Selling your home is exciting, but it can also feel uncertain once an offer is accepted. What happens next? Who chases what? And how do you stop your sale from falling through? This is where sales progression comesin. In this guide, you will learn what sales progression is, the five stages of conveyancing, what usually takes the longest, and how to speed things up. You will also see exactly how we work behind the scenes to keep your move on track.
What is sales progression?
Sales progression is the active management of your property sale from the moment an offer is accepted right through to completion. It is the day to day work of keeping solicitors, mortgage brokers, surveyors, and allparties in the chain aligned and moving. It includes chasing paperwork, resolving queries, anticipating delays, and communicating clearly so small issues do not become big problems.
At David James, we treat sales progression as a core service, not an afterthought. You get regular updates, clear explanations, and proactive problem solving that reduces the chance of fall-throughs.
The five stages of conveyancing, made simple
Conveyancing is the legal transfer of property from seller to buyer. It typically follows five key stages:
1. Instruction and ID checks
Both sides instruct their solicitors or conveyancers. Anti-money laundering checks and proof of funds are gathered. As the seller, you complete property information forms and provide documents such asguarantees, warranties, and planning permissions.
2. Draft contract and searches
The seller’s solicitor issues a draft contract pack that includes title documents and property information. The buyer’s solicitor reviews these and orders searches with the local authority, water and drainage, andenvironmental bodies.
3. Enquiries and mortgage valuation
The buyer’s solicitor raises enquiries to clarify points from the contract, title, or survey. The buyer’s lender arranges a valuation. If the buyer commissions a home survey, the results may prompt further questions orrenegotiation.
4. Exchange of contracts
Once all enquiries are answered and the buyer’s mortgage offer is in place, both sides agree a completion date, sign contracts, and the buyer pays the deposit to their solicitor. Contracts are exchanged, whichmakes the deal legally binding.
5.Completion
On completion day, funds are transferred, the keys are released, and ownership changes hands. You vacate the property, meter readings are taken, and the sale is finished.
What takes the longest when selling a house?
The longest stage is often the enquiries and searches phase. Local authority search times can vary by area. Complex titles, leasehold packs, and queries raised by a survey can also add time. If you are in a chain, delayselsewhere can ripple through. Mortgage processing can take longer if the lender needs extra documents or if the valuation flags issues.
This is why good sales progression matters. Early preparation, fast responses, and steady communication keep things moving even when there are dependencies.
How we reduce fall throughs
Here is how we support you from offer to completion:
Buyer qualification
We verify funds and encourage buyers to have an agreement in principle before offer. This reduces surprises later.
Clear paperwork from day one
We help you collect essential documents early, such as FENSA certificates, gas and electrical reports, building control sign-offs, and any guarantees. For leasehold, we prompt you to instruct your managing agentto prepare the leasehold information pack without delay.
Chain mapping and updates
We identify who is in the chain and maintain contact with the agents and solicitors involved. If someone stalls, we know quickly and act.
Proactive chase of searches and enquiries
We keep in touch with solicitors and buyers to ensure searches are ordered promptly and enquiries are answered clearly the first time.
Straightforward communication
You get regular updates in plain English, including what has happened, what is next, and what you can do now to help.
How can you sell your house more quickly?
Several practical steps can shave weeks off your timeline:
Choose your solicitor early
Instruct a reputable conveyancer as soon as you list the property. Complete your property forms and provide ID promptly.
Gather documents in advance
Locate warranties, planning permissions, building regs approvals, title plans, boiler service history, and guarantees now. For leasehold, request the LPE1 pack and management information as early as possible.
Fix small issues before survey
Service the boiler, mend dripping taps, replace blown light bulbs, and ensure access to loft and meter cupboards. Small fixes reduce post-survey queries.
Be flexible with accessAccommodate surveyors, valuers, and specialist inspectors quickly. Fast access means fast answers.
Be realistic on price
A correctly priced home attracts committed buyers and smoother mortgage valuations. We can provide evidence based pricing to support your strategy.
Respond quickly
Aim to return forms and answers within 24 to 48 hours. Momentum prevents drift.
If you are thinking about your next move locally, our team can also help with market insight on homes for sale bromley so you can plan your timings with confidence.
Common stumbling blocks and how we handle them
Slow searches
We check search ordering early, track turnaround times, and encourage use of digital search platforms where available.
Leasehold delays
We request the management pack at instruction, check ground rent and service charge details, and flag any upcoming major works so you can decide how to present them.
Survey concerns
If a survey raises an issue, we help you and the buyer focus on facts and quotes. We aim for calm, fair adjustments rather than knee-jerk reactions.
Mortgage valuation shortfalls
We can assist with comparable evidence to support value. If needed, we explore constructive solutions, such as minor price adjustments or buyer revaluation.
Chain fragility
We liaise with other agents, smooth communication gaps, and push for early exchange where parts of the chain are ready.
Timelines: what is typical?
Every sale is different, but as a guide:
Freehold: 10 to 14 weeks from offer to completion
Leasehold: 12 to 16 weeks, sometimes more, due to management packs and lease queries
With good preparation and responsive parties, it can be faster. With complex titles, probate, or long chains, it can take longer. Our role is to protect momentum and manage expectations.
When should you line up your next purchase?
If you are also buying, talk to your broker early about an agreement in principle and get your documents ready. Keep your seller informed and try to align completion dates. If you need help planning across the chain, speakto us. We will keep all sides updated so your sale and purchase progress together.
Local knowledge that supports smoother moves
Experience counts, especially with local nuances such as leasehold practices and search times. If you are comparing bromley estate agents, it helps to look beyond marketing and ask how they run sales progression. Youwant a team that is proactive, organised, and available. If you need help preparing to list, you can also talk to us about sell property bromley to get your paperwork and pricing strategy lined up from the start.
Summary: a clear path from offer to completion
Sales progression is the engine room of your move. It is the practical, daily work that keeps your sale on track, reduces stress, and limits the risk of fall-through. The five stages of conveyancing, from instruction tocompletion, are simple when managed well. The longest stage is usually searches and enquiries, especially on leasehold and in chains. You can speed things up by choosing your solicitor early, gathering documents inadvance, being flexible with access, and responding quickly. We combine careful buyer qualification, strong communication, and proactive chasing to protect your timeline and outcome.
If you would like straight, friendly support to move from offer to completion with fewer surprises, get in touch with the team at David James. We are here to help you keep things clear, calm, and moving.