10 Ways to Speed Up Your Property Purchase – UK Conveyancing

Buying a property in the UK can often take longer than expected, with delays caused by title disputes, slow mortgage approvals, or poor communication. But with the right preparation, you can move things along faster. Here’s how:

• Organise Documents Early: Prepare proof of ID, address, and funds before starting.
• Choose a Digital Conveyancer: Look for one that uses tools like e-signatures and online portals.
• Track Progress Online: Use platforms that let you follow every step in real time.
• Respond Quickly: Reply to requests within 24 hours to avoid hold-ups.
• Get Mortgage Pre-Approval: Secure a Mortgage in Principle to show you’re ready to buy.
• Order Searches Immediately: Ask your conveyancer to start property searches as soon as your offer is accepted.
• Book Surveys Early: Arrange property surveys right after your offer is accepted.
• Set a Clear Completion Date: Agree on a fixed date to keep everyone on track.
• Prepare Deposit Funds: Ensure your deposit is ready and well-documented.
• Opt for Fixed Fee Services: Choose ‘no completion, no fee’ conveyancers to avoid extra costs if deals fall through.

How to speed up the conveyancing process: Our guide to buying and selling your property.

1. Get Your Documents Ready Before You Start

Before you start viewing properties, it’s essential to have your paperwork in order. Estate agents, solicitors, and mortgage lenders will need to confirm your identity as part of anti-fraud and anti-money laundering measures. Be prepared to submit – and possibly resubmit – key documents. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Proof of Identity: A valid passport, driving licence, or an EEA identity card.
• Proof of Address: A recent (dated within the last three months) utility bill, bank or credit card statement, or your driving licence. Note: Mobile phone bills aren’t accepted.
• Proof of Funds: If you’re employed, gather your latest three months’ payslips and a P60. If you’re self-employed, provide tax returns or other financial records.

Getting these documents organised ahead of time can save you from unnecessary delays later on. It’s one less thing to worry about when you’re ready to make an offer!

2. Pick a Conveyancer Who Uses Digital Tools

Choosing the right conveyancer can make a huge difference to how quickly your property purchase moves along. In the UK, property transactions are often slow and bogged down by outdated processes. But conveyancers who use digital tools can turn what’s traditionally a paper-heavy, sluggish process into one that’s efficient and easy to follow. This modern approach can speed up your purchase considerably.

How Digital Tools Speed Things Up

With digital tools, completion times can shrink from months to just weeks – or even days. This is a massive improvement when you realise that more than 99% of property-related data is still stored on paper or across unconnected systems. Conveyancers using integrated digital systems can instantly access, process, and share information, avoiding the delays caused by postal deliveries and manual data handling.

Key features to look for include electronic signatures, which eliminate the hassle of printing, signing, and posting documents. Instead, you can sign everything digitally, shaving days or even weeks off the process. Similarly, automated document creation can generate contracts and other legal paperwork in minutes rather than hours, further cutting down the time needed.

Simple and User-Friendly

One of the best things about digital conveyancing is how easy it is for you as a client. These tools work behind the scenes, so there’s little extra effort required on your part. Most systems are designed to be straightforward and convenient.

For example, online client portals let you check your case progress, access documents, and get updates at any time. Digital ID checks and anti-money laundering verifications can be done in minutes through your smartphone, making the onboarding process quick and hassle-free.

Cutting Down Delays

Digital tools don’t just make things faster – they also help avoid the delays that often derail property transactions. It’s estimated that one in three UK property deals fall through due to communication breakdowns and slow processes. Digital systems streamline communication, provide instant valuations, and ensure everyone involved has access to the same information at the same time. This reduces back-and-forth queries and prevents misunderstandings.

Why It Matters in the UK

The UK’s notoriously long completion times highlight just how important digital solutions have become. Thankfully, the industry is catching on. A recent survey showed that 80% of property professionals now have a tech strategy in place. This shift is partly due to workforce challenges – since 2021, over 15% of conveyancers have left the profession, making technology a vital tool for improving efficiency.

