The full UK purchase journey for international buyers: finance, offer, solicitor, exchange, completion, SDLT, and Land Registry — explained in plain English.
Buying Property in London: From Search to Title
“I bought a flat in Istanbul — it was straightforward. How does England work?” We hear this often.
The UK process is longer than many overseas markets, but each stage has clear legal protection once you understand the roles.
How Long Does It Take?
A typical prime London purchase takes 8–16 weeks. Mortgages extend timelines. A prepared off-market buyer can sometimes complete in 4–6 weeks.
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Finance and structure (before you search)
- Budget: Maximum all-in figure including SDLT and costs
- Structure: Individual, SPV, or LLP
- Mortgage: Obtain an Agreement in Principle (AIP) if borrowing — sellers treat AIP buyers as serious
- KYC pack: ID, proof of address, source-of-funds evidence, bank statements
Step 2: Property search
Portals: Rightmove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket
Off-market: In Zone 1 prime, much of the best stock never lists publicly. Buyer-side advisers with local networks provide access.
Step 3: Inspection
Physical viewing or virtual tour; optional RICS survey; rental appraisal if buy-to-let.
Step 4: Making an offer
Offers usually go through the selling agent. Until exchange, even an “accepted” offer is not legally binding in England — gazumping (seller accepts a higher bid) remains possible until exchange.
Step 5: Appoint a solicitor
Your solicitor (conveyancer) runs title, searches, AML, and contract negotiation. Experience with overseas buyers helps.
Solicitor work includes:
- Title investigation
- Local authority and environmental searches
- AML / KYC collection
- Contract drafting and negotiation
Step 6: Due diligence
Parallel checks on:
- Freehold vs leasehold and remaining lease term
- Service charge history
- Ground rent (post-2022 rules on new leases)
- Planning and alterations
- EPC rating
Step 7: Exchange of contracts
Exchange is when the deal becomes legally binding.
- Both solicitors hold signed identical contracts
- Buyer typically pays 10% deposit
- Pulling out after exchange usually forfeits the deposit
- Completion date is fixed at exchange
Delays before exchange can allow the seller to move to another buyer — keep your solicitor and documents moving.
Step 8: Completion
On completion day:
- Balance (price minus deposit) transfers via solicitors
- Keys release
- SDLT filed and paid to HMRC (normally within 14 days)
- Title registers at HM Land Registry
Overseas buyers often use a power of attorney so the solicitor can sign without travel.
Timeline (indicative)
| Stage | Typical duration | |---|---| | Offer accepted → solicitor instructed | 1–3 days | | Searches and due diligence | 4–8 weeks | | Exchange | After diligence | | Exchange → completion | 1–4 weeks (negotiated) | | SDLT | Within 14 days of completion | | Land Registry | 2–6 weeks after completion |
Common Mistakes
- Late solicitor — blocks exchange when everything else is ready
- Offer without AIP — sellers doubt finance
- Late AML documents — exchange cannot proceed
- Skipping survey — structural risk becomes yours after completion
- Unprepared for gazumping — have solicitor and funds ready to exchange quickly
Buying Remotely
You do not need to be in the UK for every step:
- Notarised power of attorney to your solicitor
- Digital ID and document signing from abroad
- Virtual viewings arranged by your buying agent
Start your purchase journey:
+44 7990 38 1102 | investinlondon.com.tr