Conveyancing Timeframes: Why Some Transactions Take 8 Weeks and Others Take 20+

Buying or selling a home is exciting but waiting for completion can be stressful. One of the most common questions we hear is: “How long will my conveyancing take?” The answer depends on several factors.

Conveyancing Timeframes: Type of Property

The type of property you are buying can have a big impact on the conveyancing process. Different property types come with their own legal considerations and potential complications, which can affect how long your transaction takes. Knowing what to expect for freehold, leasehold, new-build, or older and unusual properties can help you plan ahead and avoid unnecessary delays.

• Freehold vs Leasehold: Leasehold properties often need extra checks, like service charges and management approvals, which can add time.
• New Builds: Developers’ legal packs can speed things up or cause delays if incomplete.
• Older or unusual properties: Listed buildings or shared-access plots may require additional enquiries.

Conveyancing Timeframes: Mortgage and Searches

Obtaining a mortgage and carrying out property searches are key parts of the conveyancing process, but they can also impact how quickly a transaction progresses. Lenders require valuations, approvals, and supporting documentation, while local authority searches typically take 2–6 weeks and environmental searches typically take a few days. If any issues are uncovered, your solicitor will need to raise enquiries with the seller, which can add further time to your purchase.

• Lenders need valuations, approvals, and documentation, which can slow progress.
• Local authority searches typically take 2–6 weeks, depending on the council.
• Environmental searches typically take just a few days.
• If issues arise during searches, your solicitor will raise enquiries with the seller, which can add time.

Conveyancing Timeframes: Chains and Client Responsiveness

The length of a property chain can significantly influence how quickly a transaction completes. Short chains tend to move smoothly, while longer chains involving multiple buyers and sellers are more prone to delays. Your own responsiveness—providing signatures, proof of funds, and requested documents promptly—can make a real difference in keeping the process on track.

• Short chains move quickly, while long chains (multiple buyers and sellers) are more prone to delays.
• Responding promptly to requests for signatures, proof of funds, or documents helps speed things up.

Conveyancing Timeframes: Unexpected Issues

Even straightforward transactions can hit surprises, such as:

• Title discrepancies
• Boundary disputes
• Conditional planning or restrictive covenants

Each may require extra investigation or negotiation.

Typical Conveyancing Timeframes (guide only)

Transaction Type	Typical Duration
Simple Freehold Sale/Purchase	8–12 weeks
Leasehold Property	10–16 weeks – depending on turn around times from managing agents and if the lease is suitable for the lender and doesn’t require amending
New Build	This depends on the complexity of the site and your chain
Long Chains	12–20+ weeks

How Thornton Jones Solicitors can Help with your Property Purchase

Our conveyancing team keeps you updated at every stage of the conveyancing process. We coordinate with mortgage lenders and other solicitors in the chain, and we proactively manages all enquiries to avoid unnecessary delays. Good communication is key to a smoother transaction.

Even though conveyancing times vary, understanding the factors at play can reduce stress and help you plan your move with confidence.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, we provide clear, proactive advice so you can move forward with confidence. Contact us today on 01924 290 029 or via our online enquiry form to speak with a solicitor who will handle your purchase efficiently and securely.

Conveyancing FAQs

The content of this blog post is for information only and does not constitute formal legal advice and should not be relied upon as advice. Thornton Jones Solicitors Limited accepts no liability for any such reliance upon this content. Where the post includes links to external websites, Thornton Jones Solicitors Limited accepts no responsibility for the content of such sites. Any link to a third-party website should not be construed as endorsement by Thornton Jones Solicitors Limited of any content, products or services which are outside our direct control.

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