The stages of the conveyancing process explained

At SO Legal, we like to be open and honest. On average, a conveyance of a freehold property takes between 8-10 weeks, and a leasehold property takes between 10-12 weeks for completion.

It takes this long because many different stages of a conveyancing transaction need to be undertaken. 

Below we have compiled a basic outline of these stages to help potential home buyers or sellers understand the process.

We recommend you read our six-part conveyancing process series for a more in-depth understanding of each stage.

Contact our conveyancing team for an immediate cost and timeframe estimate when buying or selling a property.

Stage 1: Instruction (0-2 weeks)

• Once the parties have informed their conveyancer of the transaction details, the firm will confirm the instructions in a letter and provide an estimate of costs.
   
• Signed initial letter documentation of instruction must be returned to the conveyancer, enabling them to begin the legal process.
   
• The conveyancer will also ask for identification and, if purchasing, evidence of where the funds to purchase are coming from.
   
• Money will be requested on account to cover the cost of any third-party disbursements. These will include ordering property searches on the purchase and title documentation for a sale.

Stage 2: Production of contract papers (0-3 weeks)

• The seller will be asked to complete a property information form, fittings and contents form and if the property is leasehold, a leasehold information form and full management information. These form part of the 'contract papers' and provide vital information directly from the seller about the property to be sold.
   
• The contract papers will also contain evidence from the Land Registry that the seller is the legal owner of the property.
   
• A draft contract will be drawn detailing the terms and conditions of the sale.

Stage 3: Investigation of title and arranging funding (0-6 weeks)

• Following receipt of the contract papers, the buyer's conveyancer will examine the information supplied and raise any pre-contract enquiries that need to be raised on the seller. These will include enquiries on the contract, title, and property. The seller must provide adequate replies to these enquiries before the buyer is happy to proceed.
   
• The buyer will also request property searches from the Local Authority, water company and Environmental Agency. Further enquiries may then have to be raised following the receipt of the results.
   
• The buyer must arrange a survey of the property by a qualified surveyor and raise any issues that arise from the report to the seller.
   
• The buyer must arrange a mortgage offer and inform their conveyancer of the details.

Stage 4: Reporting and signing contract documentation (0-2 weeks)

• Once the buyer's conveyancer is satisfied that Stage 3 is complete, their conveyancer can report to the buyer, supplying their legal expertise on the title being offered and the transaction as a whole. If the property is leasehold, the reporting stage may take longer because the lease terms must be reported on and can be complex. The buyer will need to ensure they are happy with the report and raise any further enquiries they may have following the review.
   
• Both conveyancers will then arrange for the buyer and seller to sign their contract and agree on a completion date.

Stage 5: Exchange of contracts (0-1 week)

• Upon receipt of the signed contracts and the buyer supplying their deposit, the contracts will be formally exchanged to complete on the agreed date.

Stage 6: Completion (time agreed by parties)

• Monies will be transferred from the buyer to the seller's conveyancer, signalling the transaction's end and the keys' release. This is usually two weeks after the contract exchange to allow for funds to be provided and mortgage advances to be obtained.

Expert advice on conveyancing matters

SO Legal has experienced solicitors and licensed conveyancers in London, Bath, Brighton, Eastbourne, Hastings and Ulverston, advising clients across England and Wales.