The seller's solicitor prepares a draft of the formal sale and purchase agreement to be approved by the buyer's solicitor.

Buyer and seller sign a formal agreement usually within 14 days of signing the provisional agreement. The buyer pays a second deposit (10 per cent of the purchase price less the initial deposit).

Seller's solicitor sends title deeds to the buyer's solicitor.

Seller's solicitor answers questions raised by buyer's solicitor to prove the seller's title.

Buyer conducts final inspection of the property to ensure that vacant possession of the property can be delivered on completion.

Buyer opens an account and pays deposits for electricity, gas and water to ensure continuous supply of utilities.

Buyer executes the assignment (the document under which the seller transfers the title to the buyer) and mortgage deed (if required) two or three days before completion to ensure the availability of the mortgage loan.

Buyer settles through his solicitor the balance of purchase price and related costs, including his share in management fee, rates and government rent (as shown in an apportionment account prepared by the seller's solicitor), and pays his solicitor's fees and disbursements.

Buyer's solicitor draws down the mortgage loan on the completion date and pays the balance of the purchase price in return for keys to the property. Buyer can move in afterwards.

Buyer's solicitor arranges for payment of stamp duty and for registration of the assignment and mortgage (if any) in the Land Registry.

Buyer's solicitor sends all title deeds to buyer or mortgagee bank (if any).