News Buying a home
What happens between an accepted offer and getting the keys, and what to do when something goes wrong.
Much of the stress of buying comes from not knowing what happens next. These guides walk through the mortgage timeline, what underwriters check, surveys and valuations, and your options if a property is valued below your offer.
Some of these articles mention stamp duty. We are not tax advisers and make no guarantee about what you will pay, so treat any figures as general illustrations. Your conveyancer will confirm the amount due, and a qualified tax adviser can advise on your own circumstances.
Guide · Updated September 2026 · 4 min
Most lenders issue a mortgage offer 2–4 weeks after you apply, but buying takes 3–5 months overall. Here’s how long each stage takes, from application to exchange and completion.
Guide · Updated September 2026 · 3 min
If a house is valued lower than your offer, your lender lends on the lower figure. See how much extra deposit you might need, your five options, and how to challenge a down valuation.
Guide · Updated September 2026 · 5 min
Which house survey do you need? RICS Level 1, 2 and 3 compared with the mortgage valuation, typical 2026 costs, specialist surveys from damp to knotweed, and what to do if your survey finds problems.
These articles reflect the market and rules when they were published, so rates, schemes and thresholds may have changed since.
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