How Fast Can You Get Started?  

Momentum is everything. Most forward-thinking conveyancing solicitors can start work within 24 hours of your offer being accepted, and many can open your file the very same day if you’re organised. 

Starting fast isn’t just about efficiency; it sends a powerful signal to the seller and estate agent that you’re a serious, high-certainty buyer who won’t let the deal go cold. 

The fast-start checklist 

To ensure your legal work begins immediately, you should have the following ready before you even submit your offer. 

Have your passport or driving licence ready for biometric verification via your solicitor’s app. 

Have a digital copy (PDF) of a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last three months as proof of address. 

Have your latest bank statements showing your deposit and, if applicable, a signed gifted deposit letter. 

Be ready to pay money on account (typically £200-£500) via a secure portal. This allows your solicitor to order local authority and environmental searches on day one, bypassing potential local council backlogs. 

For more on what documents you’ll need, see our guide on what documents do I need to give my solicitor. 

What happens in the first 48 hours? 

When you instruct a firm like Setfords, the first 48 hours are a hive of activity designed to lock the deal down. 

You receive your Letter of Engagement digitally the moment you instruct. Your solicitor receives the Memorandum of Sale and contacts the seller’s solicitor to introduce themselves. Local, environmental, and water searches are ordered immediately to uncover any potential deal-breakers (such as planning restrictions or flood risks) early. Your solicitor requests the contract pack from the seller to begin the formal legal review. 

Using a solicitor with a digital-first portal means you can sign documents and upload evidence at 10pm on a Tuesday and have your solicitor reviewing them by 9am on Wednesday. 

Next steps 

Waiting days to instruct a solicitor is a leading cause of seller’s remorse. If a seller gets nervous or feels the process is stalling, they may keep the property on the market or entertain other backup offers. 

Setfords’ residential property solicitors specialise in rapid, same-day starts for first-time buyers. Our secure online platform allows you to verify your ID and sign documents in minutes, not days. By the time the seller has finished celebrating the offer, we’re already requesting the contract. 

Get your free conveyancing quote today 

What you can expect with Setfords

More time, more attention: With no targets, Setfords lawyers can dedicate more time to you.

Ultimate flexibility: Our lawyers can tailor their schedules to meet your needs.

Nationwide coverage: with hundreds of consultant lawyers across the UK, we’ll connect you with the right expert.

Dedicated specialist legal partner: work directly with your chosen lawyer from start to finish.

Highly experienced: Setfords lawyers have an average of 20 years’ experience, so you can be assured you’re in safe hands.

Capacity-based allocation: our lawyers never take on more work than they can handle, so you get the focus and attention you deserve.

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