UK Conveyancing Explained: A 2026 Timeline for Overseas Buyers
Conveyancing is the legal process that transfers UK property ownership, and it's the step most overseas buyers underestimate on timing — it's rarely as fast as the offer-to-keys process feels elsewhere.
This Banke guide walks through what to expect.
How Long It Actually Takes
The commonly quoted range is 8–16 weeks from offer accepted to completion, but the 2026 average is running closer to 16–20 weeks, depending on the complexity of the chain and how quickly searches come back. Build that longer window into your plans rather than the faster headline figure.
The Main Steps
- Appoint a solicitor immediately once your offer is accepted — don't wait, since delays here push everything else back.
- Draft contract exchange: your solicitor requests the draft contract from the seller's solicitor.
- Searches: official enquiries to local authorities, water companies and other bodies to flag issues affecting the property, typically taking 1–4 weeks depending on the local authority.
- Exchange of contracts: roughly three weeks after searches come back, on average, once everything is agreed and funds are ready.
- Completion day: funds transfer between solicitors, the seller usually vacates by midday, and you get the keys mid-afternoon once the seller's solicitor confirms funds received.
What's Different as an Overseas Buyer
Expect extra identity verification and source-of-funds checks from your solicitor and lender under UK anti-money-laundering rules, and factor in time for international wire transfers to clear before completion — ask your solicitor for their specific requirements and timelines for overseas clients early, rather than assuming a domestic buyer's timeline applies to you.
Talk to Banke
Contact Banke for a solicitor referral experienced with international buyers before you make an offer.