When choosing a conveyancer, ask about their client portal features, whether they use integrated platforms for seamless communication, and if they offer real-time case tracking. These are no longer just nice extras – they’re essential for a smoother, faster property purchase. Opting for a conveyancer who’s embraced digital tools can save you time, reduce stress, and make the whole process far more transparent.

3. Track Your Case Progress Online

Online case tracking transforms the uncertainty of buying property into a clear, step-by-step process. It lets you monitor every stage of your transaction in real time, from the moment your offer is accepted to the final completion.

Streamlining the Process

Tracking systems can significantly cut down completion times by ensuring everyone involved stays informed and accountable. A great example is how estate agents using platforms like Rello often wrap up sales over a month faster than before. With shared, up-to-date information, there’s less room for miscommunication and delays.

These tools also help agents spot potential issues early and address them quickly. By catching problems before they escalate, the entire process becomes smoother – not just for agents but for buyers too.

Simple and User-Friendly

One of the best parts of online case tracking? It’s incredibly easy to use. Today’s client portals are as straightforward as online banking, allowing you to check progress with just a few clicks.

Platforms like Street.co.uk take it a step further by offering systems designed with consumers in mind. These tools let buyers, sellers, landlords, and renters manage everything in one place – no more juggling multiple apps or emails.

Cutting Down Delays

Delays in property transactions often stem from poor communication or lack of visibility. Online tracking systems solve this by giving all parties access to the latest updates simultaneously.

Features like chain tracking make it easy to see exactly where each transaction stands. Any potential hiccups are flagged early, so they can be sorted out before causing major delays.

A Boost for the UK Property Market

In the UK, where property chains can be notoriously complex, digital tracking has become a game-changer. Two-thirds of the nation’s top-performing estate agencies now use platforms like Reapit software to stay ahead. They’ve realised that transparency and efficiency are powerful advantages in a competitive market.

Choosing conveyancers who offer smart online tracking can help keep your purchase on track. This digital clarity lays the groundwork for the other strategies that can speed up your property journey.

4. Reply to Requests Straight Away

Responding promptly to your conveyancer, estate agent, and mortgage lender can make a big difference in speeding up your property purchase. When you’re asked for documents or information, treating these requests as urgent helps to keep everything on track. Quick communication not only moves individual tasks along faster but also ensures the entire process flows more smoothly.

How It Speeds Things Up

The time it takes to complete the draft contract phase can vary widely – from as little as 2 weeks to as much as 10 weeks – depending on how quickly you respond. For instance, a first-time buyer who replied to all requests within 24 hours managed to complete their purchase in under 10 weeks, much faster than the typical 12–16 weeks. On the other hand, delays in responding can significantly slow things down. One buyer who took several days to reply saw their draft contract phase stretch to nearly 10 weeks.

Simple Ways to Stay Responsive

Making quick replies part of your routine doesn’t require much effort but can have a big impact. Turn on notifications for your preferred communication platforms and keep key documents digitised so you can send them instantly when needed.

Avoiding Delays

Every year in the UK, over 115,000 home moves are delayed due to issues like late document submissions. Even worse, more than 20,000 moves are cancelled because funds or responses don’t arrive on time. A small delay on your end can disrupt the entire property chain, affecting not just your transaction but others as well.

Why This Matters in the UK Property Market

Timely responses are especially important in the UK’s conveyancing process, which involves multiple stages – from answering pre-contract enquiries and reviewing draft contracts to dealing with property searches and surveys. For example, the average time from receiving property searches to exchange is roughly three weeks, but this can drag on much longer if responses are slow. If you know you’ll be unavailable, let your conveyancer know right away and provide an alternative contact. This small step can help prevent unnecessary delays and keep your purchase on schedule.

5. Sort Out Your Mortgage First

Sorting your mortgage before diving into house hunting can give you a real edge as a buyer. Securing a Mortgage in Principle (also known as a Decision in Principle or Agreement in Principle) early on can save you weeks during the buying process and make your offer more appealing to sellers.

