Conveyancing is the legal and administrative process by which ownership of land or property is transferred from a seller to a buyer. In England, the conveyancing timescale can vary significantly depending on the type of property, the complexity of the transaction, the efficiency of the parties involved, and whether there is a property chain.
As a broad guide, many straightforward freehold transactions complete within around 12 to 20 weeks, although current market averages can be longer, particularly where there is a chain, a leasehold title, mortgage funding, or third-party information is required. Auction purchases, new-build properties, shared ownership, equity loan redemptions including Help to Buy where applicable, and more complex title arrangements may follow different or more compressed timescales.
This guide explains the main stages of conveyancing and the factors that commonly affect the timetable.
Typical Conveyancing Timeline
1. Instruction of Conveyancers: Week 1
Once an offer is accepted, both buyer and seller should instruct their conveyancers promptly. The seller’s conveyancer will request completed property forms and supporting documents, including title information, planning documents, guarantees, building regulation certificates, and leasehold information where relevant.
Both conveyancers will confirm their client’s identity and open their transaction files. The buyer’s conveyancer will carry out identity, anti-money laundering and source of funds/source of wealth checks, and will also review the buyer’s mortgage position where applicable.
Delays at this early stage are common where paperwork is incomplete or parties delay returning signed forms.
2. Contract Pack and Initial Review: Weeks 1 to 3
The seller’s conveyancer prepares and sends the draft contract pack to the buyer’s conveyancer. This usually includes:
- Draft contract;
- Official copies of the title register and title plan;
- TA6 Property Information Form;
- TA10 Fittings and Contents Form;
- TA7 Leasehold Information Form, if applicable;
- Relevant certificates, consents, warranties, and guarantees.
The buyer’s conveyancer reviews the documents and raises initial enquiries. For leasehold properties, the buyer’s conveyancer will also need to review the lease, the TA7 Leasehold Information Form, the leasehold management pack once available, service charge accounts, ground rent provisions, insurance arrangements, and any restrictions on assignment or alterations.
3. Searches and Mortgage Offer: Weeks 2 to 6
The buyer’s conveyancer will usually order searches, including local authority, drainage and water, and environmental searches. Depending on the property, additional searches may be required.
Search times vary by local authority. Some searches return within days, while others may take several weeks.
If the buyer requires a mortgage, a formal mortgage offer will usually need to be issued, reviewed and reported on before exchange of contracts can take place. A lender valuation, underwriting queries, or issues with the mortgage application can extend the timetable.
4. Enquiries and Replies: Weeks 3 to 8
The buyer’s conveyancer raises enquiries about the legal title, property forms, search results, mortgage lender requirements, and any missing documentation.
Common enquiries include:
- Planning permission and building regulation approval for alterations;
- Rights of way or access arrangements;
- Boundary issues;
- Restrictions or covenants affecting the property;
- Leasehold service charges, ground rent, and management company details;
- Completion of works and availability of guarantees.
Replies should be accurate and consistent with the seller’s actual knowledge and available documentation, as inaccurate or misleading replies may result in delay, renegotiation, or a potential misrepresentation claim.
The speed of this stage depends heavily on the seller’s conveyancer, the seller, managing agents, freeholders, lenders, and third parties. Leasehold enquiries are often a major source of delay because replies must be obtained from landlords or managing agents.
5. Report to Buyer and Signing Documents: Weeks 6 to 10
Once the buyer’s conveyancer is satisfied with the title, searches, enquiries, and mortgage offer, they will report to the buyer. The report usually explains the contract, title, mortgage conditions, search results, and any key risks or obligations.
The buyer will sign the contract, mortgage deed, and transfer deed where required. The buyer must also provide the deposit funds in readiness for exchange.
At the same time, the seller will sign the contract and transfer deed. If there are multiple sellers, all necessary signatures must be obtained.
6. Exchange of Contracts: Usually Weeks 8 to 12
Exchange of contracts is the point at which the transaction becomes legally binding. Before exchange, either party may withdraw without the usual contractual penalties.
On exchange, the completion date is fixed. The buyer usually pays a deposit, commonly 10% of the purchase price, although a lower deposit may be agreed in some cases.
If there is a chain, all linked transactions must usually exchange simultaneously. Coordinating dates across several buyers, sellers, conveyancers, lenders, and estate agents can cause delay.
7. Completion: Commonly 1 to 4 Weeks After Exchange
Completion is the day the purchase money is paid, the seller gives vacant possession unless otherwise agreed, and the buyer becomes entitled to the property.
The buyer’s conveyancer sends the purchase money to the seller’s conveyancer. Once received, the seller’s conveyancer authorises release of the keys, usually through the estate agent.
After completion, the buyer’s conveyancer deals with post-completion matters, including submission of the Stamp Duty Land Tax return and payment of any SDLT due for property in England, and registration of the buyer’s ownership at HM Land Registry.
Why Conveyancing Can Take Longer Than Expected
Several factors can affect the timescale, including:
- A long property chain;
- Leasehold title issues;
- Delays obtaining management packs;
- Missing planning or building regulation documents;
- Mortgage offer delays;
- Survey issues requiring renegotiation;
- Defects in title;
- Probate sales or attorney involvement;
- Unregistered land;
- Delays by local authorities or third parties;
- Disputes over completion dates.
A transaction that appears straightforward at offer stage may become more complex once legal documents, searches, and survey results are reviewed.
How Sellers Can Help Speed Up Conveyancing
Sellers can reduce avoidable delay by preparing documents before a buyer is found. Helpful steps include:
- Instructing a conveyancer as soon as the property is marketed;
- Completing property forms accurately and promptly;
- Locating planning permissions, building regulation certificates, warranties, guarantees, FENSA or similar certificates, and any gas or electrical safety records where relevant;
- Ordering leasehold management information early;
- Disclosing known issues clearly;
- Responding quickly to enquiries.
For leasehold sales, early preparation is especially important because managing agents and freeholders can take time to provide replies.
How Buyers Can Help Speed Up Conveyancing
Buyers can assist by:
- Arranging a mortgage agreement in principle early;
- Submitting the full mortgage application promptly after offer acceptance;
- Providing identification and source of funds evidence without delay;
- Arranging a survey at an early stage;
- Reviewing reports and documents promptly;
- Sending deposit funds in good time before exchange;
- Being realistic about completion dates, particularly where there is a chain.
So, How Long Does Conveyancing Really Take?
A realistic estimate for many residential conveyancing transactions in England is 8 to 16 weeks, but this is not guaranteed. A simple freehold transaction with no chain and a cash buyer may complete more quickly. A leasehold purchase, a transaction involving a mortgage, or a sale within a chain can take considerably longer.
The best way to keep the process moving is early preparation, prompt communication, and ensuring that all parties provide information and documents as quickly as possible. Conveyancing is rarely entirely within one party’s control, but organised buyers and sellers can significantly reduce unnecessary delay.
At O’Donnell Solicitors, we aim to progress transactions as smoothly and thoroughly as possible while managing our clients’ expectations at each stage. If you would like a quote for a conveyancing transaction, or wish to speak to a member of the team, please contact us on 01457 761320.
This article is intended as general information only and reflects the position in England. Conveyancing timescales and requirements vary depending on the facts of each transaction.
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