How long does conveyancing take?

A straightforward house purchase or sale takes around 10–12 weeks from an accepted offer to completion. The timescale can change if there is a property chain, a mortgage delay, a lease issue, or outstanding information.

What happens before I exchange contracts?

Your solicitor checks the title, reviews search results, raises enquiries and confirms that your mortgage arrangements are in place. You should also have the funds needed for completion ready. Once contracts are exchanged, the agreed completion date becomes legally binding.

What are conveyancing disbursements?

Disbursements are payments made to third parties as part of the transaction. They can include search fees, Land Registry fees and Stamp Duty Land Tax where applicable. These costs are separate from your solicitor’s legal fees. Your solicitor should explain which disbursements apply to your transaction and when they need to be paid.

What can delay a property sale?

Missing paperwork can cause problems. For example, a seller may need to provide evidence of planning permission or building regulation approval for previous work.

Can I get a quote before instructing a solicitor?

Yes. Duffield Harrison LLP Solicitors provides residential conveyancing fee information and can give you a more accurate figure after reviewing the details of your transaction.

Conveyancing solicitors consulting with a client about property transaction documents.

Conveyancing solicitors in Enfield

Buying or selling a home involves more than signing a contract. Searches, enquiries, mortgage conditions and property documents all need to be checked before you can exchange contracts. At Duffield Harrison LLP Solicitors, our conveyancing solicitors explain each stage clearly and keep you informed as your transaction progresses.

Buying or selling a home

For buyers, we review the contract and title, arrange relevant searches, raise enquiries with the seller’s solicitor, and guide you through the next steps towards completion. Searches can uncover matters that may not be obvious during a viewing, including planning information and environmental risks. We also check your mortgage offer and explain any conditions that affect the purchase. Before exchange, you should have a clear understanding of the property, the legal title, any outstanding issues and the money required to complete the purchase.

For sellers, we prepare the contract documents and liaise with your mortgage lender as needed. Having documents such as planning permissions or guarantees ready can help prevent avoidable delays.

Our Enfield office provides local clients with a convenient place to speak with their solicitor.

180 years of legal guidance and support

Why choose Duffield Harrison?

Duffield Harrison LLP Solicitors has provided legal services since 1843. Our residential conveyancing team is accredited under the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme, and we provide clear information about fees and disbursements before work begins.

We offer a personal service rather than the high-volume approach associated with some larger conveyancing providers. Our team can handle purchases and related residential property matters.

Looking for solicitors for a property transaction? Contact our Enfield office to discuss your requirements and request a conveyancing quote.

Frequently asked questions

Book your free initial consultation

Contact us or call between 09:00 and 17:30, Monday to Friday, and speak to our team.

Hoddesdon: 01992 442911

Hertford: 01992 587065

Enfield: 020 8804 5271