How Long Does Conveyancing Take? Find Out Here!

Introduction

The conveyancing process is a crucial part of buying or selling a home, but one of the most common questions buyers and sellers have is, “How long does conveyancing take?” While the process can vary depending on several factors, there are general timelines you can expect during a typical conveyancing transaction. In this guide, we’ll break down the steps of the conveyancing process and explore factors that can cause delays, so you can better understand what to expect when buying or selling property.

Understanding the length of the conveyancing process can help you plan more effectively, especially if you’re working towards a specific completion date or coordinating with movers. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced property investor, this guide will help you navigate the timeline for conveyancing and prepare for potential delays.

The Average Conveyancing Timeline

On average, the conveyancing process takes between 8 to 12 weeks from the time an offer is accepted to the completion of the sale. However, this is a general estimate, and the actual timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the transaction, the efficiency of the conveyancer or solicitor, and any unforeseen issues that arise.

Here’s a typical timeline for a straightforward conveyancing transaction:

1. Instruction (1-2 Weeks): Once an offer is accepted, both the buyer and seller will instruct a conveyancer or solicitor to handle the legal work. During this time, the conveyancer will gather information about the property, review the title deeds, and open a file for the transaction.
2. Drafting and Reviewing Contracts (2-4 Weeks): The seller’s conveyancer will prepare a draft contract for the sale, which will be sent to the buyer’s conveyancer for review. This stage may take longer if there are any legal issues with the property, such as disputes over boundaries or planning restrictions.
3. Property Searches (2-3 Weeks): The buyer’s conveyancer will conduct property searches with the local authority and other relevant bodies to check for any issues that could affect the property, such as planning applications, environmental risks, or drainage issues.
4. Mortgage Offer (1-3 Weeks): If the buyer is taking out a mortgage, the lender will need to carry out a property valuation and approve the mortgage offer. This can take a few weeks, depending on the lender’s processes and any additional requirements.
5. Exchange of Contracts (1-2 Weeks): Once both parties are satisfied with the contract and the results of the property searches, they will sign the contract and exchange it. This makes the sale legally binding, and both parties are now committed to completing the transaction.
6. Completion (1-2 Weeks): Completion is the final step in the conveyancing process, where the buyer transfers the remaining funds to the seller, and ownership of the property is officially transferred. The buyer receives the keys, and the seller vacates the property.

Factors That Can Delay Conveyancing

While the average conveyancing process takes 8 to 12 weeks, several factors can cause delays. Understanding these potential issues can help you manage expectations and take proactive steps to avoid delays where possible. Some common factors that can delay the conveyancing process include:

1. Problems with Property Searches: If issues are uncovered during the property searches, such as planning disputes or environmental risks, it may take additional time to resolve these issues. In some cases, the buyer may need to renegotiate the purchase price or ask the seller to address the issues before the sale can proceed.
2. Slow Mortgage Approval: If the buyer is taking out a mortgage, delays can occur if the lender takes longer than expected to approve the loan. This can be due to additional documentation requirements, property valuation delays, or complications with the buyer’s financial situation.
3. Issues with the Title Deeds: If there are legal problems with the property’s title, such as boundary disputes or rights of way, it may take longer to resolve these issues before the sale can proceed. The conveyancer will need to ensure that the title is clear and that there are no legal obstacles to transferring ownership.
4. A Long Property Chain: If the property is part of a long chain, where multiple buyers and sellers are involved, delays can occur if one party in the chain experiences a problem. For example, if a buyer further down the chain struggles to secure a mortgage, it can hold up the entire process.
5. Buy-to-Let or Leasehold Properties: Transactions involving buy-to-let properties or leaseholds can take longer due to additional legal requirements, such as obtaining information from the freeholder or dealing with lease agreements.

What You Can Do to Speed Up Conveyancing

While some delays are out of your control, there are several steps you can take to speed up the conveyancing process:

1. Instruct a Conveyancer Early: As soon as your offer is accepted, instruct a conveyancer or solicitor to begin the legal work. Delaying this step can add unnecessary time to the process.
2. Be Prepared with Documentation: Make sure you have all the necessary documents ready, such as proof of identity, proof of funds, and any required mortgage paperwork. Providing this information promptly can help avoid delays.
3. Communicate with Your Conveyancer: Stay in regular contact with your conveyancer to ensure the process is moving forward. If you’re concerned about delays, ask your conveyancer for updates and be proactive in addressing any issues that arise.
4. Respond Quickly to Requests: If your conveyancer asks for additional information or documents, respond as quickly as possible to keep the process on track. Delays in providing information can hold up the transaction.
5. Consider a No-Chain Property: If you’re keen to complete the transaction quickly, consider buying a property with no onward chain, such as a new-build home or a property that’s being sold by a landlord.

Can You Complete Conveyancing in Less Than 8 Weeks?

While the average conveyancing timeline is 8 to 12 weeks, it is possible to complete the process in less time if all parties are motivated and there are no major issues. For example, if you’re buying a property with no chain and paying in cash, the process can be completed in as little as 4 to 6 weeks.

To achieve a faster completion, it’s essential to stay organised, work with an efficient conveyancer, and ensure that all parties involved are committed to moving the process forward quickly.

Conclusion

Conveyancing is a complex process that involves several legal steps, but understanding the typical timeline can help you plan for your property transaction. While the process usually takes 8 to 12 weeks, delays can occur due to issues with property searches, mortgage approvals, and title deeds. By being proactive and working with a reliable conveyancer, you can help keep the process on track and avoid unnecessary delays.

Whether you’re buying your first home or selling an investment property, knowing what to expect during the conveyancing process can help you navigate the transaction with confidence and avoid surprises along the way.