Buying or selling a property can be an exciting but sometimes frustrating process. One of the most common questions buyers and sellers ask is: how long does conveyancing take?
In England and Wales, the time between a property being sold subject to contract and completion is often around 8 to 12 weeks, although every transaction is different. GOV.UK guidance has also historically indicated approximately 12 weeks for the conveyancing stages of a typical transaction. More recently, the Government has described the wider home-buying and selling process as taking around 120 days on average.
The process can be quicker or significantly longer depending on the property, the parties involved and whether any legal or practical issues arise.
Table of Contents
- How long does conveyancing usually take?
- A typical conveyancing timeline
- What can delay conveyancing?
- How can you speed up conveyancing?
- How long between exchange and completion?
- Does registration happen after completion?
- Frequently asked questions
How long does conveyancing usually take?
A typical conveyancing transaction takes around 8 to 12 weeks from an offer being accepted to completion.
However, this is only a guide. A straightforward, chain-free transaction may progress more quickly, while a complex transaction or one involving a long property chain can take several months.
The process does not follow an exact timetable because many stages depend on third parties, including mortgage lenders, local authorities, surveyors, managing agents and other solicitors or conveyancers.
A Typical Conveyancing Timeline
Weeks 1–2: Instructing a Conveyancer and Preparing the Contract
Once an offer has been accepted, the purchaser and vendor usually instruct their legal representatives.
The vendor’s conveyancer prepares the initial contract documentation. The purchaser’s conveyancer reviews the documents, verifies relevant information and begins considering what searches and enquiries may be required.
If the buyer is using a mortgage, the mortgage application and lender’s requirements can also affect the timescale.
Weeks 2–6: Searches, Surveys and Enquiries
Please note that this next stage for a purchase cannot begin until the vendor’s solicitors have issued the contract papers to the buyers’ solicitors. This is quite commonly the longest delay, as if the vendor or their solicitor is not proactive, this initial stage can add 2-4 weeks to any transaction.
The purchaser’s conveyancer will usually arrange property searches. These commonly include local authority, water and drainage and environmental searches, although additional searches may be appropriate depending on the property and location.
The Purchaser may also arrange a property survey. If they are having a mortgage, this will usually be dealt with by the lender unless the purchaser wishes for a more in-depth survey.
Once the contract papers and search results have been reviewed, the purchaser’s conveyancer may raise enquiries with the vendor’s conveyancer. Delays can occur if information or supporting documents are missing or if an issue requires further investigation.
Weeks 4–8: Mortgage Offer and Resolving Outstanding Issues
Before contracts can usually be exchanged, the purchaser and their solicitor need to be satisfied with the legal position and, where relevant, have an acceptable mortgage offer in place.
The conveyancers will work through any outstanding enquiries and agree the terms of the contract. For leasehold properties, this stage can involve obtaining information from the landlord or managing agent.
Weeks 8–12: Exchange and Completion
Once all parties are ready, contracts can be exchanged. At this point, the transaction generally becomes legally binding and a completion date is agreed or confirmed.
Completion may take place on the same day as exchange, but more commonly there is a period between the two. GOV.UK guidance notes that completion is often around two to four weeks after exchange, although the parties can agree a different timescale, and a lot of transactions take a matter of days or can even complete on the same day as exchange if required.
What Can Delay Conveyancing?
Several factors can extend the conveyancing process.
Property chains
If your transaction is part of a chain, progress can depend on every linked purchaser and vendor. A delay affecting one transaction may affect everyone else in the chain.
Search or survey issues
Searches or surveys may identify issues that require further investigation, negotiation or legal advice.
Mortgage delays
A purchaser cannot usually proceed to exchange until their mortgage arrangements are sufficiently in place. Delays in obtaining a mortgage offer or satisfying a lender’s conditions can therefore affect the transaction.
