One of the most common questions asked by anyone buying or selling a property is: how long does conveyancing take? While every transaction is different, the conveyancing process in Wiltshire typically takes 8-12 weeks from an offer being accepted to completion. However, it can sometimes be quicker or slower depending on the circumstances.
Understanding the timeline can help buyers and sellers maintain realistic expectations and reduce stress during the process. Below, we explain what conveyancing is, the key stages involved for buyers and for sellers and how long each step usually takes.
What is conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from one person to another. It involves preparing legal documents, carrying out property searches, reviewing contracts and ensuring funds are transferred securely.
Most buyers and sellers use conveyancing solicitors to handle the process and ensure everything is legally compliant.
How long does conveyancing take for buyers?
For buyers, the process begins when an offer on a property is accepted. The typical timeline looks like this:
1. Instructing conveyancing solicitors (1-3 days)
Once your offer is accepted, you should appoint a conveyancing solicitor to act on your behalf. They will open your file, verify your identity and contact the seller’s solicitor to request the contract pack.
Quick instruction at this stage helps prevent delays later.
2. Receiving and reviewing the contract pack (1-2 weeks)
The seller’s solicitor should send over documents for your solicitor to review to check for legal issues or any restrictions. These include:
- Draft contract
- Property information forms
- Title documents
- Fittings and contents list
3. Property searches (2-3 weeks)
Your solicitor will order searches from the local authority and other organisations. These usually include:
- Local authority search
- Environmental search
- Water and drainage search
Search times vary depending on the local authority and how quick they are to supply the information, which is one reason the conveyancing process can vary in length between areas and transactions.
4. Mortgage offer and enquiries (2-4 weeks)
If you’re buying with a mortgage, your lender will arrange a valuation and issue a formal mortgage offer. Meanwhile, your solicitor will raise enquiries with the seller’s solicitor to clarify any issues identified in the documents or searches.
5. Exchange of contracts (1 week after enquiries resolved)
Once everything is agreed, both parties can sign contracts and a completion date for the transaction is set. At exchange of contracts, the agreement becomes legally binding and the buyer usually pays a deposit (often 10% of the purchase price but this varies).
6. Completion (1-2 weeks after exchange)
Completion is the day the remaining funds are transferred and the buyer receives the keys to the property. The solicitor then registers the new ownership with HM Land Registry.
How long does conveyancing take for sellers?
Sellers follow a similar timeline but with slightly different responsibilities. It’s worth remembering that, in a property chain, the completion date for a transaction will be the same for the buyer and seller, as it’s when keys to the property are transferred.
1. Instruct a solicitor (immediately after listing)
Sellers should appoint conveyancing solicitors as early as possible, ideally when the property goes on the market in readiness for the conveyancing process.
2. Preparing the contract pack (1-2 weeks)
The solicitor gathers documents and prepares the contract pack for the buyer’s solicitor. For them to do this, the seller will need to complete forms about the property, including details of boundaries, disputes and fixtures included in the sale.
3. Responding to enquiries (1-3 weeks)
Once the buyer’s solicitor reviews the documents, they may raise questions. Prompt and helpful responses from the seller can significantly speed up the process.
4. Exchange and Completion (1-2 weeks apart)
After enquiries are resolved, contracts are exchanged and a completion date is agreed. On completion day, the buyer’s funds are transferred and ownership changes hands.
What can affect conveyancing timelines?
Although the typical timeframe for conveyancing in Wiltshire is around 8-12 weeks, several factors can extend the process:
- Long property chains
- Delays with mortgage offers
- Slow local authority searches
- Issues uncovered in surveys
- Leasehold properties requiring extra checks
Being organised and choosing experienced conveyancing solicitors can help minimise delays.
How much does conveyancing cost?
In Wiltshire, conveyancing fees for a purchase typically range between £1,000 and £2,500 (plus VAT), although this varies, as it depends on:
- Property value
- Whether the property is freehold or leasehold
- The complexity of the transaction
In addition to these legal fees, there are disbursements and expenses to think about, such as search fees, Land Registry charges, ID checks and bank transfer costs.
Conveyancing fees for a sale vary depending on home value, location and other transaction details. In Wiltshire, expect to pay between about £1,000 and £2,000 (plus VAT). There are also expenses and disbursements to pay on top, though these tend to be less than when buying a property.
Conveyancing in Wiltshire FAQs
How long does conveyancing take in Wiltshire?
Most transactions take 8-12 weeks from offer acceptance to completion. However, complex property chains or delays with searches can extend this timeframe.
What is conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership. It ensures the buyer receives legal title to the property and that all financial and legal obligations are met.
When should I instruct conveyancing solicitors?
Ideally, you should instruct conveyancing solicitors as soon as your offer is accepted if you’re buying, or when your property goes on the market if you’re selling.
Can conveyancing be done faster?
Yes. Transactions can complete in as little as 4-6 weeks if there is no chain, mortgage approval is quick (or there is no mortgage) and both parties respond to all queries promptly.
How much does conveyancing cost?
Most buyers and sellers in Wiltshire pay £1,000-£2,500 in legal fees, plus additional disbursements.
Need a conveyancing solicitor in Salisbury or Chippenham, Wiltshire? Get an instant conveyancing estimate from Batt Broadbent today.