Imperial Law regularly speaks to clients who are frustrated by how long their house purchase is taking. One of the most common questions we hear is whether delays are normal or whether their conveyancer is moving too slowly. Understanding typical market timescales helps explain why delays occur and why our approach consistently outperforms many competitors.
Typical UK conveyancing timescales
Across the UK, most competitors advise that a straightforward freehold house purchase takes between eight and twelve weeks from offer acceptance to completion. Leasehold properties often take longer, frequently extending well beyond twelve weeks due to additional documentation, managing agent enquiries, and third-party responses.
Industry research and data from property portals, lenders, and conveyancing bodies consistently shows that delays are common. Chains, lender requirements, and local authority turnaround times all contribute. Many firms operate with high caseloads, reactive processes, and limited proactive communication, which can stretch timelines even further.
In reality, many buyers experience transactions lasting three to five months, and in complex cases even longer. These extended timescales have become normalised across much of the conveyancing market.
Why competitors often take longer
A significant reason conveyancing can drag on is the way many firms work. Competitors often wait for issues to arise before addressing them, rather than anticipating potential problems early. Communication gaps between solicitors, estate agents, lenders, and management companies also slow progress.
Another common factor is reliance on third parties. Local authority searches, management packs, and lender approvals can all create bottlenecks. When these are not chased assertively or requested at the earliest opportunity, weeks can be lost very quickly.
Common issues that cause delays
Some delays are unavoidable, particularly where legal issues emerge during the transaction. One increasingly common example is the discovery that a deed of variation is required.
Deeds of variation on newer developments
Properties built on new build estates over the past 10 to 15 years frequently include lease or title provisions that lenders now consider unacceptable. These can relate to ground rent clauses, service charge mechanisms, or restrictions affecting resale and mortgageability.
When these issues are identified, a deed of variation may be required to amend the legal wording. This process involves the freeholder or developer, their solicitors, and often the lender, which can significantly extend timescales if not handled promptly.
Many buyers only discover this requirement late in the transaction, which can cause sudden and frustrating delays. Early identification and proactive management are essential to keeping matters moving.
How Imperial Law outperforms typical timescales
Imperial Law is structured to challenge the slow norms of the conveyancing market. Our processes focus on early issue spotting, proactive communication, and efficient case management from the outset.
We routinely progress matters more quickly than many competitors by anticipating common problems, engaging with third parties early, and maintaining close contact with all involved. While every transaction is different and some delays remain outside any solicitor’s control, our approach consistently reduces unnecessary waiting time.
Rather than accepting lengthy industry averages as inevitable, we work to move your purchase forward at every opportunity.
Speak to Imperial Law today
If you are buying a property and want a Wolverhampton conveyancing solicitor who actively works to beat typical industry timescales, contact Imperial Law today. Our team is ready to guide your purchase forward with clarity, efficiency, and confidence.
