Why does conveyancing take so long?

If you are buying or selling a home, it can be frustrating when progress feels slow or you are told that matters are “still ongoing”. Many clients understandably ask why conveyancing takes as long as it does, particularly when moving home is already a stressful experience.

The answer is that conveyancing is a detailed legal process, involving checks, third parties and legal obligations that are designed to protect you. While some delays are unavoidable, understanding how the process works can help set realistic expectations and reduce anxiety along the way.

How long does conveyancing usually take? 

There’s no single “standard” timescale because every move is different. Some transactions progress smoothly, while others take longer due to factors outside anyone’s control, such as waiting for search results, mortgage conditions, or waiting for other people in the chain to be ready.

What matters most is understanding what causes delays and what you can do to minimise the impact of them.  

The most common reasons conveyancing slows down

1. Multiple parties and organisations are involved, each with their own timescales 

Although a property transaction may appear straightforward, there are usually several parties and organisations involved, including:

• Both parties’ conveyancers
• Estate agents
• Mortgage lenders
• Surveyors
• Local authorities
• Managing agents or landlords (for leasehold properties)

Each party works to its own timescale and requirements. Your conveyancer must receive and review information from others before the transaction can move forward. Until that information is received, your transaction may slow down or pause.

Where a transaction forms part of a property chain, progress depends upon everyone in that chain being ready at the same time. Even if your own matter is ready, exchange of contracts cannot usually take place until all linked transactions are aligned.

2. Searches are important and take time

Searches form a key part of the conveyancing process. They are designed to reveal information that may affect the property or your ability to enjoy it in the future, such as:

• Planning permissions and building regulations
• Road and access issues
• Drainage and water connections
• Environmental or flood risks

Local authority and water company turnaround times vary, and unfortunately these are outside the conveyancer’s control. Whilst searches in some areas can take several weeks, they are essential safeguards and cannot be rushed or skipped without risk. If you are taking out a mortgage, your lender will require that searches are obtained and checked before mortgage funds can be requested.

3. Mortgage Requirements 

If you are buying with a mortgage, your conveyancer acts not only for you, but also for your lender. This means they must ensure that:

• The property meets the lender’s requirements and conditions
• Any legal issues are reported and resolved
• All lender instructions are followed before funds can be released

Even if you are keen to proceed, conveyancers cannot exchange contracts until the lender is satisfied that its requirements have been met.

4. Leasehold properties often take longer than freehold properties

Leasehold transactions typically take longer than freehold ones. This is because additional information is required from landlords or managing agents, such as:

• Service charge accounts and budgets
• Ground rent details
• Building insurance information
• Any proposed major works

Obtaining this information can take time, and delays often arise where third parties are slow to respond.

How can you help

If you are selling: what to prepare early

Having paperwork ready at the outset can reduce back-and-forth later. Helpful items include:

• planning permissions and building regulation approvals (where applicable)
• completion certificates
• guarantees and warranties (e.g., windows, damp proofing)
• boiler/service paperwork where available
• any relevant certificates or reports you hold for the property
• details of any work done and who carried it out (if you have it)
• For leasehold properties, details of your landlord and any agents they have appointed to act on their behalf so the landlord’s information pack can be requested promptly.

If you are not sure what’s needed, your conveyancer can advise — but the earlier you gather what you can, the smoother things tend to be.

If you are buying: what to do early

• Arrange your survey early so issues can be addressed before the final stages.
• Respond quickly to requests for documents and information. Ensure search funds are paid promptly on request as this will enable searches to be ordered at the earliest opportunity.
• If you are still arranging your mortgage when your purchase is agreed, please keep your conveyancer updated as to progress so that expectations in the chain can be managed.
• Communication is key. If you have any specific requirements or timescales (for example, preferred completion dates or planned travel), please communicate these as early as possible with both your conveyancer and any agents.

Legal Checks Are There to Protect You

Conveyancing is not about simply “getting to completion”. It is about ensuring that you: 

• Understand any risks affecting the property
• Are aware of your legal responsibilities
• Can safely proceed without avoidable problems in the future

Your conveyancer’s role is to guide you carefully through the process and ensure you only commit when it is right to do so.

Need Advice? 

If you're thinking about buying or selling a property, our residential property team based across Somerset, Dorset and Bath is here to help. We can guide you through the current market and help you make the best decision for your situation. To speak to one of our property experts, call 0800 652 8373 or email [email protected] to learn more.