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Thinking about completing quickly?

If you're buying or selling a property, you may be hoping to complete on your sale or purchase as quickly as possible. 

Perhaps you want to confirm your sale before looking to purchase something new; are worried about potential changes in the typically fast-paced property market; or are simply eager to move into your new home and start enjoying it. 

However, how quickly conveyancing can be done may - because of various factors involved in a property transaction - may take longer than you would like, or have anticipated. 

With this in mind, you might be looking for a conveyancing solicitor, or licensed conveyancer, who can help you complete more quickly. Thankfully, at Homeward Legal we work with a selection of expert, professional conveyancing solicitors who may be able to provide you with the quick conveyancing services you need.


How long does conveyancing take?

The conveyancing process usually takes around 8 to 12 weeks.

With a number of factors at play, various processes and paperwork to complete, and potentially many people involved in a property transaction, it is difficult to provide an exact timeline for conveyancing. Each transaction, and therefore the work involved, is different. 

Without any delays, or problems caused by broken chains, it is possible to complete in as little as 6 weeks. 

For more information, be sure to have a read of our guide on how long the conveyancing process takes.


What does a licensed conveyancer or conveyancing solicitor do? 

Conveyancing solicitors and licensed conveyancers, such as the experts Homeward Legal work with for your conveynacing services, are there to take care of paperwork and processes on your behalf to help you complete your transaction as quickly, and with as little stress, as possible.

The exact role of your Homeward Legal conveyancer or conveyancing solicitor will depend on the type of your transaction, whether you're buying or selling a property. 

 If you're buying a property, the primary role of residential conveyancing solicitors is to:

  • Confirm your identification documents and ask to see a mortgage offer (if you are purchasing with a mortgage)
  • Request searches that will provide information on the property and surrounding areas
  • Agree a completion date between the parties involved
  • Exchange contracts with the sellers
  • Transfer funds on completion day and liaise with parties involved for the collection of keys
  • Register you as the new owner with Land Registry and pay Stamp Duty Land Tax (in England) or Land Transaction Tax (in Wales) on your behalf

If you're selling a property, the role of residential conveyancing solicitors is to:

  • Draft up the sale contract and let the buyer know what is included in the sale
  • Confirm with the buyer's residential conveyancing solicitor that funds are in place ready for completion
  • Agree a date for exchange of contracts and ensure everything is in place ready
  • Pay off any outstanding mortgage once the sale is complete
  • Deduct their fees before sending the remaining funds to you

Can conveyancing be fast tracked? 

Yes, if everything is straight forward with your property purchase or sale, and there isn't any reason to delay the transaction, it is possible - with the help of a solicitor or conveyancer with experience of working on pressurised, or time critical cases - to fast track your conveyancing. 

For quick conveyancing, it's important that everyone involved in the transaction is prompt with anything they've been asked to do or provide. You can find out more about how you can help to speed up the conveyancing process further down this guide. 


Are there any risks with quick conveyancing? 

If you attempt to speed up, or rush through, anything as important - and usually quite time consuming - as conveyancing, there is always a risk involved. 

With quick conveyancing, there's a chance that you may feel tempted to rush through the forms and paperwork you're required to read and complete for your conveyancing, which could in fact delay the process rather than speed it up. 

And, with any conveyancing process, you're relying on the other side doing their bit for you too. So, if you're trying to work toward a completion date that isn't typical of most transactions, there's a risk you may end up disappointed that things aren't or haven't progressed as quickly as you hoped.


Why are there sometimes delays in conveyancing?

The speed of a property transaction, whether you're buying or selling a property, the conveyancing involved and completion of your purchase or sale is at the mercy of everyone being able to do what's required of them efficiently and correctly. 

Unfortunately, in some cases - and this may be caused by issues out of anyone's control - there may be delays in some of the processes, which in turn delays conveyancing and completion. 

What are the most common reasons for delays in conveyancing?

  • One side does not have a conveyancing solicitor in place at the start
  • Forms or documents are not returned in good time
  • Missing warranties or building control certificates
  • Hold up in property searches information, often caused by lack of staff at the local authority
  • No mortgage offer in place or hold-up in securing deposit
  • Slow return on building survey or mortgage valuation
  • Missing title deeds
  • One part of the chain pulling out

Does conveyancing take longer if I am in a chain?

If you're in a chain, which means there are a number of other transactions and people involved in your own property transaction, it is likely that your conveyancing will take longer, depending on the size of the chain. 

This is because you're relying on everyone in the chain doing everything they need to quickly, efficiently and correctly, within their own conveyancing process, and because any change in circumstances within the chain - i.e someone's purchase or sale falls through - can break the chain. 

As previously mentioned, it is common - all being well - that conveyancing takes around 12 weeks, as long as everyone involved in any chain completes everything they need to in a timely manner.


What can I do to speed up conveyancing? 

While the speed your conveyancing may rely on the efficiency of everyone within your chain, you can do your bit to ensure the process is as quick and as smooth as possible by: 

  • Making sure you return all forms and other information as soon as possible
  • Responding quickly to any requests from your solicitor
  • Getting your mortgage and other finance in place early
  • Chasing the lender regularly to ensure there are no delays in releasing the funds
  • Keeping in touch with the estate agent to iron out any kinks that might be appearing in a smooth chain

What can my solicitor do to speed up conveyancing? 

Similar to what you can do to speed up conveyancing, your solicitor can help the process be as quick, as smooth and as stress free as possible by being efficient in their work and their duties to you and your transaction. 

To help achieve quick conveyancing, your solicitor will need to carry out all their necessary processes, and obtain all required paperwork, in a timely manner, to help prevent unnecessary delay. 

Therefore it is important that, when choosing your conveyancing solicitor, you can trust that they're going to do all they can for you, in a professional and prompt way.


How much does quick conveyancing cost? 

The cost of any conveyancing service is dependent on your individual circumstances, requirements and the value of the property involved, whether you're buying or selling. 

For quick conveyancing it is no different, but you can be assured that the quote we provide for your quick conveyancing needs will be clear and without any hidden costs. Plus, you can be assured that our expert solicitors will do everything they can to make your conveyancing process as quick, efficient and stress-free as possible.


How can I get a fast conveyancing quote?

If you're looking for a quick conveyancing quote from Homeward Legal, please do give us a call on to discuss your specific requirements, so that we can find the very best solicitor for you and help with your conveyancing needs. 

Updated 04.08.23

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