If you’re thinking about buying a new home, one of the first questions you’ll likely have is: “How long will it take?” As conveyancers, we hear this question a lot, and the honest answer is … It depends!
On average, the process takes around 12 weeks from when your offer is accepted to completion (when you get the keys). However, several factors can affect the timeframe
What Can Speed Things Up?
- Being chain-free (for example, if you’re a first-time buyer or buying a vacant property) can help things move along quickly.
- Having your finances in order — like a mortgage agreement in principle already in place.
- Instructing a solicitor early means we can start preparing paperwork as soon as your offer is accepted.
What May Cause Delays?
- Complex chains (if your seller is also buying and so on) — one delay affects everyone in the chain.
- Searches and surveys — local authority searches can take time, especially in busy areas. Surveyors can be booked up in advance, so get one booked in early.
- Legal issues — things like unregistered land, boundary disputes, title issues, complex leases, or missing planning permissions can hold things up.
We will be there every step of the way to get the matter progressing smoothly and keep you in the loop. The key is good communication between everyone involved – you, your solicitor, your mortgage provider, and the estate agent.
Final Tip:
Try not to focus on a fixed date early on, be prepared for a bit of flexibility. Our job is to make sure everything is done properly, so when you do get the keys, you can move in with peace of mind.
If you’re ready to take buy your new home or just want to ask a few questions, we’re here to help.