What happens after you accept an offer on your land
After you accept an offer, both sides agree heads of terms, instruct solicitors, and the buyer's solicitor checks the title and runs searches. Contracts are then exchanged, which makes the deal binding, and the sale completes on the agreed date or once any condition, such as planning, is met.
Updated October 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice.
Heads of terms
A short summary of the deal: price, land, deal type, deposit, timings, conditions and who pays which costs. It isn't binding but guides the solicitors.
Solicitors and the title
Your solicitor sends the title documents and answers enquiries about boundaries, rights, occupiers and disputes. The buyer's solicitor checks them and raises questions.
Searches and surveys
The buyer orders searches covering local authority records, drainage, environmental risks and more. The buyer may also need access for surveys.
Exchange of contracts
When everything is agreed, contracts are exchanged and a deposit is usually paid. The sale is then legally binding. On a conditional contract, completion waits for the condition.
Completion
The balance of the price is paid, you hand over the land and the buyer registers the transfer at HM Land Registry.
This guide is general information for landowners in England and Wales. It isn't legal, tax or financial advice. Take advice from a solicitor, surveyor or accountant about your own situation.