Key Takeaways
- Average conveyancing time is 8-12 weeks from offer accepted to completion
- Local authority searches are often the main cause of delay
- Exchange of contracts is when the transaction becomes legally binding
- Chain-free purchases are typically faster than transactions in a chain
What is conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from seller to buyer. It covers everything from checking the legal title to handling the exchange of contracts and completion.
A conveyancing solicitor handles:
- Reviewing the contract and title documents
- Ordering and analysing property searches
- Raising enquiries with the seller's solicitor
- Liaising with your mortgage lender
- Managing the exchange of contracts
- Completing the purchase and registering your ownership
How long does conveyancing take?
The average conveyancing timeline is 8 to 12 weeks from having your offer accepted to collecting the keys. However, this can vary significantly depending on several factors.
Typical timeline breakdown:
| Stage | Typical Duration |
|---|
| Instructing a solicitor | 1-2 days |
| Receiving contract pack from seller | 1-2 weeks |
| Ordering searches | 1-3 days |
| Receiving search results | 1-6 weeks (varies by council) |
| Raising and answering enquiries | 2-4 weeks |
| Mortgage offer confirmed | 2-4 weeks |
| Exchange of contracts | 1 day |
| Exchange to completion | 1-2 weeks |
Total: 8-12 weeks for straightforward transactions
What are property searches?
Property searches provide essential information about the property and surrounding area. Your solicitor will typically order:
- Local authority search — planning history, building control, highways, contaminated land
- Drainage and water search — connection to mains water and sewerage
- Environmental search — flood risk, contamination, ground stability
- Chancel repair liability search — whether you could be liable for church repairs
Local authority searches are often the main source of delay. Processing times vary dramatically between councils, from a few days to several weeks.
What is exchange of contracts?
Exchange of contracts is the point at which the transaction becomes legally binding. Before exchange, either party can withdraw without penalty (though they may lose survey costs and solicitor fees incurred).
At exchange:
- A completion date is agreed and fixed
- The buyer pays a deposit (typically 10%)
- Both parties are legally committed
- Pulling out would be a breach of contract
What is completion?
Completion is the day ownership transfers. On completion day:
- Your solicitor sends the purchase funds to the seller's solicitor
- Once funds are received, the keys are released
- You can move into your new home
- Your solicitor registers your ownership with the Land Registry
Land Registry registration can take several weeks but does not affect your ability to move in.
What can speed up conveyancing?
- Be organised — have your ID, proof of funds, and deposit ready
- Respond promptly — delays often occur waiting for buyers to return documents
- Get a mortgage agreement in principle before making an offer
- Choose a responsive solicitor — communication is key
- Consider chain-free properties — no waiting for other transactions
What can slow down conveyancing?
- Long chains — each transaction depends on others completing
- Slow local authority searches — some councils take 4-6 weeks
- Leasehold properties — additional enquiries about service charges, ground rent, lease length
- Issues revealed by searches — contamination, flooding, planning problems
- Mortgage delays — lender requirements, valuation issues
- Incomplete information from the seller
How Endeavour Law can help
At Endeavour Law, our conveyancing team keeps you informed at every stage. We chase where needed, flag potential delays early, and work to get you into your new home as smoothly as possible.
