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How Long Does Conveyancing Take? A Complete Breakdown

Conveyancing—transferring legal ownership of a property—typically takes around 12–16 weeks from offer acceptance to completion. However, this timeline can vary depending on several factors. Here’s a detailed walkthrough: 

1. Instructing Your Conveyancer (1 day – 2 weeks)

As soon as your offer is accepted, appoint a conveyancer or solicitor. They’ll: 

  • Carry out identity checks 
  • Draft contracts 
  • Request initial documents (e.g., title deeds, property register) 
  • Confirm mortgage details, if applicable  

  Why it matters: The faster you’re onboarded, the sooner legal work can begin. Prompt replies from you will keep things moving. 

2. Pre-Exchange Stage (4 – 12 weeks)

This is the heaviest part of conveyancing, featuring: 

Property Searches (2–3 weeks)

Solicitors perform local authority, environmental, water & drainage searches. These help uncover issues like flooding, planning, or drainage problems.

Surveys & Mortgage Valuation
Your lender may require a valuation; you might opt for additional surveys. Delays here can impact timelines. 
Legal Enquiries
Buyers’ solicitors raise questions on boundaries, neighbour rights, fixtures, and leasehold terms. Replies depend on the seller’s team. 
Drafting Contracts

This phase culminates in a complete contract pack ready for review—often a back-and-forth process.

Why it varies: Complexity, responsiveness, and chain length all affect the timeline significantly. 

Exchange of Contracts (1 day)

Once all searches are in, enquiries answered, and mortgage offer issued: 

  • Both solicitors sign and swap contracts 
  • Buyer pays deposit (usually 5–10%) 
  • A binding completion date is set  

  Why it matters: This marks a legal commitment—backing out afterward typically means losing your deposit. 

4. Between Exchange and Completion (1 – 4 weeks)

During this period: 

  • Funds are collected (deposit and mortgage) 
  • Pre-completion searches may be revisited to check for new issues 
  • Completion day is confirmed, logistics finalised (e.g., removals)  

  Your checklist: 

  • Arrange final meter readings and utility switchovers 
  • Confirm moving–out plans and key handover procedures 

5. Completion Day (1 day)

This is the finish line: 

  • Buyer’s solicitor transfers the remaining funds 
  • Seller’s solicitor allows key collection (typically around midday) 
  • You move out, and ownership transfers  

6. Post-Completion (1 – 2 weeks)

After moving, conveyancing wrap-up includes: 

  • Paying Stamp Duty (for buyer) and registering the purchase 
  • Seller’s mortgage redemption, estate agent invoicing 
  • Receipt and secure storage of title deeds or updated Land Registry documents  

Typical Timeline Summary 

Stage  Timeframe 
Instructing conveyancer  1 day – 2 weeks 
Pre-exchange stage (searches, contracts)  4 – 12 weeks 
Exchange of contracts  1 day 
Between exchange and completion  1 – 4 weeks 
Completion  1 day 
Post-completion paperwork  1 – 2 weeks 
Total average duration  8 – 16 weeks 

Common range: Many conveyancing professionals estimate 12–16 weeks in typical transactions, while average total time from offer to move-in can stretch to five months if you include property hunting and chain delays  

What Can Delay the Process?

Several issues can lengthen timelines: 

Property chain complexity
Delays from other buyers or sellers ripple through the chain.
Search/backlog issues
Local authorities or environmental searches may take weeks.
Legal complexities
Title issues, leasehold documentation delays, or boundary disputes can stall progress.
Mortgage delays
Slow valuation or mortgage offer issuance can hold things up.
Solicitor responsiveness
Slow replies to queries delay others in the chain. 

How to Keep Things Moving Efficiently

  1. Select a proactive conveyancer with a strong track record  
  2. Be ready with ID, mortgage details, survey requests, and payments. 
  3. Stay responsive to documents and queries. 
  4. Follow up regularly—ask for updates and ask your solicitor clear deadlines. 
  5. Anticipate chain delays—keep everyone informed and flexible. 
  6. Monitor public policy changes, like new digital conveyancing initiatives aiming to speed things up  

While conveyancing times vary, most residential sales in England and Wales settle within 12–16 weeks post–offer acceptance. With straightforward cases, you could be in your new home within two to three months. Just be prepared for chain-related bumps that can stretch the process to four or five months from start to finish.

By choosing a responsive conveyancer, staying organised, and understanding each stage, you can manage expectations—and move forward with confidence.   

If you’re comparing quotes or need guidance on choosing a conveyancer, we’re here to help. Let us support your property journey with clarity, expertise, and peace of mind.