Residential conveyancing timescales

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How long does buying a house take?

For a smooth transition

The time it takes from your offer being accepted until you can move into your new house, complete the sale of your current house, or finalise your new mortgage depends on several factors. On average, the conveyancing process takes between 10 and 14 weeks to complete. It usually depends on the other parties in the chain.

For example, if you are a first-time buyer purchasing a new-build property with a mortgage in principle, it could take six weeks. However, if you are buying a leasehold property that requires a lease extension, this process can take significantly longer; additional charges will also apply.

Why choose Switalskis residential conveyancing

How long does a residential freehold sale take?

The time it takes from your offer being accepted until you complete the sale of your house depends on several factors. The average sale conveyancing process is between 10 and 14 weeks. However, this can vary depending on several factors.

For example:-

  • If there is a chain (e.g. you are also buying or your buyer is selling a property – which can extend depending on how many people, or "links", are in the chain). All of the key stages outlined above are likely to need completing for each link in the chain.
  • If the financing of any link in the chain is complex, for example, remortgaging another property proceeds from a sale being handled as part of a divorce or cashing in investments where a specific period is required to draw down those funds.
  • If there are any unforeseen complexities as a result of a title issue or an adverse survey obtained by your purchaser.

Key stages of a residential freehold sale

1. Taking instructions verifying your ID and property details

2. Consider completed questionnaires, title deeds and other information

3. Establishing outstanding amounts on any mortgage finance

4. Submitting the contract pack to the buyer's solicitors

5. Responding to enquiries about the property that the buyer's have raised

6. Exchanging of contracts to legally bind both parties to the transaction

7. Preparing a draft contract for sale and collating title documents

8. If there’s management co. controlled open space: requesting a seller's pack and handling associated work so the sale can proceed

9. Arranging for you to sign the legal documents

10. Co-ordinating the transfer of funds and legal ownership, ensuring the mortgage (if applicable) is repaid, and finalising the sale

11. Sending proceeds of the sale (if any) to you

How long does a residential freehold purchase take?

The time it takes from your offer being accepted until you can move into your house depends on several factors. The average purchase conveyancing process is between 10 and 14 weeks. However, this can vary depending on several factors.

For example:-

  • If there is a chain (e.g. you are also buying or your buyer is selling a property – which can extend depending on how many people, or "links", are in the chain). All of the key stages outlined above are likely to need completing for each link in the chain.
  • If the financing of any link in the chain is complex, for example, remortgaging another property proceeds from a sale being handled as part of a divorce or cashing in investments where a specific period is required to draw down those funds.
  • If you are a first-time buyer.
  • If you are buying a new build property which is not yet built, the time it takes to complete the transaction will be governed by the timescale for the build, which we cannot estimate without knowing the circumstances of a particular case.

Key stages of a residential freehold purchase

How long does a residential leasehold sale take?

The time it takes from your offer being accepted until you complete the sale of your house depends on several factors. The average sale conveyancing process is between 10 and 14 weeks, but a leasehold typically takes around 4 weeks longer. Overall, the sales process can vary depending on several factors.

For example:-

  • If there is a chain (e.g. you are also buying or your buyer is selling a property – which can extend depending on how many people, or "links", are in the chain). All of the key stages outlined above are likely to need completing for each link in the chain.
  • If the financing of any link in the chain is complex, for example, remortgaging another property proceeds from a sale being handled as part of a divorce or cashing in investments where a specific period is required to draw down those funds.
  • If there are any unforeseen complexities as a result of a title issue or an adverse survey obtained by your purchaser.
  • If your sale requires an extension of the lease (to satisfy the buyer's requirements), this can take significantly longer than the average timescale of 10 to 14 weeks.  In such a situation, additional charges would apply.

Key stages of a residential leasehold sale

How long does a residential leasehold purchase take?

The time it takes from your offer being accepted until you can move into your house depends on several factors. The standard purchase conveyancing process is between 10 and 14 weeks, whereas a residential leasehold purchase typically takes around 4 weeks longer. Overall, the purchase can also vary depending on several factors.

For example:-

  • If there is a chain (e.g. you are also buying or your buyer is selling a property – which can extend depending on how many people, or "links", are in the chain). All of the key stages outlined above are likely to need completing for each link in the chain.
  • If the financing of any link in the chain is complex, for example, remortgaging another property proceeds from a sale being handled as part of a divorce or cashing in investments where a specific period is required to draw down those funds.
  • If you are a first-time buyer.
  • If you are buying a new build property which is not yet built, the time it takes to complete the transaction will be governed by the timescale for the build, which we cannot estimate without knowing the circumstances of a particular case.
  • If your purchase requires an extension of the lease (to satisfy the buyer's requirements), this can take significantly longer than the average timescale of 10 to 14 weeks.  In such a situation, additional charges would apply.

Key stages of a residential leasehold purchase process

How long does a residential mortgage or remortgage take?

The time it takes from securing a mortgage offer until you complete the mortgage or remortgage of your house depends. The average mortgage conveyancing process of this nature takes between four to six weeks.

However, this varies depending on several factors. For example:

  • If there is a delay in any survey or valuation to be carried out by the new lender.
  • If there are any unforeseen complexities with your mortgage as a result of a title issue or an adverse survey obtained by your lender.

The key stages of a residential mortgage/remortgage process

Our residential conveyancing specialists

Photo of Sarah Cookson
Sarah CooksonDirector and Solicitor
Photo of Rahul Roy
Rahul RoySolicitor
photo of Briony Ely
Briony ElySolicitor
Sarah Kent photo
Sarah KentAssociate Conveyancer
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Why Switalskis

If you're thinking of buying or selling a home and need clear, expert advice, Switalskis is the team for you.

Clarity in complexity

Dealing with property can be confusing. But don't worry, we're here to make it easy. We'll answer all your questions, break down the legal talk and keep you in the loop. That way, you'll always know what's going on and feel confident about your choices.

Empathy at every step

Buying or selling a home is a big deal, and we get that. We're here to listen, understand what you need, and give advice that fits you. You're not just another case for us; you're a person going through a big life moment, and we want to make it as stress-free as we can.

Expertise you can trust

When it comes to legal stuff around property, you want someone who knows their way around. That's us. We've got heaps of experience and a track record that says we know our stuff, helping folks like you make smooth moves.

Championing your rights

We're all in for getting you the best deal and making sure your rights are looked after. From our first chat to handing over the keys, we'll keep you clued in so you always know what's happening.

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