Let us outline the four usual stages in the house buying process:

1. The Appraisal - This is the valuation of your home to give you an indication of the market price it may achieve. You will have to arrange a time for this to take place, which could take up to a week or longer and a fee will usually be charged for the service.
2. The Survey - Surveyors will visit your home and may unearth a host of perceived problems such as dry rot, rising damp or subsidence. Usually a list of things you have lived with trouble-free for years but all will lead a potential buyer into either reducing or withdrawing their offer. If you withdraw you may need a re-appraisal of your home (see above), which may mean another fee incurred.
3. The Exchange - Some potential home buyers will put stringent conditions before exchange is made. For example, repair work might have to be carried out or discounts made on the final price to take into account other issues. This could mean re-roofing a property for example. Deadlines will also be set in terms of when you need to vacate, usually giving you only 28 days to clear your property. At this stage you will also need to pay a solicitor's deposit.
4. The Completion - After contracts have been successfully exchanged you will have to wait for completion, normally it takes about four weeks or so. Further delays can be made if a potential buyer cannot complete before selling their own property. This is what is known as the property 'chain' and there could be many other buyers and sellers you are dependent upon in this chain. One in three chains on average collapses, you must then return to the beginning and start again.