If you are purchasing a property, or selling one, the likelihood is that you’ll want to move through the process as quickly as possible. Conveyancing processes are not always straight forward, however, working with an expert conveyancing solicitor improves your chances of experiencing a smooth process, where delays are avoided as far as possible.
In this article, we’ll explore the typical conveyancing process timeline, including the stages from offer acceptance to completion, and related considerations for those who are soon to purchase or sell a property.
If you require conveyancing support today, please contact our expert conveyancing solicitors at Bird & Co, to discuss how we can help you.
How long does conveyancing take?
The conveyancing process takes an average of 11 weeks from the point where the offer is first accepted. Of course, this timeframe can vary depending on many different factors. Generally speaking, the process should take somewhere between 11 and 21 weeks.
When you work with us at Bird & Co, we will attempt to give a timeframe estimate if possible, and will always keep you up to date with the progress of your transaction.
How long does conveyancing take with no chain?
Where there is a property chain, this means that there is a sequence of sellers and buyers, who are dependent on one another’s transactions, and consequently, any problems or issues experienced by one party, has an effect on the others. This way, issues that arise in some part of the chain can slow down the entire process.
Where there is no property chain, this can substantially reduce the potential for delays, and therefore speed up completion time.
Typically, where there is no chain, the average time that the conveyancing procedure would take would be approximately 6 to 8 weeks. The process may even take a shorter length of time, depending on the specifics of the transaction.
What delays the conveyancing process?
There are various issues that can delay the conveyancing process, including:
- Problems with property title: Issues with property title can cause delays, for instance, boundary disputes, or where the ownership history is unclear.
- Property search delays: Often, delays can occur with property searches, whether environmental searches or local authority searches, and these can slow down the transaction.
- Documentation issues: Delays might also be caused by documentation issues, including document errors, or missing paperwork.
Though conveyancing timescales can vary, and issues cannot always be avoided, working with a specialist solicitor can contribute to a smoother and faster process.
Why does conveyancing take so long?
The conveyancing stages can take a long time due to various different factors; these include:
Legal complications: Certain properties may be associated with legal complications, whether that’s issues with rights of way, or boundary disputes.
Documentation verification: Verifying and collecting the required property documents and take some time, and it is not uncommon for there to be delays. Documents that will need to be collected and verified include planning permission, building regulations, or title deeds.
Transaction chain: Where a transaction is part of a property chain there is a greater likelihood of delays, for instance, where one party experiences an issue that affects the other stakeholders.
Delays are common throughout the conveyancing process, particularly where transactions are part of a more complex chain. Rest assured, our team at Bird & Co have much experience dealing with conveyancing delays, solving issues, and speeding up transactions as far as possible.
What is the step by step conveyancing process?
The conveyancing process will vary depending on the deal, though broadly speaking, a typical conveyancing timeline looks something like this:
Pre-contract enquiries
The initial stages of the conveyancing process involve pre-contract enquiries, at this stage the seller’s solicitor will have provided a contract pack, detailing the information about the property, and have drafted a contract of sale.
The seller acting on behalf of the buyer will review the contract of sale and contract pack. If there are any issues with either of these documents, they will address these right away with the buyers solicitor. This stage may take days to weeks, dependant on whether or not initial issues arise.
Property searches and checks
The solicitor acting on behalf of the buyer will need to arrange for several property checks and searches to be carried out. This part of the process helps to identify whether there are issues with the property. Carrying out these checks takes approximately between 2 and 6 weeks. The searches and checks involved include:
- Local authority searches
- Land registry searches
- Environmental searches
- Water authority searches
Exchange of contracts
At this stage, the solicitor acting for the buyer and the solicitor acting for the seller will compare contracts, to ensure that both are identical. Once it is confirmed that the contracts are the same, the solicitors post the signed copies to one another, which completes the contract exchange. The contract exchange process takes a few days.
Completion stage
It is at the completion stage where the funds are transferred, and the buyer legally becomes the owner. During the contract negotiation phases, a completion date is set, this date might be as early as the contract exchange day, or around a month afterwards, depending on any delays.
Our specialist solicitors at Bird & Co can walk you through all of the conveyancing steps, whilst providing bespoke advice based on your unique situation.
Why choose Bird & Co as your conveyancing solicitor?
At Bird & Co, we are both Conveyancing Quality Scheme and Lexcel accredited by the Law Society. Our talented team have the experience and knowledge to handle all manner of property transactions, no matter how complex.
We can provide an expert conveyancing service for clients across England and Wales, as well as international clients, using our online service.
Our team have a broad range of experience in property types, including different types of property transaction. Bird & Co have an excellent reputation, based on our commitment to our clients and our bespoke and convenient service.
Contact our conveyancing solicitors today
To discuss your conveyancing needs with our expert conveyancing solicitors today, please contact us at Bird & Co.
You can call us on 01476 372 038, our specialist team will be happy to answer any queries that you have.
Comments