The draft contract pack...

Buying or Selling a Property? Here’s What Happens Next…

You’ve taken some important early steps in your property journey — you’ve been successfully onboarded, completed your ID checks, provided proof of funds, and made your initial payment on account. At this point, many clients ask: “What happens next?”

Let’s walk you through the next stage of the conveyancing process — the draft contract pack — and what it means for both buyers and sellers.

First Things First: The Memorandum of Sale

Before we can proceed, it’s crucial that the memorandum of sale has been circulated to both the buyer’s and seller’s conveyancers. This document confirms the key details of the sale, including the agreed price, the parties involved, and the appointed conveyancers. It effectively signals the start of the legal process and allows both sides to begin work in earnest.

What Is the Draft Contract Pack?

Once the memorandum of sale is in place, the seller’s conveyancer prepares and issues the draft contract pack to the buyer’s legal representative. This pack forms the legal backbone of the transaction and contains several key documents:

• A draft sale contract, which outlines the terms and conditions of the sale

• The title deeds or Official Copies from HM Land Registry

• Property Information Forms (TA6, TA10, and if leasehold, TA7), completed by the seller

• Leasehold documentation, if applicable, including details of the lease and management information

• Any planning permissions, guarantees, or warranties related to the property

What Does This Mean for Sellers?

Sellers need to be prepared to provide a significant amount of information. You’ll be asked to complete various forms that provide details about the property, including:

• What items will be included or excluded from the sale (fixtures and fittings)

• Boundaries and any disputes

• Building work, planning permissions or guarantees

• Utility suppliers and service connections

• If the property is leasehold: ground rent, service charges, and contact details for the managing agent

The sooner you complete and return these forms, the sooner your conveyancer can compile and send the draft contract pack to the buyer’s conveyancer — helping to keep the transaction moving swiftly.

What Does This Mean for Buyers?

Buyers must wait for the seller to finalise and submit this documentation. Once the draft contract pack is received, the buyer’s conveyancer will:

• Review the legal title and supporting documents

• Check for any inconsistencies, concerns or missing information

• Summarise the key points and share them with the buyer

• Invite the buyer’s initial thoughts and questions

• Prepare and submit a list of enquiries to the seller’s conveyancer for clarification

The speed at which this stage progresses depends largely on how promptly the seller instructs a conveyancer and completes the required paperwork. In straightforward cases, the pack might be ready within 48 hours. However, it can take up to two weeks — or even longer in more complex situations, particularly with leasehold properties.

Our Approach (When Acting for Buyers)

If we’re representing the buyer, we aim to act quickly and transparently. As soon as we receive the draft contract pack, we send you a full copy along with a concise overview, flagging any issues or areas that require attention. We’ll then wait for your feedback before drafting and submitting formal enquiries to the seller’s solicitor.

This collaborative approach helps ensure you're fully informed and that your concerns are addressed early in the process.

That concludes the second stage of your transaction – from here, we move on to the third part – the enquiries.