How Long Does Conveyancing Actually Take in the UK Right Now?
Conveyancing on a straightforward freehold purchase currently takes about twelve to sixteen weeks from offer accepted to completion. Leasehold runs longer at sixteen to twenty four weeks and a long chain adds to both because the timetable moves at the speed of its slowest link.
The short answer
- Freehold with no chain: 8 to 12 weeks
- Freehold in a chain: 12 to 16 weeks
- Leasehold: 16 to 24 weeks
- Searches and the management pack are the two usual bottlenecks
- Instructing a solicitor before you find a house saves two weeks
Stage by stage timeline
These are realistic current ranges rather than best case figures. Every stage can overlap slightly which is why an organised buyer completes faster.
| Stage | Typical time | Who controls it |
|---|---|---|
| Instruct solicitor and ID checks | 2 to 5 days | You |
| Draft contract pack issued | 1 to 2 weeks | Seller's solicitor |
| Local authority searches | 1 to 6 weeks | Local council |
| Mortgage application to offer | 1 to 3 weeks | Lender |
| Survey booked and reported | 1 to 2 weeks | Surveyor |
| Enquiries raised and answered | 2 to 6 weeks | Both solicitors |
| Leasehold management pack | 2 to 6 weeks | Managing agent |
| Report on title and signing | 3 to 7 days | You |
| Exchange to completion | 1 to 4 weeks | The chain |
What causes most delays
Delays are rarely one big problem. They are usually four small ones stacked end to end.
- Slow local authority searches in a handful of councils
- Missing building regulation certificates for past work
- Leasehold management packs which have no fixed deadline
- Unresolved planning or indemnity issues on older properties
- Mortgage underwriting queries and a re valuation
- Anti money laundering checks on gifted deposits
- A single unresponsive party anywhere in the chain
- Probate or matrimonial matters on the seller's side
How to speed it up as a buyer
You control more of the timetable than you expect and most of it happens in the first fortnight.
- Instruct a solicitor before your offer is accepted
- Complete ID and source of funds checks the same week
- Get a mortgage agreement in principle before you view
- Order searches immediately rather than waiting for the survey
- Return every form the day it arrives
- Reply to enquiries in one batch rather than trickling them
- Ask your solicitor for a fortnightly update by email
How to speed it up as a seller
Sellers cause more delay than they realise because the contract pack cannot go out until the paperwork is ready. Gather the property information forms, the fittings and contents list, building regulation certificates, guarantees and a leasehold pack before the sale is even agreed. Doing this at listing stage routinely removes three or four weeks.
Planning your removal around it
Do not book a firm removal date until contracts are exchanged. Before that the date is a wish rather than a commitment.
Speak to your removal company early so the date is pencilled in and confirm it the moment exchange happens. Our crews hold provisional slots and confirming within twenty four hours of exchange normally secures the day you want even at month end.
Frequently asked questions
How long does conveyancing take with no chain?
Around eight to twelve weeks for a freehold purchase with a mortgage and no chain above or below you.
Why is leasehold conveyancing slower?
The managing agent has to produce a management pack and there is no legal deadline for it. That single document commonly adds two to six weeks.
Can conveyancing be done in four weeks?
Occasionally for a cash purchase with no chain and fast searches. With a mortgage and a chain it is very unlikely.
When should I book my removal company?
Pencil the date in as soon as you have a target completion and confirm it the day you exchange contracts.
Planning a move?
BlueSky Removals gives fixed written prices after a free video or home survey. Call 0800 090 3125 or request a quote online.