How long does conveyancing take?

In most cases, the conveyancing process on the purchase of a property in England and Wales will take 8-12 weeks. However, it can be less than this or longer, depending on circumstances. We will keep you updated on progress and any specific issues that may increase the time taken to complete the purchase.

It can be difficult for a conveyancer to give a precise answer to “how long will my conveyancing take?” at the start of the process. It is important to give us all the information we ask for as quickly as possible, make sure you have all the documents you need readily available.

A simple no chain transaction on average takes less than 3 months, but it is not uncommon for the process to take longer if there is a complex chain.

When does the conveyancing process start?

The buying or selling conveyancing process starts for you once an offer is accepted on a property. Our timescales start from the point of instruction. Click these links for a step-by-step conveyancing guide for 

BUYING and 

SELLING property.

What things can slow the conveyancing process?

There are a number of factors that influence how long your conveyancing transaction takes, here is where common delays may occur and how you can try to avoid them.

How quickly your mortgage lender deals with your mortgage application

Delays in getting access to a property for a survey

Survey reveals defects or issues that need attention or further investigation

How long the local searches take, this can vary depending on authority and time of year

Seller looking for a property, quite often sellers may not look for a property until they have a buyer

If you are in chain then transactions and transfers need to be coordinated

Delays in getting seller’s replies to pre-contract enquiries, questions that are not answered in documents provided

Getting documents from third party organisations – these can include NHBC certificates, information from management company or proof of planning consent

Issues with Title Deeds – these can include property not being registered with HM Land Registry or where property is being sold by the executor of someone who has died