Conveyancing

How long does conveyancing take?

Updated September 2026England & Wales5 min read

The short answer

A straightforward transaction can sometimes complete within several weeks, but there’s no fixed timeframe. Many purchases take around 8 to 12 weeks from instructing a solicitor, depending on searches, enquiries, the mortgage, the property type and whether there’s a chain.

Why?

Conveyancing is a sequence of checks, and several steps depend on other people: the council for searches, the lender for the mortgage offer, the freeholder or managing agent for leasehold information, and everyone else in the chain.

What can cause problems?

  • Local authority searches in slower council areas
  • Leasehold management packs
  • Missing documents such as planning or building regulations sign-off
  • Mortgage valuations and offers
  • A long or incomplete chain
  • Slow replies to enquiries

What should you do?

  • Instruct a solicitor as soon as your offer is accepted, or before if you’re selling
  • Return forms, ID and payments quickly
  • Order leasehold packs early
  • Check with your broker that your application is complete
  • Ask your solicitor what’s outstanding and who it’s waiting on

What happens next?

  1. 01Instruction and ID checks
  2. 02Searches and draft contract
  3. 03Enquiries and replies
  4. 04Mortgage offer and report on title
  5. 05Exchange
  6. 06Completion

How can Properfy help?

Not sure what you need? Tell us about your move and we’ll help you work out the next step.

You might also be wondering

Why is my conveyancing taking longer?

Usually it’s waiting on a third party: a search, a leasehold pack, a lender or someone in the chain. Ask your solicitor exactly what’s outstanding.

Can I speed it up?

You can’t control everyone, but replying quickly, ordering packs early and keeping your mortgage on track removes the delays that sit with you.

When should I be concerned?

If nothing has moved for two or three weeks and nobody can tell you what’s outstanding, ask for a clear written update.

Can Properfy help?

Yes. We can introduce conveyancers from our panel and help you understand where a stuck transaction may be held up.

Questions this guide answers

  • How long does conveyancing take?
  • Why is my conveyancing taking so long?
  • How long does it take to buy a house?
  • How long does selling a house take?

Tell us about your move

Buying, selling, remortgaging or simply not sure where to start? Tell us what you’re trying to do and we’ll help you work out what you need.