Memorandum of Sale Explained: What It Means and What to Check Next
Received a memorandum of sale? It confirms the agreed sale details between buyer and seller, but it is not exchange. Verify the address and postcode, then run safety, sold price and title checks while solicitors progress the conveyancing.
What you will find in this guide
- Which neighbourhoods fit this search and which streets to compare first
- How to check the asking price with Land Registry sold data for SW1A 1AA and nearby codes
- Transport, schools and viewing checks before you offer
Tip: replace SW1A 1AA with any full postcode from a live listing to reuse every checklist below.
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What a memorandum of sale usually includes
When an estate agent issues a memorandum of sale, it typically records the property address, agreed price, names of buyer and seller, and the solicitors acting on each side. Some agents also note proposed timelines, fixtures and fittings notes, or chain status.
Treat the memo as the operational kickoff for conveyancing, not as exchange. Until contracts are exchanged in England and Wales, the sale can still fall through. Scotland follows different offer and conclusion of missives rules, so ask your Scottish solicitor if the property is north of the border.
Useful links
- Homes for sale UK guideinternal
- Buyer Essential pricinginternal
- Property & postcode bloginternal
Verify the postcode and run practical property checks
Confirm the full postcode on the memorandum matches the listing and what you viewed. Then use the interactive tools in this article to check crime risk, sold prices nearby, stations and EPC for that exact code. Many buyers skip this once they feel emotionally committed after offer accepted.
If sold evidence nearby looks weaker than the agreed price, discuss strategy with your solicitor and surveyor before you spend heavily on searches.
Useful links
- Crime data & safetyinternal
- Price paid data (HM Land Registry)internal
- Nearest stationsinternal
- EPC datainternal
- Area insightsinternal
Title register, surveys and what happens next
Your solicitor will raise enquiries and order official searches. Separately, you can download the title register and title plan from the official GOV.UK HM Land Registry service for England and Wales so you understand ownership, charges and covenants early. Pair that with a full postcode report for neighbourhood evidence.
Keep communication clear with your agent if timelines slip. A memorandum of sale starts the race, but surveys, mortgage offers and enquiry replies decide whether you reach exchange.
Useful links
Frequently asked questions
What is a memorandum of sale?
A memorandum of sale is a document from the estate agent confirming that a sale has been agreed, usually listing the property address, price, buyer, seller and solicitors. It is not the same as exchanging contracts.
Is a memorandum of sale legally binding?
In England and Wales it is generally not a binding contract of sale. Either party can still withdraw before exchange, though costs already spent may be lost. Always take advice from your solicitor on your specific case.
What should I do after receiving a memorandum of sale?
Confirm the address and full postcode match what you viewed, instruct or chase solicitors, arrange survey and mortgage valuation, and research crime, sold prices and title while conveyancing starts.
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