Our purchase target: 4–8 weeks — and when it starts
For purchases, our service aims for 4–8 weeks from the day your solicitor receives the complete contract pack from the seller’s solicitor. The clock does not start when you request a quote or instruct.
It is a target, not a guarantee. It applies to purchases only: we don’t set a timescale for sales or remortgages, because those depend heavily on other parties.
The stages of a purchase
- Quote and instruction. You compare costs and decide whether to instruct. The law firm completes its onboarding checks.
- Contract pack received. The seller’s solicitor sends the draft contract, title documents and property forms.
- Searches and enquiries. Your solicitor orders searches, reviews the title and raises questions with the seller’s solicitor.
- Mortgage offer. If you’re borrowing, your lender issues its offer and your solicitor checks its conditions.
- Report and signing. Your solicitor reports to you and you sign the contract and transfer.
- Exchange. Contracts are exchanged and the completion date becomes binding.
- Completion. Funds are transferred, keys released and the purchase is registered.
Selling: what affects timing
Your solicitor issues the contract pack once the required documents and onboarding checks are complete — so returning forms quickly helps. After that, timing depends on the buyer’s solicitor, the buyer’s mortgage and searches, and the chain.
Common causes of delay
- Chains — every linked transaction must be ready to exchange together.
- Leasehold information — management packs from freeholders or managing agents can take time.
- Searches — local authority turnaround varies.
- Enquiries and title issues — missing paperwork or unusual title matters need resolving.
- Lender requirements — valuation, offer conditions or gifted deposit checks.
- Availability of parties — everyone needs to be ready on the same date.
How you can help keep things moving
- Have your identity documents ready and complete onboarding promptly.
- Return forms and answer questions as quickly as you can.
- Arrange your mortgage in principle early, and tell your solicitor about any gifted deposit.
- Ask before booking removals: don’t rely on a date until contracts are exchanged.