Leasehold properties
Leasehold transactions can take longer because additional information may be needed about service charges, ground rent, management arrangements, planned works, or the lease itself. A lot of leasehold transactions require variations to the current lease (due to age and drafting), and this can, in turn, increase the length of the transaction significantly when a third-party landlord or Management company is involved.
Title or legal issues
Problems involving boundaries, restrictive covenants, rights of way, missing documents or defects in the property’s title may need to be resolved before the transaction can proceed.
Slow responses
Conveyancing involves communication between several parties. Delays in providing documents or answering enquiries can add days or weeks to the process.
How Can You Speed Up Conveyancing?
Although not every delay can be avoided, there are practical steps that can help.
Choose your conveyancer early. Instructing a solicitor or licensed conveyancer as soon as possible can allow preparation to begin promptly.
Provide documents quickly. Return forms, identification and other requested information without delay.
Complete Your AML Checks Promptly. Complete the required Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks as soon as you are asked to do so and provide any information or documentation your solicitor requests. Although these checks may sometimes feel intrusive, they are a necessary part of the legal process and help your solicitor comply with their regulatory obligations. Providing the requested information promptly can help avoid unnecessary delays and allow the initial stages of your transaction to progress as quickly as possible.
Organise your finances early. If you require a mortgage to purchase the property, start the application process as early as possible and provide your lender or mortgage broker with any information they request. It is important to remember that arranging your mortgage is your responsibility, together with your mortgage broker or lender, rather than your solicitor’s. Having your finances and mortgage arrangements in place early can help prevent unnecessary delays later in the conveyancing process.
Respond to enquiries promptly. Vendors can help avoid delays by responding to their conveyancer’s inquiries promptly and providing any relevant paperwork without delay. It is also important to be open and honest about the property and any known issues. Attempting to withhold or ‘hide’ information can cause significant delays and potentially lead to complications later in the transaction.
Keep communication open. Regular contact with your conveyancer can help you understand what is outstanding and whether you need to take any action.
How Long Is It Between Exchange and Completion?
There is no fixed legal period between exchange and completion.
The parties agree on the completion date as part of the transaction. Completion can take place on the same day as exchange, although a gap of around two to four weeks is common.
Once contracts have been exchanged, the agreement is generally legally binding. This is an important distinction: accepting an offer does not normally make the transaction legally binding in England and Wales.
Does Registration Happen After Completion?
Yes. Following completion of a purchase, the buyer’s conveyancer will usually deal with the necessary post-completion work, which may include submitting an application to register the change of ownership and any new mortgage with HM Land Registry.
Registration times can vary depending on the type and complexity of the application. For instance, a new-build property can currently take around 12–24 months to register, while a straightforward registered freehold can take approximately 3–9 months. If registration is urgent, for example, because you need to sell the property, your solicitor can apply to HM Land Registry to expedite the application, which will then be considered by HM Land Registry.
Importantly, post-completion registration is separate from the period leading up to exchange and completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can conveyancing take less than 8 weeks?
Yes. A straightforward, chain-free transaction can sometimes complete more quickly. However, this depends on all parties being ready and there being no significant legal, mortgage or property issues.
Why is my conveyancing taking so long?
Common causes include delays with searches, mortgage offers, enquiries, leasehold information, property chains and outstanding legal issues. Your conveyancer should be able to explain what remains outstanding in your specific transaction.
What is the quickest way to complete a house purchase?
The fastest transactions are generally those with fewer complications, no chain and parties who are ready to provide documents and make decisions promptly. Early instruction of a conveyancer and prompt mortgage and document preparation can also help.
When does the conveyancing process end?
The main transaction is completed when completion takes place. However, your conveyancer may still need to deal with post-completion matters, including tax requirements and registration with HM Land Registry.
Speak to a Conveyancing Solicitor
Every property transaction is different, and the timescale will depend on the circumstances of your purchase or sale. Our experienced conveyancing team can guide you through the process, keep you informed about progress and help identify and resolve any issues as efficiently as possible.
If you have a property transaction and would like to speak to a member of our team, please contact Ruth at ruth@ivesandco.com.