Speeding Up the Process

Having a Mortgage in Principle not only shows you’re serious but also speeds things up once your offer is accepted. Typically, after submitting your full mortgage application, it takes about three weeks to receive a formal offer from your lender. Sellers are often drawn to buyers who can show they’re financially ready to move forward quickly.

Getting Started: The Basics

Preparing for a mortgage involves a few key steps, and they’re simpler than you might think. Start by figuring out how much you can afford – most lenders offer between 4.5 and 5.5 times your annual salary. Check your credit score with major credit agencies, and make any necessary improvements. Ensure your deposit is ready; a minimum of 5% of the property value is usually required, but a deposit of 10% or more can unlock better rates. Budgeting is also crucial – look at where you can cut back to save more. Many buyers turn to mortgage advisers for guidance, as they can help navigate the options and paperwork. These steps are especially important in the UK’s competitive housing market.

Avoiding Delays

One of the biggest hurdles in property purchases is mortgage-related delays. By getting your mortgage sorted early, you can avoid last-minute surprises like issues with your credit score, employment verification, or deposit funds. Mortgage applications require thorough documentation, including proof of income, bank statements, and details of financial commitments. Having pre-approval in place signals to sellers that you’re serious, increasing the likelihood of your offer being accepted.

Why It Matters in the UK Market

In the UK property market, buyers with a Mortgage in Principle are viewed as reliable and ready to proceed. Estate agents and sellers are more likely to prioritise offers from financially prepared buyers. Additionally, the UK mortgage market offers a variety of products and rates, so starting early gives you time to find the best deal for your situation. Since interest rates and lending criteria can change, having your mortgage arranged protects you from potential shifts that could impact your borrowing power or costs during a drawn-out property search.

6. Order Property Searches Right Away

Property searches are a crucial step in the UK home-buying process. They help identify any issues that might impact your property’s value or how you plan to use it. Delays in ordering these searches can slow the entire transaction, so acting quickly is key.

Speeding Up the Process

Getting your searches underway early can shave weeks off your timeline. For instance, local authority searches usually take 2 to 4 weeks, but in some areas, they can take longer. Land Registry title searches typically take 2 to 4 weeks as well, though they can stretch to 6 weeks or even longer if further enquiries are needed. In rare cases, new entries at the Land Registry might take up to 11 months.

Some searches, like drainage, water, and environmental checks, are quicker, often completing within 14 days. To save time, ask your conveyancer to order all necessary searches at the same time.

How to Get Started

Once your offer is accepted, instruct your conveyancer to order all required searches immediately. The exact searches will depend on the location and specific features of the property. Common searches include Local Authority, Land Registry, Drainage and Water, Utility, Transport, and Mining checks.

For example, in former mining areas, mining searches are essential. Properties near major transport links may require additional transport-related checks. An experienced conveyancer will know which searches are necessary based on your property’s unique circumstances.

Tackling Delays

Search-related delays are one of the most common reasons for hold-ups in property transactions. Issues like local authority backlogs or poor communication can slow things down. By ordering searches as soon as possible, you can address these bottlenecks early.

The costs of searches vary but are not affected by when you order them. For example, a bankruptcy search may cost less than £10, while a comprehensive local authority search might cost up to £450. Drainage and environmental reports generally range from £30 to £40 plus VAT, and personal search fees fall between £75 and £120. Acting promptly doesn’t add to your costs – it just saves you time.

Why It Matters in the UK

In the UK, property searches are a legal necessity. Local authority searches, for instance, include two key parts: the Local Land Charges Register (LLC1) and the CON29 questionnaire. The LLC1 highlights restrictions like listed building status or conservation area inclusion, while the CON29 provides information on public highways, planned road schemes, planning decisions, and any outstanding statutory notices.

Keep in close contact with your solicitor during the search process to address any issues as they arise. Since processing times vary across local councils, hiring a conveyancer familiar with your area can help you navigate potential delays more effectively. Taking a proactive approach to searches can make your property purchase much smoother.

