How Long Does Conveyancing Take in London?

Introduction

Buying or selling a property in London can be an exciting milestone, but it also comes with plenty of paperwork and legal steps. One of the most common questions we hear from clients at Kreston Solicitors is:
“How long does conveyancing take?”
While the average conveyancing process in London typically takes 8 to 12 weeks, the exact timeframe depends on several factors, such as the type of property, the size of the chain, and how quickly information is provided by all parties.

What Is Conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from the seller to the buyer. It begins when your offer is accepted and ends when the transaction is completed, and you officially receive the keys to your new home.
At Kreston Solicitors, our experienced conveyancing solicitors in London handle everything from reviewing contracts and conducting property searches to liaising with mortgage lenders and managing exchange of contracts.

Typical Conveyancing Timeline

Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect during the conveyancing process:

Stage	Estimated Duration	What Happens
1. Offer Accepted	Day 1	Buyer’s offer accepted - both sides instruct solicitors.
2. Initial Enquiries & ID Checks	1-2 weeks	Solicitors verify ID, gather documents, and draft contracts.
3. Searches & Surveys	2-4 weeks	Local authority, environmental and drainage searches carried out.
4. Mortgage Offer	2-3 weeks	Buyer’s lender issues formal mortgage offer.
5. Contract Review & Enquiries	2-3 weeks	Solicitor raises questions and reviews responses.
6. Exchange of Contracts	Week 8-10	Both parties agree completion date and exchange contracts.
7. Completion	Week 10-12	Buyer transfers funds and receives keys - sale is finalised.

Factors That Can Affect Conveyancing Times in London

Because the London property market moves fast (and often involves complex chains) the conveyancing process can vary. Some common factors that influence timescales include:

• Local Authority Searches: London boroughs can differ in how quickly they process searches.
• Mortgage Delays: Lender checks and valuations can add time.
• Property Chain Size: The more people involved, the longer the potential wait.
• Leasehold Properties: Extra documentation and landlord approvals can extend timelines.
• Buyer/Seller Responsiveness: Fast communication makes a big difference.

How Kreston Solicitors Help Speed Up the Process

At Kreston Solicitors, we know time is critical when buying or selling a property in London. That’s why we:

• Use digital ID verification and online document sharing for faster processing.

• Maintain direct communication between all parties.

• Provide clear updates at every stage so you always know what’s happening.

• Offer fixed-fee conveyancing with no hidden charges.

Our goal is to make your property transaction as efficient, transparent, and stress-free as possible.

How You Can Help Your Conveyancing Go Faster

• Provide ID and required documents promptly.
• Respond quickly to your solicitor’s enquiries.
• Ensure your mortgage offer and funds are ready early.
• Use email or phone instead of post where possible.

By working together, we can often complete within 6-8 weeks, depending on circumstances.

Conclusion

Conveyancing in London usually takes 8-12 weeks, but the right solicitor can make all the difference. At Kreston Solicitors, our experienced team works efficiently to help you complete your property transaction quickly and confidently.

📞 Contact us today for a free conveyancing quote and friendly, professional advice.

Ergun Eren

Director / Licensed Conveyancer

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