How long does conveyancing take UK?

Typically 10 to 16 weeks from instruction to completion. Faster for cash buyers and longer in complex chains.

How much does conveyancing cost UK 2026?

Typically £1,500 to £2,500 including solicitor fees searches Land Registry fees and other disbursements.

Property ⏱ 2 min read 📅 Updated Apr 2026

What Is Conveyancing UK? The Home Buying Legal Process Explained 2026

Q: What is conveyancing UK?

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership. It involves searches legal checks mortgage arrangements and the financial transaction between buyer and seller.

Chandraketu Tripathi

Finance Editor, Kaeltripton

Published 3 Apr 2026

Last reviewed 18 Apr 2026

✓ Fact-checked

What Is Conveyancing UK? The Home Buying Legal Process Explained 2026

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

Stage	What Happens	Duration
Instruct solicitor	Both buyer and seller appoint solicitors	Day 1 to 7
Searches	Local authority drainage environmental searches ordered	Week 2 to 4
Survey	Buyer arranges property survey	Week 2 to 4
Enquiries	Seller solicitor answers buyer questions	Week 3 to 8
Mortgage offer	Lender confirms mortgage offer in writing	Week 4 to 8
Exchange	Legally binding — cannot pull out without penalty	Week 8 to 16
Completion	Money transfers keys handed over	1 to 4 weeks after exchange

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

Cost	Buyer	Typical Amount
Solicitor fees	Yes	£800 to £2,000
Search fees	Yes	£250 to £600
Land Registry fee	Yes	£20 to £910 depending on value
Electronic transfer fee	Yes	£25 to £50
SDLT admin fee	Yes	£50 to £150

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.

Bottom line: Choose your conveyancer carefully — cheapest is rarely best. Get fixed-fee quotes from 3 to 4 solicitors and check reviews. Budget £1,500 to £2,500 total as a buyer. Use a firm recommended by your mortgage broker for smoother communication through the chain.

By Chandraketu Tripathi · Updated April 2026 · kaeltripton.com

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Chandraketu Tripathi

Finance Editor · Kaeltripton.com

Chandraketu (CK) Tripathi, founder and lead editor of Kael Tripton. 22 years in finance and marketing across 23 markets. Writes on UK personal finance, tax, mortgages, insurance, energy, and investing. Sources: HMRC, FCA, Ofgem, BoE, ONS.