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 16 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. Please note Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is payable to HMRC and is not part of your legal fees.

Why choose Switalskis residential conveyancing

How long does a residential freehold sale take?

The time it takes from you accepting an offer 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 below 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. Collating title documents and preparing a draft contract for sale

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

5. Establishing outstanding amounts on any mortgage finance or secured loans

6. If there is open space controlled by a freehold management co. requesting a seller's pack and handling any associated work to proceed the sale

7. Discussing and answering with you any questions raised by the buyers solicitors about the property, its title and other key information

8. Arranging for you to sign the legal documents

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

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 below 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

1. Taking instructions, initial advice, verify your ID and property details

2. Check finances are in place to fund purchase and contact lender’s solicitors if needed

3. Receive and advise on contract documents

4. Carry out searches and obtain further planning documentation if required

5. Make any necessary enquiries of the seller’s solicitor

6. Advise on all documents and information received and go through the mortgage offer conditions with you

7. Send final contract to you for signature

8. Agree on a completion date - the date from which you own the property

9. Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened

10. Obtain pre-completion searches and complete purchase

11. Deal with payment of SDLT (note this is payable in addition to legal fees)

12. Deal with application for registration at the Land Registry

How long does a residential leasehold sale take?

The time it takes from you accepting an offer until you complete the sale of your house depends on several factors. The average leasehold sale conveyancing process is between 12 and 16 weeks. 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 below 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 12 to 16 weeks.  In such a situation, additional charges would apply.

Key stages of a residential leasehold sale

Taking instructions verifying your ID and property details

Consider completed questionnaires, title deeds and other information

Collating title documents and preparing a draft contracts

Submitting the contract pack to the buyers solicitors

Establish and outstanding amounts on mortgage finance or secured loans

Dealing with any issues/processes where the property is in a “relevant building” for the Building Safety Act 2022

Respond to specific leasehold enquiries and address queries raised by the buyer’s solicitor, including any related to lease obligations/ management, it’s title and other key information

Work with managing agents to resolve any additional requirements - may include obtaining a management information pack

Arrange for you to sign the legal documents

Exchange of contracts to legally bind

both parties to the transaction

Coordinate the transfer of funds and legal ownership, ensure the mortgage (if applicable) is repaid, finalising the sale

Send sale proceeds (if any) to you

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 leasehold purchase conveyancing process is between 12 and 16 weeks. 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 below 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 12 to 16 weeks.  In such a situation, additional charges would apply.

Key stages of a residential leasehold purchase process

Take instructions, give initial advice, verify your ID and property details
Check finances are in place to fund the purchase and contact lender’s solicitors if needed
Receive and advise on contract documents
Carry out searches and obtain further planning documents if needed
Make necessary enquiries of the seller’s solicitor
Advise on all documents and information received and go through conditions of the mortgage offer
Send final contract for your signature
Deal with any issues/processes if the property is within a “relevant building” for the purposes of the Building Safety Act 2022
Advise on lease terms and any associated fixed or periodic costs
Review and advise on the management information pack contents
Agree completion date - the date from which you own the property

Exchange contracts and notify you this has happened

Obtain pre-completion searches

Arrange for all monies needed to be received from you and the lender

Complete purchase

Deal with payment of SDLT (note this is payable in addition to legal fees)

Deal with the application for registration at the Land Registry

Serving of notices required by the terms of the lease

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 on a number of factors. The average mortgage conveyancing process of this nature takes between 4 to 6 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

Take instructions verify your ID and property details

Obtain the title information for the property

Consider completed questionnaires, title and other information

Establish outstanding amounts on any mortgage finance or secured loans

Obtain new lender’s mortgage offer and review their requirements and mortgage conditions

Arrange for you to sign the legal documents

Agree completion date. Report to the lender on the title to the property

Coordinate the transfer of funds, ensure the existing mortgage (if applicable) is repaid, and finalise the new mortgage or remortgage

Send proceeds of the mortgage/ remortgage (if any) to you

Registration of a charge at Land Registry as security for new mortgage

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.

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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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