Why House Purchases Take 12–16 Weeks on Average

In England and Wales, the average home purchase takes 12–16 weeks from offer acceptance to completion. This delay frustrates buyers and sellers alike, especially those expecting a faster, more digital process.

The truth: England’s conveyancing system is manual, fragmented, and dependent on third parties. Every sale starts from scratch after an offer is accepted, and any missing document, slow search, or broken chain can stall progress.

This guide explains what causes the delays, how to reduce them, and what government reforms aim to fix by 2025.

1. Everyone Starts From Scratch After Offer Acceptance

Unlike Scotland, where sellers prepare a home report before marketing, England’s process begins only once an offer is accepted. Your solicitor must then:

• Confirm identity checks and source of funds

• Receive draft contracts from the seller’s solicitor

• Order property searches

• Review title deeds and lease terms

None of this exists beforehand. If the seller’s paperwork (TA6, TA7, TA10, FENSA, building control sign-offs) is incomplete, it can take weeks to compile.

Impact: 1–2 weeks delay before meaningful progress begins.

Tip: Sellers can complete all forms and collect certificates before listing. Buyers can instruct their solicitor immediately after the offer to avoid dead time.

(See also: Comprehensive Pre-Exchange Checklist and Documents You Need To Buy A House)

2. Local Authority & Property Searches

Searches are one of the most common bottlenecks. They reveal local planning, drainage, and environmental data.

Average turnaround times:

• Fast councils: 1–2 weeks

• Slow councils: up to 8 weeks

Some areas still rely on manual records or third-party contractors.

Ways to speed it up:

• Use personal search companies (often faster than council-led searches).

• Instruct your solicitor early, searches can start before mortgage approval.

• Ask your agent which local authority handles the area and check published turnaround times.

Typical delay: 2–8 weeks.

(See also: Property Searches Explained)

3. Mortgage Offers and Valuations

Mortgage approval often adds 3–6 weeks to the timeline.

Main reasons for delay:

• Lender backlogs and valuation booking delays.

• Additional underwriting checks (income, gifted deposits, source of funds).

• Survey valuation concerns requiring reinspection or renegotiation.

How to minimise delay:

• Get an Agreement in Principle before offering.

• Submit full documents (payslips, ID, proof of deposit) immediately.

• Choose a lender known for fast turnarounds.

Typical delay: 3–6 weeks.

4. Legal Enquiries and Missing Documents

Once searches and the draft contract are in, the buyer’s solicitor raises enquiries. These cover:

• Building regulations compliance

• Guarantees (windows, roof, damp works, etc.)

• Service charges, ground rent, and lease information

• Rights of way or boundary issues

If the seller or their solicitor can’t locate certificates or management packs, replies may take weeks.

Typical delay: 2–4 weeks.

Buyer tip: Ask your solicitor for an early copy of the TA6 and TA10 forms.

Seller tip: Keep every guarantee, invoice, and compliance document accessible before listing.

5. Property Chains

Chains can multiply delays. A single slow party halts everyone.

Common issues:

• One buyer waiting on mortgage approval.

• Another still marketing their property.

• Late renegotiation after a poor survey.

Risk: 25–30% of transactions in long chains collapse before exchange.

How to manage:

• Choose chain-free properties when possible.

• Keep constant communication between agents and solicitors.

• Consider short-term rental or bridge loan to break chain dependency.

Typical delay: 2–6 weeks (can double in complex chains).

6. Pre-Exchange Admin: Final Checks Before Exchange

Even when everything is agreed, a few administrative tasks can delay exchange:

• Transferring the 10% deposit to your solicitor’s client account

• Reviewing the completion statement

• Signing the TR1 transfer deed

• Organising buildings insurance (required from exchange)

Typical delay: 1 week if documents or funds are late.

7. Manual Processes and Lack of Digital Integration

England’s conveyancing process remains largely paper-based. Different systems are used by lenders, conveyancers, and councils - none of which integrate easily.

Result: duplication, manual ID checks, and delays in data verification.

Government Reform 2025

In October 2025, the government plans to roll out a Digital Property Data Pilot, aiming to:

• Pre-populate property details from Land Registry, EPC, and council data.

• Cut average completion times by 4 weeks.

• Reduce fall-through rates by improving transparency before offer.

(See: Government Home Buying Reform 2025 England)

Until then, buyers and sellers must rely on proactive communication and early preparation.

8. How to Speed Up the Process

Practical ways to reduce the 12–16 week average:

For Buyers

• Instruct your solicitor immediately after offer acceptance.

• Book your survey early — don’t wait for mortgage offer.

• Prepare documents: ID, proof of deposit, mortgage paperwork.

• Use a personal search provider if local authority times are long.

• Stay in contact with your solicitor at least once a week.

For Sellers

• Complete TA6, TA7, TA10 forms before listing.

• Gather all compliance documents (FENSA, gas safety, planning permissions).

• Respond to enquiries quickly — don’t leave them with your solicitor for days.

• Monitor the chain and stay in sync with agents.

(See also: Comprehensive Pre-Exchange Checklist and Steps to Complete a House Purchase)

Summary Table: Common Causes of Delay

External Reference

See The Law Society: Conveyancing Protocol for official conveyancing standards in England and Wales.

FAQ

How long does completion take?

In England, most purchases complete 12–16 weeks after an offer is accepted.
Delays often come from searches, mortgage approval, or incomplete paperwork.

What causes conveyancing delays?

Common causes include slow local searches, mortgage offer backlogs, missing certificates, and property chains.

Can I speed up my house purchase?

Yes, by instructing professionals early, preparing documents in advance, and keeping communication tight.

Want to make sure you're not missing anything? We coordinate surveys, reports and quotes for buyers so your solicitor can exchange faster. Book a quick consultation with us