7. Book Your Property Survey Early

A property survey is a crucial step in buying a house, but it’s often where buyers lose precious time. Scheduling your survey as soon as your offer is accepted ensures the conveyancing process moves along without unnecessary delays.

Why Timing Matters

Booking your survey early can significantly speed up the buying process. An early survey can reduce the pre-contract phase from up to ten weeks to just two weeks. Since contracts can’t be exchanged until the survey is complete, it’s a key milestone in the timeline.

Surveyor availability often becomes an issue during busy moving periods. If you wait, you could find yourself stuck on a waiting list, delaying your survey by weeks. On average, it takes about three weeks to move from receiving survey results to exchanging contracts. However, if the survey uncovers problems requiring further investigation, this timeline can stretch considerably. Booking early helps avoid these bottlenecks, keeping everything on track.

Getting Started

Arranging a survey early is straightforward but makes a big difference. As soon as your offer is accepted, reach out to RICS-accredited surveyors within 48 hours to check their availability. Many surveyors now offer online booking and digital reports, simplifying the process even further.

It’s worth researching surveyors in advance. Look for professionals with experience in your property type and area. For instance, Victorian terraces often require surveyors familiar with older property issues, while modern flats may need experts who understand leasehold nuances.

The type of survey you choose will depend on the property’s condition and age. Condition Reports are generally quicker, taking just a few days, while more detailed HomeBuyer Reports or Building Surveys might take up to a week, depending on availability and the complexity of the property.

Avoiding Delays

Survey-related delays are a major factor in the 115,000 delayed home moves each year in the UK, with over 20,000 purchases falling through entirely due to such setbacks. Discovering structural issues late in the process can derail everything or lead to lengthy renegotiations, adding months to the timeline. By arranging your survey early, you allow time to address any problems through price adjustments or repair agreements without derailing the transaction.

Surveys also play a role in mortgage approvals, as lenders typically won’t release funds until a satisfactory survey is complete. Delays in arranging the survey can trigger a chain reaction, pushing back mortgage offers, contract exchanges, and completion dates.

Timing in the UK Property Market

The UK property market has distinct seasonal patterns, making early survey booking even more critical. Demand for surveyors spikes during peak moving seasons, creating delays that can stretch your timeline. Regional differences also matter, as some areas have fewer qualified surveyors, increasing wait times.

The average UK conveyancing process takes 12-16 weeks, but survey delays can extend this significantly. Since the survey must be completed before legal work can progress to contract exchange, it’s a potential bottleneck if not tackled promptly.

Different properties require tailored survey approaches. Listed buildings, homes in conservation areas, or properties in former mining regions may need additional specialist reports. Booking early ensures you secure the right expertise to handle these specific needs.

Stay in regular contact with your surveyor to keep things on track. Digital surveyors offering online tracking and electronic reports can help speed things up by eliminating postal delays and providing instant access to findings. This proactive approach ensures your conveyancing process stays as smooth as possible.

8. Agree on a Clear Completion Date

After steps like submitting documents promptly and conducting early surveys, the final piece of the puzzle is agreeing on a clear completion date. This step sets a firm target, streamlines coordination, and helps avoid any last-minute confusion.

Improving Process Efficiency

On average, the time between exchanging contracts and completing a sale is about one week. By agreeing on a fixed date early, all parties can focus on the countdown, ensuring smoother coordination. A set date makes it easier to manage fund transfers, key handovers, and removal arrangements. This kind of forward planning eliminates the back-and-forth that often arises when dates are left open-ended.

Practical Implementation

For a completion date to work seamlessly, all parties involved must come to an agreement. In property chains, this is particularly crucial. For instance, buyers and sellers often agree on a two-week window between exchange and completion to allow time for final preparations. While it’s essential to stick to the agreed date, a small amount of flexibility can help accommodate things like a seller’s move-out or finalising financial arrangements.

