Property Guide — April 2026

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from one person to another. It involves searching for potential problems checking legal title arranging the mortgage and completing the financial transaction. You need a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to carry this out.

The Conveyancing Process Step by Step

How Long Does Conveyancing Take?

The average conveyancing process takes 10 to 16 weeks from instruction to completion. Cash buyers can be faster. Complex chains or new builds take longer.

Conveyancing Costs UK 2026

What Are Conveyancing Searches?

• Local Authority Search — planning permissions building regulations
• Drainage Search — connected to public sewers
• Environmental Search — flood risk contaminated land subsidence
• Water Search — water supply and ownership
• Coal Mining Search — required in coal mining areas

Exchange vs Completion

Exchange of contracts — both parties are legally committed. You cannot pull out without losing your deposit (buyer) or paying compensation (seller). Completion — money transfers and you get the keys. The property is legally yours.

By Chandraketu Tripathi · Updated April 2026 · kaeltripton.com