Legal & process
Conveyancing Explained
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from seller to buyer. It is handled by a conveyancer or conveyancing solicitor and runs from instruction through contract, searches, enquiries, exchange and completion. For a sale it typically takes 8-12 weeks and costs £800-£1,800 plus disbursements. Instructing early and preparing your paperwork are the best ways to keep it fast — and a cash sale can compress it to days.
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- 8-12 wktypical for a sale
- £800-£1,800plus disbursements
- 7-28 dayscash compresses it
What conveyancing is
Conveyancing is the legal work of transferring ownership of a property from the seller to the buyer. It is carried out by a qualified conveyancer or conveyancing solicitor, regulated by the SRA or CLC, who handles the contract, the legal checks, the money, and the registration of the new owner at HM Land Registry. Both buyer and seller have their own conveyancer. It is a required part of every property sale — you cannot legally transfer a home without it.
The conveyancing steps
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Instruction & ID | Appoint the conveyancer; anti-money-laundering checks |
| Contract pack | Seller’s solicitor prepares the contract and title |
| Searches | Buyer’s solicitor orders local, water, environmental searches |
| Enquiries | Buyer’s solicitor raises questions; seller answers |
| Exchange | Contracts signed — legally binding |
| Completion | Funds transfer; ownership registered |
What conveyancing costs
For a sale, expect £800-£1,800 in legal fees, plus disbursements — third-party costs such as Land Registry copies, bank-transfer fees, and, for leasehold, a management pack and freeholder fees (which can add several hundred pounds). Always ask for an all-inclusive quote rather than a headline figure, and check whether it is "no completion, no fee". A genuine cash buyer often covers your legal fees, removing this cost (see conveyancing fees).
How long it takes
Conveyancing for a sale typically takes 8-12 weeks from acceptance to completion, longer in a chain. The main variables are the searches (which take time to return), the buyer’s mortgage, the enquiries, and any chain. Leasehold adds time for the management pack. A cash, chain-free sale removes the mortgage and chain, so the conveyancing — and the whole sale — can complete in as little as 7-28 days.
How to speed it up
To keep conveyancing fast: instruct a conveyancer early (before you even have a buyer), so they can start ID checks and request your title and management pack; prepare all your paperwork (see quick-sale checklist); respond to enquiries within a day; and choose a firm that confirms it can handle an expedited completion. The legal work is often the limiting factor in a fast sale, so a prepared, proactive conveyancer makes the biggest difference. See online vs local conveyancers.
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Written & reviewed by Lisa Hayes, Founder
Lisa Hayes is the founder of Ready Steady Sell and an independent UK home-selling expert with over a decade helping homeowners weigh cash house buyers, property investors and the wider fast house-sale industry — without pressure or hidden fees. Every guide is reviewed for accuracy under our editorial standards.
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Frequently asked questions
Straight answers, no sales talk
What is conveyancing?
The legal process of transferring property ownership from seller to buyer, handled by a conveyancer or conveyancing solicitor, running through contract, searches, enquiries, exchange and completion.
How much does conveyancing cost?
For a sale, typically £800-£1,800 in legal fees plus disbursements (searches, Land Registry fees, bank transfers). Leasehold costs more. Always get an all-inclusive quote.
How long does conveyancing take?
Typically 8-12 weeks for a sale, longer in a chain. A cash, chain-free sale removes the mortgage and chain, completing in as little as 7-28 days.
Do I need a solicitor or a conveyancer?
Either — a licensed conveyancer or a conveyancing solicitor can do the work. Both are regulated. A solicitor may be preferable for complex matters.
How can I speed up conveyancing?
Instruct early, prepare all your paperwork, respond to enquiries within a day, and choose a firm that handles expedited completions. The legal work is often the limiting factor.
Does a cash buyer cover conveyancing fees?
A genuine cash buyer often covers your legal fees, removing this cost — confirm it in writing before proceeding.