Will My Solicitor Tell Me When We Exchange Contracts

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in SEO for Solicitors, answering if your solicitor will notify you when contracts are exchanged.

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in SEO for solicitors, helping law firms attract more clients and improve their online visibility through clear and informative content. For many homebuyers and sellers, one of the most stressful parts of the process is waiting to exchange contracts. A common question during this time is, “Will my solicitor tell me when we exchange contracts?” The short answer is yes, but understanding when and how this happens can help make the process smoother and less stressful.

What Does “Exchange of Contracts” Mean

The exchange of contracts is a crucial stage in the property buying or selling process. It’s the moment when the sale becomes legally binding for both parties. Before exchange, either the buyer or seller can still change their mind without legal consequences. Once contracts are exchanged, both sides are committed to completing the sale on the agreed date.

Your solicitor or conveyancer manages this process, ensuring all legal checks are complete, funds are in place, and both parties are ready to move forward.

The Role of Your Solicitor During Exchange

Your solicitor plays a central role in preparing for and completing the exchange of contracts. They will:

• Finalise all property searches and review the results.

• Ensure the mortgage offer is in place (if applicable).

• Confirm that all legal documents are correctly signed.

• Agree the completion date with the other party’s solicitor.

• Hold your deposit funds safely in a client account.

Once everything is ready, your solicitor will contact the seller’s solicitor (or vice versa) to formally exchange contracts over the phone in a process known as “exchange of contracts.” Both solicitors then date the contracts, making the agreement legally binding.

Will My Solicitor Let Me Know

Yes—your solicitor will always inform you when contracts have been exchanged. They will usually do this immediately after the exchange takes place, either by phone or email.

In most cases, solicitors understand that clients are anxious to hear the news, so they will contact you as soon as the exchange is confirmed. They will also send written confirmation of the exchange, along with details of the agreed completion date.

If your solicitor is acting for you in a chain of transactions, they may wait until every link in the chain has exchanged before confirming, to ensure that everything proceeds smoothly.

What Happens Before Exchange

There are several steps that must be completed before your solicitor can exchange contracts:

1. Final checks: Your solicitor will confirm that all enquiries raised with the other side have been answered satisfactorily.

2. Mortgage confirmation: If you are buying with a mortgage, the lender must issue the final offer and release of funds approval.

3. Signed documents: You must sign the contract and the transfer deed (if applicable) in advance of exchange.

4. Deposit: The buyer’s deposit—usually 10% of the purchase price—must be transferred to the solicitor’s client account.

5. Completion date: Both parties must agree on a fixed date to complete the transaction.

Once these steps are in place, your solicitor can proceed with the exchange.

How You’ll Be Notified

Most solicitors contact clients by phone to share the news immediately, followed by an email or letter confirming the exchange in writing. This message will also include key details such as:

• The confirmed completion date.

• A summary of what happens next.

• Any final payments required before completion.

If you’re in a property chain, your solicitor might provide updates on the status of other linked transactions as well.

What Happens After Exchange

After exchange, your solicitor will guide you through the steps leading up to completion. These typically include:

• Requesting mortgage funds from your lender (if applicable).

• Preparing a final financial statement showing what you need to pay before completion.

• Carrying out pre-completion checks on the property.

• Transferring funds to the seller’s solicitor on the day of completion.

At this stage, you can also finalise practical arrangements such as booking removals, setting up utilities, and arranging insurance.

How Long After Exchange Until Completion

The time between exchange and completion can vary. It’s usually one to two weeks, but in some cases, it can happen on the same day or several weeks later.

Your solicitor will confirm this date with you during the exchange process. Once confirmed, the completion date is fixed and legally binding, meaning both parties must adhere to it.

What If There’s a Delay

If exchange doesn’t happen as expected, your solicitor will inform you and explain the reason. Common causes of delay include:

• Outstanding documents or signatures.

• Delays in the property chain.

• Issues with mortgage funding.

Your solicitor will work to resolve these issues as quickly as possible and keep you informed throughout.

Communication and Peace of Mind

One of the main benefits of using a professional solicitor for conveyancing is communication. Experienced solicitors understand how stressful moving can be, and they make sure clients are updated at every key milestone.

If you ever feel uncertain about progress, you can always contact your solicitor directly for an update. Many firms also use online case-tracking systems, giving clients instant access to real-time progress updates.

How to Prepare for Exchange

To help your solicitor progress smoothly towards exchange, you can:

• Return signed documents promptly.

• Transfer deposit funds early to avoid banking delays.

• Confirm all agreed details such as completion date and fixtures list.

• Stay in contact and respond quickly to any last-minute questions.

Being proactive ensures that your exchange happens on time and reduces the risk of last-minute complications.

Why It’s Important to Wait for Confirmation

Never assume your sale or purchase is legally binding until your solicitor confirms that exchange has taken place. Until that point, either party can still withdraw without penalty. Only after the exchange is complete do both sides have a legal obligation to proceed.

Once your solicitor confirms the exchange, you can celebrate knowing that the deal is secure and completion is on the horizon.

Expert Advice for Homebuyers and Sellers

1. Keep in regular contact with your solicitor throughout the process.

2. Make sure you understand what stage your transaction is at.

3. Have your finances ready well in advance of exchange.

4. Avoid making irreversible commitments—such as booking removals—until your solicitor confirms exchange.

Final Thoughts

Your solicitor will absolutely tell you when you exchange contracts—and they’ll be as eager as you are to share the news. They’ll contact you immediately after the exchange is confirmed and guide you through what happens next.

A good solicitor doesn’t just handle the legal details—they provide reassurance and clear communication throughout your property journey.

At Lillian Purge, we help solicitors communicate their value and expertise online through SEO strategies that attract new conveyancing clients and build trust.

If you want to grow your firm’s visibility and reach more local clients looking for property law services, get in touch today.

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