Buying or selling a property is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will make, and naturally, everyone wants the process to be as smooth as possible. One of the most common questions that arises is: How long does conveyancing take? The truth is that while there are standard timelines, the actual duration can vary depending on many factors such as the complexity of the transaction, how quickly parties respond, and whether there are complications along the way.
This blog breaks down the Conveyancing Hive timeline step by step, giving you a clearer idea of what to expect.
Understanding Conveyancing
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of property from one party to another. It begins once an offer is accepted and ends when the keys are handed over on completion day. The role of a conveyancer or solicitor is to ensure that all legal checks are carried out, contracts are drawn up, and the buyer’s rights are protected.
Typical Conveyancing Timeline
On average, Conveyancing Hive in the UK takes between 8 to 12 weeks from offer acceptance to completion. However, this is just a guideline. Let’s break down the stages in more detail:
1. Instruction of a Conveyancer (1–2 weeks)
As soon as your offer is accepted, you’ll need to instruct a conveyancer or solicitor. At this stage:
Buyers will provide personal details, proof of ID, and details of their mortgage offer if applicable.
Sellers will fill out property information forms and provide documents like title deeds and planning permissions.
This initial setup may take a week or two depending on how quickly documents are provided.
2. Pre-Contract Work and Searches (2–4 weeks)
Once instructed, the conveyancer starts gathering key information. This includes:
Local authority searches to check for planning restrictions, road schemes, or environmental issues.
Title checks to confirm the seller has the legal right to sell the property.
Draft contracts prepared by the seller’s solicitor.
Searches often take the longest, as they rely on third-party organisations. In some areas, local searches may be returned in a few days, while in others they can take several weeks.
3. Raising Enquiries and Reviewing Contracts (2–3 weeks)
After receiving the draft contract and search results, the buyer’s conveyancer raises enquiries. This could include questions about property boundaries, fixtures and fittings, or any unusual clauses in the contract.
The seller’s side must respond to these enquiries, which can sometimes cause delays if documents are missing or if further clarification is needed.
4. Mortgage Offer and Finance Arrangements (1–2 weeks)
If the buyer is purchasing with a mortgage, the lender must complete a property valuation and issue a formal mortgage offer. This usually happens within a couple of weeks but can be delayed if additional checks are required.
The conveyancer will review the mortgage terms to ensure they match the buyer’s expectations.
5. Exchange of Contracts (1 week)
Once all enquiries are satisfied, the mortgage is in place, and both sides agree on terms, contracts are signed and exchanged. At this point:
The buyer pays a deposit, typically 10% of the purchase price.
Both parties commit legally to the transaction.
This is one of the most significant milestones, as pulling out after exchange can lead to penalties.
6. Completion Day (1–2 weeks after exchange)
Completion usually happens a week or two after exchange, though sometimes it can be on the same day. On completion:
The buyer’s solicitor transfers the remaining funds.
The seller’s solicitor confirms receipt.
The keys are handed over, and the buyer can move in.
At this stage, the conveyancer also registers the new ownership with the Land Registry.
Factors That Can Cause Delays
While the timeline above reflects an ideal process, delays are not uncommon. Some common causes include:
Slow return of search results.
Missing or incorrect documentation.
Complicated property titles or leasehold issues.
Delays with mortgage offers or lender requirements.
Chains of buyers and sellers where multiple transactions need to align.
In some cases, conveyancing can stretch beyond 16 weeks, particularly when several parties are involved.
Tips for a Smoother Conveyancing Process
If you want to reduce the likelihood of delays, consider these practical tips:
Be organised: Gather documents and ID promptly.
Respond quickly: Reply to your conveyancer’s queries without delay.
Stay in touch: Keep communication open between your solicitor, estate agent, and mortgage lender.
Choose the right professional: A proactive conveyancer can make a big difference in keeping the process on track.
Final Thoughts
So, how long does Conveyancing Hive take? While the average is around 8–12 weeks, your own timeline will depend on how efficient all parties are and whether complications arise.
Understanding the process and being proactive can go a long way toward speeding things up. Conveyancing may sometimes feel slow, but each step is crucial to ensure that the property transfer is legally sound and secure.
By knowing what to expect, you can manage your timeline better and move into your new home with fewer surprises along the way.
