buyers to relaunch quickly and minimise disruption.
When should I start packing or booking removals?
Once contracts are exchanged and your completion date is fixed. It’s also wise to start decluttering early so you’re not rushing at the end.
What Happens Next
Over the coming weeks, as your sale progresses, you’ll receive bite-sized pieces of advice and insight from us — simple, practical updates to help you stay confident and in control at every stage.
We’re genuinely excited to share your home’s story with the market and guide you right through to completion day.
Warm regards,
Kate & Rob Hill
Founders, Greater London Properties & Support Our School