A realistic conveyancing timeline
Once a sale is agreed, the legal work (conveyancing) typically takes 8 to 14 weeks to complete. A straightforward, chain-free sale can be quicker; complex chains or leasehold properties often run longer.
The Scottish conveyancing system is different — this guide covers England and Wales.
The stages of conveyancing
The process breaks down into roughly five stages.
1. Instruction and paperwork (1–2 weeks)
Your solicitor requests the title deeds and draft contract, and asks you to complete the TA6 Property Information Form and TA10 Fittings and Contents Form. Filling these in promptly is the single biggest thing you can do to speed up your sale.
2. Enquiries and searches (3–6 weeks)
Your buyer's solicitor raises questions and orders searches. Your solicitor responds using your completed forms. Most hold-ups here are avoidable, slow paperwork from seller or buyer.
3. Mortgage and survey (3–5 weeks)
Your buyer's lender arranges a survey and issues the mortgage offer. Cash buyers skip this stage entirely.
4. Exchange of contracts
Once everything is checked and agreed, contracts are exchanged and the sale becomes legally binding. A deposit (usually 10%) is paid and a completion date is fixed.
5. Completion
On completion day, the balance is transferred and keys are released. You've sold your home.
What slows conveyancing down
- •Incomplete seller paperwork — late TA6/TA10 forms are the number one delay. Complete them early.
- •Long chains — the more parties in a chain, the longer it takes for everyone to be ready.
- •Leasehold properties — additional lease information must be sourced.
- •Slow solicitors — chasing matters. A proactive agent keeps the process moving.
How to speed your sale up
Complete your forms the day you instruct a solicitor, keep your solicitor's emails replied to within 24 hours, and ask your agent to chase regularly. DEAL. actively manages the progress of every sale.
Book a free valuation to start the conversation with a team that keeps sales moving.