How long does buying a property take from start to completion?

Buying a property can be one of the most stressful milestones in life due to the complexity of the legal process. In England and Wales, understanding the typical conveyancing timeline can help buyers prepare for each stage. Conveyancing ensures your purchase proceeds legally and smoothly.

Remaining calm and being patient and organised will help keep your purchase progressing efficiently.

If you have any preferences or requirements, inform your conveyancer early so these can be factored into the conveyancing timeline.

Onboarding: the first step in the conveyancing process

There are several checks and onboarding tasks your conveyancer must complete to comply with professional requirements.

You will usually receive an initial pack of documents, including a client care letter, initial forms, and terms of engagement. This is often accompanied by an identification check (usually electronic). Promptly completing the forms accurately and quickly and providing sufficient identification documents will help your conveyancer progress without delay.

Source of funds/wealth checks are also mandatory. Your conveyancer must carry out their own checks even if you have already supplied information to a mortgage lender.

Property factors that can affect your conveyancing timeline

Some features of the property may impact timescales. A leasehold property (usually flats) generally takes longer to purchase than a freehold property because:

• Additional documentation such as the LPE1 form is required.
• Communication with the freeholder or management company is needed.
• The Lease requires thorough review, and a Deed of Variation may be required to correct defects or outdated terms.

Other aspects that may require further investigation include:

• Grade listed property: your conveyancer must check necessary permissions for any works.
• Environmental factors: such as subsidence, flooding or mining risks, which may require additional enquiries or surveys.
• Restrictive covenants: your conveyancer will identify restrictions, check for breaches, and advise on remedies.

How chains affect the time it takes to buy a house

If the property you are purchasing is in a chain, all parties in the chain need to be ready to exchange contracts on the same day, and the completion date must be agreed by everyone.

It can be frustrating where your transaction is ready, but other links in the chain are not. Updates on chain progress can sometimes be obtained from Estate Agents. Long chains often take longer because they begin with the first purchaser and end with the last seller. Until a sale is agreed, a related purchase cannot be secured. Chains are also risky because one party can withdraw at any time before exchange, which can delay the entire chain.

Communication: a key factor in conveyancing delays

There are often numerous parties involved, particularly for leasehold properties.

• Client communications: Prompt and full responses help keep the transaction moving. Inform your conveyancer if you will be unavailable.
• Seller/Seller’s Solicitor: They must liaise with their client before responding, and enquiries often involve several rounds of communication.
• Third parties: including Freeholders, Landlords, Management Companies, Managing Agents, and Estate Agents, all of whom may have varying response times outside anyone’s control.

Mortgages and funding requirements

Before making an offer, you will need to consider how you are going to fund your purchase (mortgage, savings, inheritance, proceeds of sale or gifted funds).

If using a mortgage, consider whether to apply directly or use a broker.

Your conveyancer will usually act for both you and your lender and will need your mortgage offer in good time. They may also need to report certain issues to the lender, and lenders can take days or weeks to respond.

Searches and surveys: timescales explained

Conveyancing searches are mandatory when using a mortgage lender and highly recommended in all cases. Timescales for search results vary from a few days to over a month, depending on the provider. Your conveyancer will usually instruct searches early to minimise delays.

You control whether to commission a building survey. It is helpful to tell your conveyancer:

• if you intend to instruct a surveyor
• the survey date
• to provide results promptly

Summary: how long does conveyancing take?

A typical freehold purchase takes approximately 3 months from onboarding to completion. Leasehold properties usually take longer due to additional documentation and checks. Your conveyancer should provide updates and advise when exchange is approaching so that suitable dates can be agreed.

Conveyancing experts

If you are preparing to buy or sell a property and want the process to run smoothly, our experienced conveyancing team is here to help. We provide clear communication, proactive updates and practical guidance at every stage. Contact our conveyancing experts today on 01202 525333 for friendly, reliable support tailored to your needs.