Which of the following represents six pre-contract matters you would check before you would be in a position to exchange contracts on 19 Hamilton Road?

• A. Check satisfactory search results, mortgage offer, client authority to exchange, no outstanding pre-contract enquiries, deposit arrangements, method of exchange.
• B. Check environmental risk, building warranties, tenants' leases, council tax, insurance cover, and energy performance certificate.
• C. Check moving date, furniture removal, decorator's consent, and interior design plans.
• D. Check only the draft contract and signatures.

Answer: (A)

Before exchanging contracts, you must have a clear, documented set of pre-contract checks to protect both parties and ensure the process can proceed smoothly. The six matters listed are the core items to confirm.

Satisfactory search results are essential because they uncover any potential risks tied to the property, such as planning issues, rights of way, or drainage and environment matters, which could affect title or future use. A mortgage offer confirms that the buyer has the funded capability to complete, preventing a later collapse due to financing gaps. Having explicit client authority to exchange ensures that the solicitor is acting on the client’s instructions and that the exchange is legally binding for the client. No outstanding pre-contract enquiries means that all questions raised during negotiations have been resolved, reducing the chance of last‑minute surprises. Deposit arrangements are important because the amount and holding of the deposit need to be secure and clearly agreed, providing financial protection for the seller if the buyer defaults. Finally, the method of exchange sets out how the contract will be exchanged (and often completion timeline) so both sides know the exact process and legal effect of the exchange.

The other options mix items that are not essential pre-contract checks for exchange or cover post-exchange considerations, or they are incomplete. For example, environmental risk, building warranties, and other property particulars may be relevant but are not the six definitive pre-contract checks required to reach the point of exchange. Items like moving dates or interior design plans are either post-exchange considerations or not legally binding at this stage. Relying on only the draft contract and signatures omits the crucial due diligence and financial/authority checks needed before the contract becomes binding.