If you are buying a home, one of the first questions you will probably ask is how long the legal process takes and when you might finally get the keys. It is a very natural question, and one I hear all the time.
I explain this in more detail in my video here, which I would really recommend watching if you are preparing to buy a property.
Watch the video: https://youtu.be/ZANxT12LaNg
The honest answer is that the legal process in England and Wales is unpredictable. On average, it takes around three to four months from offer accepted to completion. Sometimes it can be quicker, and sometimes it can take much longer. In our own recent purchase, it took six months. I have also seen transactions complete in just over five weeks, but that is very much the exception rather than the rule.
Why the legal process takes time
The length of time depends on several factors. One of the biggest is the property chain. If you are part of a long chain with multiple buyers and sellers, the process usually takes longer. If the chain is short, or there is no chain at all, things can move more quickly.
Another key factor is the solicitors involved. You might have an efficient and proactive solicitor, but if the solicitor on the other side is slower to respond, that can hold everything up. The process relies heavily on communication between multiple parties, and delays can happen at any point.
The conveyancing process in England and Wales is also quite outdated compared to other countries. In places like Hungary, New Zealand and the US, much of the legal preparation is done before a property goes on the market. In England and Wales, many searches and checks only begin after solicitors are instructed, which adds time. Scotland works very differently and is generally much faster, often completing within four to six weeks.
What happens during the legal process
Once solicitors are instructed, the buyer’s solicitor will order searches. These usually include local authority searches, environmental searches and water and drainage checks. These searches help identify any issues with the property or the surrounding area.
The buyer’s solicitor also waits for the contract pack from the seller’s solicitor. This pack includes important information about the property, such as title documents and property information forms. Delays often happen at this stage if documents are missing or need clarification.
Once the contract pack is received, the buyer’s solicitor will raise enquiries. These are questions about anything that needs further explanation. This could be something minor, such as certificates for windows, or something more complex involving third parties like local authorities or management companies. This back and forth between solicitors can take time and is one of the most common causes of delays.
Exchange and completion explained
The legal process has two key milestones. Exchange of contracts and completion.
Exchange is when the transaction becomes legally binding. At this point, the completion date is agreed by everyone in the chain, and the buyer usually transfers their deposit to their solicitor.
Completion is when the remaining funds are transferred, ownership changes hands, and the keys are released. Until exchange has taken place, either party can withdraw, which is why patience and realistic expectations are so important.
How to help speed things up
While much of the process is outside your control, there are things you can do to help avoid unnecessary delays.
Respond to your solicitor quickly when they ask for documents or information. Read paperwork carefully and return it as soon as possible.
Stay in regular contact with your solicitor and estate agent. Estate agents can often help push communication along the chain.
Choose a good conveyancer. Reviews, recommendations from your mortgage broker, and local knowledge can all help you find someone experienced and reliable.
Most importantly, try to be patient. There will almost always be bumps in the road, but the majority of transactions do complete in the end.
Final thoughts
The legal process can feel slow and frustrating, especially when you are excited to move. Understanding what is involved and why delays happen can make the experience far less stressful.
If you want a clear and honest explanation of the legal process, watch the full video where we talk through this in more detail and share our own experience.
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/ZANxT12LaNg
If you are buying a home and would like support alongside your mortgage, we are always happy to help guide you through what to expect.
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Home Made By The Lathams
In this new video series, Zita and Jarrod Latham invite you inside their Surrey home in the UK, to share their insights, experiences and knowledge surrounding the home buying process and mortgages.
Zita, originally from Hungary, and Jarrod, from New Zealand, have a great deal of personal experience in relocating, and buying property in the UK.
Your mortgage and house buying process shouldn’t be stressful. This friendly and conversational style series will help you feel calm and informed about many areas of the mortgage and home buying process.
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