It typically takes around 12-16 weeks, although it can take longer, for example, if there’s a delay on getting searches returned. The conveyancing process may be shorter if you are a cash buyer. Take a look at our conveyancing timeline for more information on the steps involved, common reasons for delays and how to avoid them.

Yes. Conveyancing on a leasehold property is usually more expensive because your solicitor has to complete extra work checking the length and obligations of the lease, liaising with the landlord/freeholder to serve notices on them or the managing agent, and getting further information about the service charge or management details. 
But while costs may be higher, make sure you don’t overpay. Be sure to compare conveyancing quotes to get the best deal.

Yes. Before choosing a conveyancing solicitor for your home purchase, you must check whether the solicitor is an approved member of your mortgage lender’s panel. Failure to do so could seriously delay your move. But don’t worry, you can compare quotes for panel solicitors by using our quote form above.

Average conveyancing fees when buying and selling a house increased by 5.1% from Q4 2023 and Q1 2024 taking the average cost to £2,159 including disbursements, according to research by Reallymoving.com. You can make sure you’re getting the best price by comparing conveyancing quotes.

It’s important to compare conveyancing quotes to get a good deal. All conveyancing quotes should show a clear breakdown of the legal fees and disbursements. Legal fees are paid to your solicitor or licensed conveyancer for the legal work they carry out. Disbursements are costs from third-parties, such as Stamp Duty Land Tax and local property searches. Quotes will also include the small print for you to read before you sign. When comparing conveyancing quotes, carefully check the small print to ensure there are no significant charges that will get tacked on later down the line.

When choosing a property lawyer, you may personally prefer a local conveyancer or solicitor but your conveyancing solicitor does not need to be local to the property you are buying or selling to deal with your conveyancing. You are just as likely to find out about local developments or other factors through the searches that are carried out and these days most communication is done online or over the phone. But to find the best local conveyancing quotes, see our local conveyancing pages to find the best conveyancing solicitors in London, Birmingham and Manchester.

To choose your conveyancer, you should:
1. Check your conveyancer is on your mortgage lender’s panel.

2. Compare conveyancing quotes – use our free handy tool above to get instant conveyancing quotes from regulated and reviewed conveyancing solicitors that cover your area.

3. Check fees are itemised with no hidden costs.

4. Read reviews.

For more information, read our guide on How to choose a conveyancer/ solicitor

Yes you can do your own conveyancing. But the conveyancing process is time-consuming and complex and you shouldn’t consider DIY conveyancing if you don’t fully understand all the steps and the risks involved.
However, if you’re buying or selling with a mortgage, the lender will almost certainly insist that you instruct a conveyancer. Read more in our guide Can you do your own conveyancing.

A draft contract will be given to the buyer’s solicitor once an offer is accepted on a property. This draft contract must include details including things like price, boundaries and planning restrictions.
Go through this carefully and negotiate any terms if necessary. Your conveyancing solicitor will help with this. Find out more in our guide Conveyancing process explained for buyers.

A property survey is an inspection of a property’s condition conducted by experts. The experts – surveyors – inspect the property and tell you if there are any issues to do with the condition of the property from minor to significant structural problems.
The level of detail the property survey cost into and the cost depend on which type of house survey you choose to get. Find out more in our guide on House survey types and costs.

When you exchange contracts, the deal becomes legally binding. Until you exchange contracts as part of the conveyancing process, neither side has any legal obligation to buy or sell the property, and both can pull out without any penalty.
Between exchange of contracts and completion, either side will almost certainly pay major penalties if they pull out. Find out more in our guide Exchange of contracts explained.

Completion day typically happens a week after exchange on average but it varies; how long between exchange and completion can be any time agreed between all parties in the chain. In some cases it can be done on the same day.