Buying a house

[Rottie454]

I'm just in the middle of buying a house and have just paid for the searches to be done, whats next after this? Once they come back do you exchange? Also how long roughly is it between searches and exchange? We've already had the survey and valuation done and have the offer from the mortgage lender

You should receive a document from the vendor's solicitor detailing what fixtures and fittings are being left (or may be available if you pay) and additional information relating to boundaries, access, neighbour disputes etc. Your solicitor will do a title search which checks it is the vendor's property to sell, any outstanding charges such as mortgages, and any restrictive covenants.

Also how long roughly is it between searches and exchange

Can be any amount of time between days and months/years/never.

They have to get a complete chain in place in order for everyone to exchange. The chain could literally be you buying a house from someone else who isn't buying another, if they are renting, emigrating or whatever.

Or it could be several houses long and everyone has to have found a buyer and a house to buy themselves until you get to the top of the chain and everyone has to be happy with all their searches, finances and other stuff in place for exchange to happen. And you have to hope that no-one pulls out for whatever reason and the chain collapses.

You really should be asking your conveyancer this.