How Long Does Conveyancing Take in 2026?

If you are buying or selling a property, one of the first questions you are likely to ask is: how long does conveyancing take? The Government’s Home Buying and Selling Reform Roadmap (updated in June 2026), reports that transactions take around 120 days on average industry-wide from offer acceptance to completion – just over 17 weeks.

However, some transactions complete more quickly, whilst others can take significantly longer depending on factors such as property chains, mortgage arrangements, searches and the complexity of the transaction.

In this guide, we explain the typical conveyancing timeline, what can affect it, and how you can help keep your move on track.

What Is Conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from one person to another.

The process begins once an offer has been accepted and continues through several stages until legal ownership changes hands on completion day.

Both buyers and sellers have legal work that must be completed before contracts can be exchanged and the transaction can proceed to completion.

Typical Conveyancing Timeline

Although every transaction is unique, a typical timeline often looks like this:

Weeks 1 to 2: Instructing a Conveyancer

Both parties should instruct a conveyancer as soon as possible. Neither buyers or sellers need to wait until an offer has been accepted to begin this step. They can instruct a conveyancer earlier so that initial checks and paperwork can be completed in advance; once an offer is accepted, both parties should proceed as soon as possible.

During this stage:

• Client onboarding takes place.
• Identification and anti-money laundering checks are completed.
• Initial paperwork is issued.
• The seller begins preparing the contract pack.

The earlier these steps are completed, the sooner the transaction can begin progressing.

Weeks 2 to 6: Searches and Initial Investigations

For buyers, searches are usually ordered shortly after instruction. These may include:

• Local authority searches
• Environmental searches
• Water and drainage searches

At the same time, the seller’s solicitor provides the contract documentation and supporting information relating to the property.

The buyer’s conveyancer reviews the papers and begins raising any necessary enquiries.

Weeks 6 to 10: Enquiries and Mortgage Arrangements

This stage often takes the longest.

The buyer’s conveyancer may need clarification on issues such as:

• Boundaries,
• Planning permissions,
• Building regulation approvals,
• Rights of way, or
• Leasehold information.

Mortgage lenders will also need to complete their assessment and issue a formal mortgage offer where applicable.

If the property is leasehold, additional information may need to be obtained from landlords or managing agents, which can extend the timeframe.

Weeks 10 to 14: Exchange of Contracts

Once all enquiries have been satisfactorily answered, searches reviewed and mortgage arrangements confirmed, the parties can prepare for exchange.

Before exchange:

• Contracts are signed.
• Deposit funds are put in place.
• A completion date is agreed.

Once contracts are exchanged, the transaction becomes legally binding.

Weeks 12 to 16: Completion

Completion often takes place a few days to a few weeks after exchange, depending on what has been agreed between the parties.

On completion day:

• Purchase monies are transferred.
• Ownership changes hands.
• Keys are released.
• The buyer can move into the property.

BHW Commentary

“At BHW Conveyancing, we know that the overall timescale is not controlled by one party alone. Our clients can complete initial forms, identification checks and payments through our online onboarding process, while case tracking and direct communication with the allocated team help provide clarity about progress and what is still outstanding. Early preparation, prompt responses and clear communication across the chain can make a meaningful difference, although searches, lenders, managing agents and other third parties may still affect the completion date.”

What Can Cause Conveyancing Delays?

Not all transactions progress at the same speed. Several factors can affect how long conveyancing takes.

Property Chains

A chain exists where several linked sales and purchases depend on one another.

The larger the chain, the more parties there are whose circumstances may affect progress. Delays affecting one property can often impact everyone else in the chain.

Slow Search Results

Search turnaround times can vary significantly between local authorities.

Some searches are returned within days, whilst others may take several weeks.

Outstanding Enquiries

Additional questions raised by the buyer’s conveyancer are a normal part of the process.

However, delays can occur if:

• Information is missing.
• Documents cannot be located.
• Third parties need to provide responses.

Mortgage Delays

Mortgage applications do not always progress as quickly as expected.

Valuations, underwriting requirements and requests for further information can all affect the overall timescale.

Leasehold Properties

Leasehold transactions are often more complex than freehold transactions.

Additional information is frequently required from landlords and managing agents, and obtaining management packs can sometimes take several weeks.

Can Conveyancing Be Completed Faster?

In some circumstances, yes.

Simple transactions involving:

• Cash buyers,
• No property chain,
• Freehold property,
• Motivated parties, and
• No title complications

can progress considerably faster than average.

However, buyers and sellers should be cautious of unrealistic timescales. Rushing important legal work is rarely in anybody’s interests.

How to Help Speed Up Your Conveyancing

While some delays are outside your control, there are practical steps you can take to help keep matters moving:

Instruct Early

You do not always need to wait until an offer is accepted.

Sellers can often instruct a conveyancer before marketing their property, allowing paperwork to be prepared in advance.

Return Documents Promptly

Delays often occur because client care paperwork, identification documents or requested forms have not been returned.

Providing information quickly can help prevent unnecessary hold-ups.

Be Ready With Source of Funds Evidence

Buyers should be prepared to provide evidence showing where their purchase funds have come from.

This may include:

• Bank statements
• Savings records
• Gifted deposit evidence
• Inheritance documentation

Respond to Questions Quickly

If your conveyancer raises questions or requests documents, responding promptly helps maintain momentum.

Keep Communication Open

Regular communication between clients, conveyancers, estate agents and mortgage advisers can help identify potential issues before they become significant delays.

Speak to BHW Conveyancing

Whilst every property transaction is different, most conveyancing matters take between 12 and 16 weeks. The exact timescale will depend on the complexity of the property, the parties involved and how quickly information can be provided.

At BHW Conveyancing, our team works proactively to keep transactions progressing and provide clear communication throughout the process.

If you are buying or selling a property and would like a transparent conveyancing quote, contact our team today.

The content of our site is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice.

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