Guiding you through the process
You have spotted the one. The sash windows, the leafy square, that elusive south-facing garden. You make the offer and then the waiting begins. But what happens next?
If you are buying a Kensington property for sale, you may have heard about sluggish solicitors, hidden legal hurdles, or deals collapsing at the last minute. These challenges can make the process stressful.
At tlc Estate Agents, we do more than open doors. We guide you through them. As trusted estate agents in Kensington, our role is not just to market beautiful homes but to make the journey from offer to ownership as smooth and predictable as possible.
Here is the complete timeline you can expect, plus some expert advice on how to speed it up, avoid pitfalls, and close with confidence.
1. The Offer Stage: The moment of truth
Typical timeframe: 1–5 working days
Once you have found your ideal home in Kensington and submitted an offer, we step in to negotiate between you and the seller. At this stage we clarify:
- Offer amount
- Financing (cash or mortgage)
- Desired move-in date
- Any contingencies such as subject to survey
tlc Tip: The strongest offers are backed by pre-approved finance and a clear plan. If you are unsure what makes your offer competitive, our team at tlc Estate Agents will guide you.
2. Acceptance and Memorandum of Sale
Typical timeframe: 24–48 hours
Once the seller accepts your offer, we issue the Memorandum of Sale. This document outlines all parties involved and begins the legal and financial process.
Your checklist:
- Appoint a conveyancing solicitor (we can recommend experienced local professionals)
- Instruct your mortgage provider to start the full application
- Arrange for a property survey
3. The Legal Stage: Searches, contracts and enquiries
Typical timeframe: 4–6 weeks
This stage often takes the most time. Your solicitor will:
- Request the draft contract from the seller’s solicitor
- Begin local authority, water and environmental searches
- Raise enquiries on lease length, service charges and upcoming works
Meanwhile, your lender will:
- Carry out a mortgage valuation survey
- Issue a formal mortgage offer
Why it can stall: Waiting on managing agents for leasehold information or slow solicitors can add weeks.
tlc Tip: At tlc, we push every party for prompt responses. We recommend vendors prepare management packs in advance, which can save valuable time.
4. Exchange of contracts: The legal commitment
Typical timeframe: 6–12 weeks from offer
Exchange is the binding stage of the purchase. By this point:
- All searches are complete
- Mortgage offer is secured
- Enquiries are satisfied
- Survey matters are resolved
At exchange:
- You pay a deposit, typically 10%
- A completion date is agreed
tlc Tip: Agreeing a realistic exchange timeline early helps keep everyone accountable. At tlc Estate Agents we recommend setting a 21-day exchange target from the outset and we follow this closely.
5. Completion: Collecting the keys
Typical timeframe: 1–2 weeks after exchange
On completion day, funds are transferred and you receive the keys. Congratulations, you are now the official owner!
We will be on hand for:
- Key collection and handover
- Final meter readings and move-in logistics
- Sharing our local knowledge of Kensington, from the best coffee shops to hidden gems in the neighbourhood
Summary timeline at a glance
Where things go wrong & how tlc prevents it
With over 50 years of experience as estate agents in Kensington, we know where transactions can unravel and how to prevent it:
❌ Delayed management packs
✅ We urge sellers to prepare documents in advance and chase managing agents regularly.
❌ Poor communication
✅ We provide weekly updates at minimum so you are never left in the dark.
❌ Slow legal representation
✅ We introduce you to solicitors in Kensington who share our proactive approach.
You deserve a seamless journey
The process of buying a Kensington property for sale does not have to be stressful. With the right Kensington estate agents by your side, it becomes efficient and transparent.
At tlc, we combine deep local expertise with proactive service. Whether it is helping you choose the right survey or chasing down slow solicitors, our role is to ensure your journey is smooth from offer to ownership.
Ready to plan your next move in Kensington? Speak to tlc Estate Agents today and let’s make your property purchase seamless from the very first offer.
Still curious? Grab a coffee and explore some more tlc insights that could make your next move even smoother:
