v BRINGING THE GOOD NEWS TO YOU SINCE 1994 v 8th October 2026 • The HERALD • Page 63 ASK A PROFESSIONAL For many firsttime buyers, having an offer accepted is one of the most exciting milestones in the homebuying journey. A er arranging a mortgage, finding the right property and successfully agreeing a price, the nish line can feel closer than ever. However, before collecting the keys, there are some important steps to complete. Choosing the Right Conveyancer One of the first steps is to appoint a conveyancer to handle the legal aspects of the purchase. While it can be tempting to choose the cheapest, conveyancing is about much more than paperwork. Responsive communication, clear advice, regular updates and a dedicated point of contact can make all the di erence to a buyer’s experience. TMT clients bene t from all of the above, as well as transparent pricing, proactive communication and an approachable team always on hand to answer any questions. Arrange a Property Survey Once an o er has been accepted, it is sensible to arrange a survey. Many buyers assume their mortgage valuation is a survey, but it is carried out primarily for the lender’s bene t. A survey can identify issues such as damp, structural concerns or roo ng defects that may not be obvious during a viewing. Consider How the Property Will Be Owned Di erent ownership arrangements can a ect what happens if the property is sold in the future or if one owner contributes more towards the purchase than the other. A Declaration of Trust can record nancial contributions and set out how proceeds would be divided if the property is sold. Discussing these matters early can help avoid misunderstandings down the line. Property Searches Your conveyancer will carry out searches to gather important information about the property. ese can reveal matters relating to planning, drainage, environmental issues and potential ooding risks. Searches help buyers make informed decisions before committing to a purchase. Reaching Completion Day As the transaction progresses, the conveyancer will work closely with the estate agent, mortgage lender and the seller’s legal team to prepare for completion day. Promptly responding to requests for information and returning paperwork without delay can help keep the transaction on track. Before completion, the parties will usually exchange contracts. is is the point at which the transaction becomes legally binding, meaning both buyer and seller are committed to the sale. Exchange and completion can sometimes take place on the same day, but more o en there is a gap between the two. Completion day is when the purchase funds are transferred, ownership of the property o cially changes hands and the keys are released. For anyone who has recently had an o er accepted, or is considering buying their rst home, the team at TMT Legal Services is on hand to help, contact them on: 0333 188 4758, email: enquiry@tmtlegalservices.co.uk, or visit one of their local o ces in Hythe, Chandler’s Ford or Bitterne Village. Visit: www.tmtlegalservices.co.uk for more information. Offer Accepted? What’s Next? A First-Time Buyer’s Guide to the Journey Ahead by Christine Sahan, Conveyancing Executive at TMT Legal Services Christine Sahan, Conveyancing Executive at TMT Legal Services
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