A step-by-step timeline for buyers and sellers
If you’re buying or selling a home in England or Wales, one of the first questions you’re likely to ask is: how long does conveyancing take? While the legal process behind transferring property ownership can seem complex, having a clear understanding of the timeline can help you prepare, reduce stress and avoid delays.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the conveyancing process, explain typical timeframes, highlight common causes of delay and share tips to help speed things up.
👉 Want a deeper dive into the process? Download the LPL Guide to Conveyancing for buyers and sellers.
What is conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal transfer of property ownership from one party to another. It begins when an offer is accepted and ends when the keys are handed over on completion day. Whether you’re buying, selling, or both, conveyancing is a crucial part of the process – and it must be handled by a qualified solicitor or licensed conveyancer.
Find out more about our team of specialists on our About Us page.
So, how long does conveyancing take?
On average, conveyancing takes between 10 and 14 weeks from the point when solicitors are instructed. However, this can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of property, whether there’s a chain involved and how quickly all parties respond.
Let’s break it down step by step.
Typical conveyancing timeline
1. Instruction of Solicitor (Day 1)
The process begins once you’ve instructed your conveyancer. They’ll send you initial paperwork to complete, carry out ID checks and request details of your mortgage (if applicable).
✅ Tip from LPL: Instruct your solicitor as early as possible, ideally as soon as your property is listed or your offer is accepted. You can also prepare by reading the LPL Guide to Conveyancing.
2. Pre-Contract Stage (Weeks 1–5)
- Buyers: Your solicitor will order searches (local authority, drainage, environmental) and raise enquiries with the seller’s solicitor.
- Sellers: Your solicitor will prepare the contract pack and respond to any enquiries.
This stage is often affected by delays in receiving search results, especially from slower local councils. Search results typically take 2 to 4 weeks, but can take longer in busy areas.
3. Mortgage Offer and Survey (Weeks 5–7)
If you’re buying with a mortgage, your lender will conduct a valuation, and you may choose to commission a homebuyer’s or structural survey.
The full mortgage offer usually arrives within 2 to 3 weeks of application, but your purchase can’t progress without it.
4. Exchange of Contracts (Weeks 7–9)
Once all enquiries are resolved, searches are complete, and both parties are ready, contracts are signed and exchanged. At this point, the sale becomes legally binding.
The exchange is often the most anticipated milestone. However, the answer to the question, how long does conveyancing take to reach this point depends on how quickly both solicitors, the buyer, the seller and any third parties respond.
5. Completion (Typically 1–2 Weeks After Exchange)
On the agreed date, funds are transferred, keys are handed over,and the property officially changes hands. Completion usually occurs within 1 to 2 weeks after exchange but can be arranged sooner or later depending on the chain and your preferences.
Common causes of delay
Even the best-prepared transactions can face setbacks. Understanding what might slow things down can help you take a proactive approach.
- Search delays from local councils
- Slow response times from solicitors or estate agents
- Unanswered enquiries or incomplete paperwork
- Mortgage offer delays
- Long property chains, where the transaction depends on multiple sales completing together
- Leasehold complexities, such as waiting for the management company information
How can you speed up the conveyancing process?
While not everything is within your control, there are several ways you can help keep things moving:
- Instruct your conveyancer early – don’t wait until you’ve had an offer accepted
- Be responsive – return forms, ID documents, and other paperwork promptly
- Get your finances in order – ensure your mortgage application is submitted quickly
- Use a proactive solicitor – at LPL, we pride ourselves on staying ahead of delays and keeping clients informed
- Communicate regularly – maintain contact with your conveyancer and estate agent for updates
For more practical advice, download the LPL Guide to Conveyancing.
Real-life example
Let’s say Sarah is a first-time buyer purchasing a freehold home with no chain. She instructs LPL immediately after her offer is accepted, returns paperwork within 48 hours, and her mortgage offer arrives within 2 weeks. Searches come back in 3 weeks and there are no major issues. In her case, conveyancing takes just under 8 weeks from start to finish.
Now compare that to Tom and Lucy, who are in a five-property chain and selling a leasehold flat. They wait two weeks to instruct a solicitor, their management company is slow to respond, and the buyer’s solicitor raises several enquiries. For them, conveyancing takes closer to 16 weeks.
Plan for 10–14 weeks, but stay flexible
So, how long does conveyancing take? In most cases, expect around 10 to 14 weeks, but remain flexible – every property transaction is unique. The good news is that with the right legal support, you can minimise delays and stay informed throughout.
At LPL, we offer a transparent, proactive conveyancing service designed to make your move as smooth as possible. Our experienced team will keep you updated every step of the way and work hard to complete your transaction promptly and efficiently.
📘 Download the full LPL Guide to Conveyancing to get started with confidence.
📞 Ready to move? Get an instant online quote today or contact us for expert advice from the LPL team.
LPL are specialist conveyancing solicitors, so whether you are buying, selling or re-mortgaging, our expert team would like to engage with you every step of the way by providing straightforward legal advice. Our legal services are available to customers based in England & Wales and we are regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority.
