Summary
The conveyancing process usually takes between 8 and 16 weeks from the date an offer is accepted to completion. On average, most transactions complete in around 12 weeks.
Why does conveyancing take so long? Your exact conveyancing timeline will depend on various factors, including whether you're buying, selling, part of a property chain, or dealing with a leasehold property.
From conveyancing with no chain to the different types of searches, this guide covers everything you need to know about the process and timeline.
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Stages of the Conveyancing Process
Here is a quick breakdown of the conveyancing process, including the necessary steps and the average time they will take:
| Stage | Outline of the Conveyancing Process | Time Taken |
|---|---|---|
| Instruct your conveyancer | Instructing a solicitor, ID checks, conveyancing searches, property survey and drafting of contract | 1-14 Days |
| Mortgage valuation & offer | Your lender will finalise your mortgage offer and send this to your solicitor once complete | 4 Weeks |
| Enquiries & Contract Finalisation | Your solicitor will complete, review and check any remaining paperwork and create a draft contract | 2-10 Weeks |
| Exchange of Contracts | Once everyone is happy with the contract contents, the exchange of contracts can be completed and a completion date is set. | 1-2 Weeks |
| Completion | Completion day marks the legal transfer of ownership and usually happens 1–2 weeks after exchange. | 1 Day |
| Post-Completion | After completion, your solicitor will register you as the owner with the Land Registry. This administrative step can take several weeks, but it does not delay your move. | A few weeks |
Instruct Your Conveyancer
Time taken: Up to 2 weeks
Compare conveyancing companies and instruct a solicitor to handle your conveyancing process. Your solicitor will complete ID checks and check your proof and source of funds. You will receive a client care letter detailing their fees and services.
Searches & Survey
Time taken: 2–6 weeks
Most conveyancing searches are returned within 2–6 weeks. However, delays can occur if your local authority has a backlog or if specialist searches are required.
Your solicitor will arrange any necessary conveyancing searches, including Local Authority, Environmental and Water searches. You should also organise a RICS Home Survey to find and address any problems present with the home.
Mortgage valuation & Offer
Time taken: 4 weeks
Your solicitor will contact your mortgage lender and apply for a formal mortgage offer. Your lender will complete the necessary paperwork and finalise the formal offer.
Enquiries & Contract Finalisation
Time taken: 2-10 weeks
Your solicitor will ensure that all paperwork has been completed correctly and enquiries have been answered. This stage can take longer for leasehold homes due to the additional paperwork involved. Once complete, they can finalise your contract.
Exchange of Contracts
Time taken: 1-2 weeks
The exchange of contracts legally binds the property transaction, and you are required to pay your deposit. Everyone involved in the transaction must agree on a set completion date to finalise the sale and purchase.
Completion
Time taken: 1 day (unless delays occur in the property chain)
Completion day marks the end of the conveyancing process for buyers and sellers. You must transfer the remaining funds to your solicitor, the seller will vacate the property, and you will receive the keys to your new home.
Post-Completion
Time Taken: A few weeks to months
Your solicitor will finalise any remaining paperwork, including registering the property with the Land Registry. While this stage can take slightly longer to complete, you will already have legal ownership of the home and can proceed with moving in.
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What Affects Your Conveyancing Timeline the Most?
Chain Length & Readiness
The longer the property chain, the greater the risk of delays or collapse. If one person is delayed or pulls out of their transaction, the whole chain can collapse. Disorganisation and poor communication will have a knock-on effect.
Search Turnaround
Conveyancing searches, particularly Local Authority searches, can take longer to complete depending on your local authority and its workload. While the government's target is 10 working days, it can take longer, especially if you need specialist searches.
Leasehold Properties
Leasehold transactions take longer to complete due to the additional paperwork, including obtaining the leasehold management pack and additional lender scrutiny. Delays with third parties and property information will impact the process speed.
Mortgage Milestones
If you're buying with a mortgage, certain checkpoints must be met, including securing the mortgage, receiving a formal offer and ensuring funds are released. Undervaluation and mortgage offers running out can severely hinder the process.
Enquiries
Solicitors often raise enquiries after they have reviewed the draft contract, including missing FENSA certificates, guarantees and building regulation sign-offs. Providing the correct paperwork at the start of the process can help to prevent these delays.
Response Times
The speed of the conveyancing process is heavily reliant on how quickly solicitors, third parties and everyone in the chain act. Delays are particularly common with local authorities and management companies, so clear communication is essential.
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How Long Does Conveyancing Take With No Chain?
Conveyancing with no property chain is quicker and can take 8 weeks from the point the sale is agreed.
Delays deriving from other transactions in the property chain are not a concern when buying or selling a property with no chain. However, a negative survey report, delay in conveyancing searches and legal issues with the property can all hold up the process.
How Long Between Exchange and Completion?
Completion day is usually 1-2 weeks after exchanging contracts.
The time between the exchange and completion date will vary depending on the type of transaction, the personal circumstances of the parties involved and the size of the chain. The chosen date will be agreed upon by the buyer's and seller's solicitors.
It's rare to exchange and complete on the same day. But it's possible if you're not in a property chain and the property you are buying is with vacant possession.
How Do Searches Affect Conveyancing?
Conveyancing searches (also known as 'property searches') affect the timeline because they must be completed before you can exchange contracts. If search results are delayed, your entire transaction will be held up. They often take longer because local authorities and other bodies can have large backlogs, and some searches require specialist checks depending on the property’s location.
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How Long Do Conveyancing Searches Take?
The time conveyancing searches take will vary depending on the conveyancing searches needed, your local authority and whether any delays or issues arise.
Here are the main conveyancing searches and how long they will typically take:
| Type of Conveyancing Search | Time to Complete |
|---|---|
| Local Authority Search | 2-6 weeks |
| Environmental Search | 2-3 weeks |
| Water and Drainage Search | 10-14 days |
| Land Registry Search | 1-2 days |
| Chancel Repair Liability Search | 5-10 days |
| The Coal and General Mining Search | 1-3 days |
How Long After Conveyancing Searches Does it Take to Exchange?
It can take 1-3 weeks between the searches and the exchange of contracts in the UK. Exchanging contracts usually happens in week 8 of the conveyancing process. This will vary depending on how long it takes for the different bodies to respond.
You must have the results from the conveyancing searches and agree on a completion date before exchanging contracts. To speed up the process, make sure you have everything in place, including documentation, beforehand.
Find a Conveyancer
One of the best ways to ensure a smooth and swift conveyancing process is to instruct a reputable conveyancing solicitor. The conveyancing timescale for your transaction will depend on the complexity of the sale. When you match with our partners, not only will you get compare conveyancing quotes but you can also discuss any concerns or expectations you may have.
When you fill out our simple conveyancing form, we can connect you with up to 5 conveyancers to save you up to 70% on your conveyancing costs. All our conveyancing partners have passed our strict verification process and are all regulated by either the SRA, CLC, LSS, LSNI or CILEx.
Need a Surveyor Too?
If you also need a property surveyor, fill out our integrated conveyancing and surveying comparison form and get connected to multiple professionals. Whether you need a Snagging Survey, Valuation or RICS Level 2 or 3 Home Survey, our partners can discuss the best option for the property and your needs.
