How Long Does Conveyancing Take in the UK? (2026 Guide)

Conveyancing is one of the most stressful parts of buying or selling a home — not least because it can feel like nothing is happening for weeks at a time. This guide explains exactly how long the process takes, what's happening at each stage, and what you can do to keep things moving.

How long does conveyancing take on average?

The average conveyancing timeline in the UK is 12 to 16 weeks from offer accepted to completion. However this varies significantly depending on whether you are in a chain, the complexity of the property, and how quickly all parties respond to requests.

Here is a rough breakdown of typical timelines:

• No chain, straightforward property: 8 to 10 weeks
• Single chain: 12 to 16 weeks
• Long or complex chain: 16 to 24 weeks or more
• New build property: 4 to 6 weeks from exchange (but exchange itself can take months)

What happens during conveyancing?

Conveyancing covers all the legal work involved in transferring ownership of a property from seller to buyer. Here is what happens at each stage:

Week 1 to 2 — Instructing solicitors

Both buyer and seller instruct their own solicitors or licensed conveyancers. The seller's solicitor prepares a draft contract and sends it to the buyer's solicitor along with title documents and property information forms.

Week 2 to 5 — Searches and enquiries

The buyer's solicitor applies for property searches — local authority, water and drainage, environmental, and sometimes additional searches depending on the location. Search results typically take 2 to 6 weeks depending on the local authority. The buyer's solicitor also raises enquiries with the seller's solicitor based on the documents received.

Week 4 to 8 — Mortgage offer

If you are buying with a mortgage, your lender will carry out a valuation of the property and issue a formal mortgage offer. This typically takes 2 to 6 weeks from application. Your solicitor cannot proceed to exchange until the mortgage offer is in place.

Week 6 to 10 — Report on title

Once searches are back and enquiries are resolved, your solicitor prepares a report on title — a summary of everything they have found about the property. You will be asked to review and sign the contract at this stage.

Week 8 to 12 — Exchange of contracts

Exchange is the point at which the sale becomes legally binding. Both parties sign identical contracts, a completion date is agreed, and the buyer pays their deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price). Neither party can pull out after exchange without significant financial penalty.

Completion day

Completion typically happens 1 to 4 weeks after exchange, though it can be on the same day in some cases. On completion day, the remaining funds are transferred, keys are released, and you officially own the property.

What causes conveyancing delays?

The most common reasons conveyancing takes longer than expected:

• Slow search results — local authority searches can take anywhere from 2 days to 8 weeks depending on the council
• Chain problems — if anyone in the chain has issues, everyone waits
• Mortgage delays — lenders taking longer than expected to process applications or valuations
• Enquiries taking time — sellers failing to respond to legal enquiries quickly
• Leasehold complications — leasehold properties require additional information from the freeholder or managing agent, which can add weeks
• Survey issues — if a survey reveals problems, renegotiation or further investigations take time
• Anti-money laundering checks — ID verification and source of funds checks can cause unexpected delays

How to speed up conveyancing

There are several things you can do to keep the process moving:

Instruct a solicitor immediately after offer accepted

Every day you wait is a day added to your timeline. Do not wait for your estate agent to recommend someone.

Get your mortgage application in quickly

The mortgage offer is often the biggest bottleneck. Submit your full application as soon as your offer is accepted.

Respond to all requests the same day

When your solicitor asks for documents, ID, or signatures, respond the same day. Delays on your end slow everything down.

Chase regularly but professionally

A weekly check-in with your solicitor is reasonable. Ask for specific updates on searches, enquiries, and mortgage offer status.

Use a proactive solicitor

Not all conveyancers are equal. A good solicitor chases the other side, raises enquiries quickly, and keeps you informed. A bad one lets things sit.

Consider a no-sale-no-fee solicitor

These firms are incentivised to complete quickly because they only get paid if the sale goes through.

How long does conveyancing take for a leasehold property?

Leasehold conveyancing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks longer than freehold due to the additional information required from the freeholder or managing agent — service charge accounts, building insurance, ground rent details, and the management pack. Some managing agents take weeks to respond to these requests.

If you are buying a leasehold property, instruct your solicitor as early as possible and ask them to request the management pack immediately.

How long does remortgage conveyancing take?

Remortgage conveyancing is significantly simpler and faster than purchase conveyancing — typically 4 to 8 weeks. There is no chain, no seller to deal with, and fewer searches required. Most remortgage cases are handled by the lender's own solicitors at no extra cost.

What is the difference between exchange and completion?

Exchange is when the sale becomes legally binding — both parties sign contracts and a completion date is set. Completion is when money transfers and you get the keys. The gap between exchange and completion is typically 1 to 4 weeks, giving both parties time to arrange removals and final preparations.

Ready to get organised for your move?

BandBack Move builds you a free personalised moving checklist covering every stage from offer accepted to settling in — including exactly when to instruct your solicitor, when to apply for your mortgage, and what to do on completion day.

Information correct as of July 2026. Conveyancing timelines are estimates and may vary. This guide is general information, not financial or legal advice. BandBack Move is an introducer only and does not provide financial or legal advice. BandBack Move earns a referral fee when you use partner services — this never affects the price you pay.