Cutting Down Delays

A fixed completion date helps avoid delays caused by slow fund transfers or sellers vacating late. When everyone knows exactly when funds need to be ready, mortgage lenders and banks can prepare transfers in advance. Additionally, having a set date ensures that any unresolved issues are addressed beforehand. In the UK, once contracts are exchanged, the completion date becomes legally binding, and missing it can lead to financial penalties.

Importance in the UK Property Market

Given the complexity of the UK property market, setting a clear completion date is essential. Property chains and intricate transactions are common, and without fixed dates, the entire chain can become unstable. Typically, conveyancing in the UK takes 12–16 weeks from the time an offer is accepted. Digital tools now play a vital role in helping all parties stay informed and aligned with the agreed date. On the actual completion day, solicitors coordinate fund transfers and key handovers, ensuring everything runs smoothly and on time.

9. Have Your Deposit Money Ready

Having your deposit funds ready and well-documented is just as crucial as sorting out your paperwork and mortgage. Without this, you risk unnecessary delays right when you’re ready to move forward.

Preparing Your Deposit Funds

Getting your deposit funds in order ahead of time can make all the difference in speeding up the conveyancing process. Keep the money in an easily accessible account and ensure all documentation is in place. This way, your conveyancer can quickly request and transfer the funds once contracts are exchanged.

If your deposit comes from savings, a family gift, or a government scheme, inform your conveyancer and mortgage lender as early as possible. Each source may require specific documentation or extra processing time. For example, if you’re using a family gift, you’ll need proof of funds, identification, and a formal confirmation letter to satisfy legal requirements.

Avoiding Delays

To prevent holdups, ensure your deposit is in a cleared account, ready for transfer. Bank delays can be a headache, and this simple step can save you from unnecessary stress at a critical moment.

Why It Matters in the UK Property Market

The UK property market places a strong emphasis on proof of funds, and anti-money laundering regulations mean you’ll need to provide detailed documentation about your deposit’s source. Missing or incomplete information can bring the process to a standstill.

This is especially important in property chains, where a delay in one transaction can ripple through and affect others. If you’re using government schemes or specialised savings products, make sure you understand the timelines involved and share this information with your conveyancer. This ensures your funds will be ready when completion day rolls around.

10. Choose Fixed Fee and ‘No Completion, No Fee’ Services

Opting for conveyancing services with fixed fees and a ‘no completion, no fee’ guarantee can streamline your property purchase while protecting you from unnecessary expenses.

How It Speeds Up the Process

With a ‘no completion, no fee’ arrangement, your conveyancer has a clear financial incentive to ensure your transaction reaches completion. Since their payment depends entirely on the successful conclusion of your purchase, they are naturally motivated to address issues promptly and maintain steady progress throughout the process.

This approach encourages proactive communication and swift resolution of delays, focusing on completing the transaction rather than billing additional hours. The result? A faster, more efficient process with fewer hold-ups.

Cutting Down on Delays

In 2023, 35% of property purchases in the UK fell through, leading to an estimated £500 million in wasted costs. Traditional fee structures often leave buyers paying legal fees even when a deal collapses. In contrast, ‘no completion, no fee’ services ensure you only pay for the conveyancer’s work – letters, paperwork, and more – once the purchase is finalised.

Typically, you’ll only need to cover £160 to £300 upfront for third-party costs like searches, with no additional legal fees unless the purchase is completed. This setup significantly reduces financial risks if a deal falls apart.

Why It Matters in the UK Property Market

Given the complexities of the UK property market, these services can be a game-changer. Some firms even offer added benefits, like transferring your deposit to another property or covering the cost of searches on your next purchase if your deal falls through through no fault of your own.

When comparing conveyancing quotes, check if the firm provides a ‘no completion, no legal fee’ guarantee. However, be aware that these policies often require an upfront deposit, exclude third-party costs, or may tie you to the same solicitor for future transactions. Understanding these terms ensures you’re genuinely protected while keeping your purchase on track.

Digital vs Paper-Based Conveyancing: Speed Comparison

When comparing digital and traditional paper-based conveyancing, the speed difference is striking. While paper-based conveyancing typically takes 12–16 weeks to complete, digital methods can reduce this timeline by up to 40%, completing transactions in as little as 6–8 weeks.

