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When people ask how long does conveyancing take, they’re often frustrated by slow progress and unexpected hold-ups. Whether you’re selling, buying, or completing both simultaneously, understanding common delays—and how to avoid them—can save weeks of stress and streamline your move.
How Long Does Conveyancing Take? (And Benchmarks to Know)
- Standard conveyancing timeframe for freehold properties: typically 8–12 weeks.
- For cash buyers, the process tends to move quicker—sometimes 5–8 weeks.
- Leasehold transactions usually take longer, often 12–16 weeks due to additional documentation.
- New-build properties may take even more time, sometimes up to 20 weeks, because of developer conditions and snagging issues.
- If you’re both buying and selling simultaneously, knowing how long does buying and selling conveyancing take is essential for managing expectation and timelines.
After Mortgage Offer: Your Next Moves Matter
Once you’ve received your mortgage offer, the clock is ticking. Smart buyers ask: how long does conveyancing take after mortgage offer? Typically, this is the sprint phase. Simply handing over documents late can add unnecessary delay.
Pro tips:
- Send IDs, survey reports, and signed forms immediately.
- Push your lender and solicitor to act quickly.
- Keep communication lines open to speed things along.
Key Delays and How to Overcome Them
1. Searches and Surveys
Local authority searches and home surveys take time. These start slow but can be accelerated if ordered early. Don’t wait until later in the process.
2. Leasehold Horror Stories
If you’re buying a flat, delays are common. How long does conveyancing take leasehold? Often longer due to:
- Ground rent and service charge queries
- Leasehold statements from management companies
Be proactive: request documents early and stay in contact with freeholders.
3. New-Build Complexity
How long does conveyancing take on a new build? Developers impose stricter deadlines, snagging requirements, and warranties. Ensure you:
- Book surveys early
- Clarify completion slots
- Stay in contact with the developer’s conveyancer
Tips to Speed Up Conveyancing
- Choose an experienced solicitor – especially one who understands leases or new builds.
- Use online tools – electronic ID verification and e-signatures can trim days off processing.
- Buy and sell with the same solicitor – simplifies coordination when how long does buying and selling conveyancing take becomes a question.
- Stay responsive – every delay in returning a form or document can add days.
- Understand timing constraints – like window periods for searches or developer-appointed slots.
Property Planning Parallels: Timing Is Everything
Think of your conveyancing journey like navigating three motorway lanes—you only use the right-hand (fast) lane to overtake and then move back. It’s about precision and timing. If you’re comparing property ownership types concurrently, check our related article on freehold vs leasehold property for further insight.
Bigger Picture: Conveyancing & Property Strategy
Efficient conveyancing ties into broader strategies:
- Investors using corporate structures should check out setting up a limited company to buy property.
- Parents planning estate transfers may consider gifting buy-to-let property to a child or arranging a deed of transfer.
- Inheritance and tax-efficient planning can be crucial—see how inheritance tax works: thresholds, rules and allowances.
Final Thoughts: Control the Timeline, Reduce the Stress
While how long does the conveyancing process take varies substantially, many delays are preventable. With planning, communication, and timely action, most homeowners close in a matter of weeks—not months.
Speed in conveyancing isn’t just about moving fast—it’s about moving well. Being organised, responsive, and proactive turns timelines into milestones.”
— Expert Team at Awesome Agents
Explore more expert advice on property planning, timelines, and transaction efficiency—visit our homepage.