How Long Should Conveyancing Take, and What’s Involved?

The legal process of transferring property ownership - known as conveyancing - can feel daunting when buying or selling a home. But understanding how long it takes and what’s involved can make the journey much smoother.

How Long Does Conveyancing Take?

The average timescale for most firms is between 8 to 16 weeks. At Thomson Legal, we’re happy to work around your schedule and can prioritise your case to be ready to exchange in as little as 4 to 6 weeks.

However, we rely on other parties involved in the process, which can sometimes extend the timeline - we thought it would be useful to help you understand why delays can happen and why conveyancing sometimes takes longer than expected. 

Factors such as lengthy property chains, slow mortgage approvals, or delays in local authority searches can all affect the process.

An important consideration is the increased demand for conveyancing services. Over the last decade, caseloads for conveyancers have surged by 79%. While this reflects a growing market, it also means many firms are struggling to manage the workload, leading to longer timelines. Impending deadlines—such as the stamp duty changes in March - often lead to a flurry of activity as everyone tries to finalise their transactions, which only adds to the delays.

We take a different approach. By limiting the number of clients we work with at any given time, we ensure that each case receives the focused attention it deserves. This means we can provide a swift and efficient service without compromising on quality—and on average at no additional cost to you than other firms.

What’s Involved in the Conveyancing Process?

The conveyancing process involves several key steps, each crucial to the successful transfer of property ownership:

1. Instruction
   Once you’ve chosen a conveyancer, they will send you initial paperwork, including terms of business and identification checks. To prevent delays, it’s advisable to have your identification and property documentation prepared in advance.

2. Drafting and Reviewing Contracts
   The seller’s conveyancer prepares the draft contract, while the buyer’s conveyancer reviews it, raising any questions or concerns. If either party delays completing this step, it can affect the timeline.

3. Searches
   A series of searches are conducted to uncover potential issues with the property. These are separate to a survey, and are often compulsory if you have a mortgage lender. These include:

   • Local authority searches to check for planning restrictions.

   • Environmental searches to assess risks such as flooding or contamination.

   • Title searches to confirm legal ownership and adequate provisions.

4. The local authority search typically takes the longest to return—often up to a month. Once all searches are complete, they need to be carefully reviewed, and additional enquiries may be raised.

5. Mortgage Offer
   If the buyer is using a mortgage, the lender will issue a formal offer. The conveyancer reviews this offer to ensure that it aligns with the transaction. This step involves reviewing substantial paperwork, including the lender’s requirements, and ensuring that the property satisfies the lender’s criteria.

6. Exchange of Contracts
   Once all paperwork, searches, and replies to enquiries are satisfactory, the contracts can be exchanged. This is a significant milestone, as it legally binds both parties to the transaction. At this stage, the buyer typically pays a deposit (usually 10%) and a completion date is set.

7. Completion
   On completion day, the remaining funds are transferred, the keys are handed over, and the buyer officially becomes the new owner of the property.

8. Post-Completion
   After completion, the buyer’s conveyancer registers the property with HM Land Registry and ensures any Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is paid.

Why Does Conveyancing Sometimes Take Longer?

Certain factors can cause delays in the process. For example, leasehold properties often require additional paperwork from management companies or freeholders. Missing documentation—such as planning permissions—can also lead to hold-ups. If the property requires a Grant of Probate, this can significantly extend the timeline.

Another factor to consider is the growing popularity of new builds. While new properties are attractive for many buyers, they come with their own set of challenges. New builds often involve extensive documentation bundles that need to be reviewed in detail. For example, it’s essential to check whether all rights—such as access to roads, utilities, and water connections—are clearly stated in the legal documents. Additionally, the adoption of roads by local councils and whether these are included in the title deeds must be carefully examined to ensure there are no future disputes.

The complexity of these additional considerations can make the conveyancing process longer for new build properties. However, with the right conveyancer on your side, these factors can be carefully managed to keep the process on track.

Tips for a Faster Conveyancing Process

Here are some practical tips to help keep things moving swiftly:

• Be Responsive: Promptly return signed documents and provide any requested information to avoid unnecessary delays.

• Get Your Paperwork in Order Early: If you’re selling, make sure all relevant documents are prepared before securing a buyer. This allows us to send out the contract pack early, so searches and enquiries can begin sooner.

• Work with a Proactive Estate Agent: If you’re selling, choose an agent who actively pursues updates, liaises effectively with others in the chain, and prompts you to be ready ahead of time.

• Select a Proactive Conveyancer: Choose a conveyancer who communicates regularly, chases up delays, and ensures that your transaction is a priority.

• Prepare Your Finances in Advance: Ensure your mortgage offer is in place and your deposit is ready. Remember, if the deposit comes from a bank account or as a gift, you will need to provide supporting documentation for money laundering checks—so have everything ready ahead of time.

Final Thoughts: Take Control of the Process

Understanding the conveyancing process helps you navigate it with confidence. By being proactive and staying in communication with both your estate agent and conveyancer, you can help ensure a smoother transaction. Select professionals who value your time and foster a strong, trusting relationship. The more prepared you are, the more seamless your property journey will be.