A UK conveyancing firm recently highlighted these time savings in action. By adopting a fully digital process – including e-signatures, online ID verification, and digital property searches – they managed to cut the average transaction time from 14 weeks (paper-based) to just under 10 weeks. The biggest time savers? Instant document exchange and faster responses to enquiries.

Where the Speed Gains Come From

Digital systems eliminate the delays associated with postal services by offering instant document exchange, rapid digital ID checks, and the ability to sign documents electronically. Property searches, which can take weeks with paper-based methods due to manual processing and postal delays, are completed in just days through digital platforms. These improvements not only save time but also bring added cost and convenience benefits.

Cost and Convenience Factors

Digital conveyancing often comes with competitive or fixed fees. While base legal fees remain similar for both methods, digital platforms tend to reduce additional costs like postage and courier charges. Some providers even bundle services, offering a more cost-effective option for buyers. Besides saving time, these systems also minimise the risk of delays often associated with traditional methods.

Real-World Impact on Delays

Traditional conveyancing methods contribute to delays in over 115,000 UK home moves each year. Digital systems help alleviate these issues by streamlining document handling and incorporating secure payment systems. This not only speeds up the process but also improves transparency, reducing the chances of extended delays.

Choosing the Right Approach

For most standard residential purchases, digital conveyancing is the better choice. Its efficiency significantly accelerates the process and integrates seamlessly with broader strategies to keep your property purchase on track.

Conclusion

Speeding up your property purchase boils down to being prepared, staying organised, and working with the right professionals. These ten strategies can significantly reduce the typical 133-day timeline.

Getting a conveyancer on board early and securing your mortgage agreement in principle are two of the most effective ways to get things moving. Pair these with quick responses to requests, and you’ll be well on your way to a smoother buying experience.

The rise of digital conveyancing has also transformed the process. By cutting out delays caused by postal services and manual paperwork, digital tools have made transactions faster and more efficient.

Staying proactive with communication is another key factor. Many delays happen simply because people don’t respond promptly. Keeping your paperwork in order, tracking important dates, and staying in regular contact with your conveyancer, estate agent, and lender can help you sidestep common issues.

FAQs

How can digital conveyancing tools make buying a property in the UK faster and easier?

Digital conveyancing tools simplify the property buying process by automating routine tasks and allowing documents to be managed online, cutting down on time-consuming manual work. Buyers can handle applications and paperwork electronically, eliminating the need for frequent in-person meetings and helping to speed things up.

These tools also boost communication and transparency, offering real-time updates that keep everyone involved in the loop. On top of that, they prioritise security, protecting sensitive data and making the entire process smoother and less stressful for buyers across the UK.

Why is it important to get a Mortgage in Principle before starting your property search?

Why Getting a Mortgage in Principle Matters

Securing a Mortgage in Principle (MIP) before diving into your property search can be a game-changer. It gives you a clear picture of how much you’re likely able to borrow, allowing you to focus on homes that fit your budget. This means less wasted time and more realistic options to consider.

But it’s not just about budgeting. A MIP shows sellers and estate agents that you’re serious about buying. It can give you an edge in negotiations, making you stand out compared to buyers who haven’t taken this step. Plus, once your offer is accepted, having a MIP can streamline the mortgage application process, helping to avoid unnecessary delays.

Why should I arrange property surveys early, and which ones are most suitable?

Arranging property surveys as early as possible is a smart move to spot any potential issues with the property before contracts are exchanged. This step not only helps to prevent delays but also puts you in a better position to renegotiate the price or request repairs if major problems come to light. Surveys are usually conducted within 1–3 weeks of your offer being accepted, ensuring the process moves along smoothly.

The type of survey you’ll need depends on the property’s condition and age. For newer or well-maintained homes, a Condition Report is often sufficient. If the property is older, a Homebuyer Report provides a more thorough inspection. For properties with considerable age or structural concerns, a Building Survey offers the most in-depth analysis.