Conveyancing isn’t just paperwork—it’s a choreography of people, searches and signatures. In Hampshire, typical transactions complete in 10–16 weeks, but the spread is wide. Here’s what influences timing—and how to keep things moving.
The typical timeline (no chain / simple freehold)
- Offer accepted to memorandum of sale: 1–3 days
- Draft contracts & ID checks: 1–2 weeks
- Searches ordered/returned: 2–5 weeks (coastal/flood/SSSI areas can add checks)
- Mortgage offer issued: 2–4 weeks from application
- Enquiries & replies: 2–4 weeks (can overlap)
- Exchange to completion: 1–2 weeks (sometimes same day)
Leaseholds, listed buildings, private drainage, or complex titles can add time.
Where Hampshire sales slow down
- Searches: Coastal, conservation or rural properties may need additional environmental/drainage scrutiny.
- Surveys: Period homes (Winchester, Romsey, Lymington) often prompt extra specialist reports.
- Chains: One slow leg delays the lot.
- Mortgage admin: Incomplete documents = avoidable drift.
How to speed it up (seller & buyer)
- Instruct solicitors early. Sellers: complete the property information forms (TA6, TA10, TA7 if leasehold) immediately.
- Front-load documents. EPC, FENSA certificates, planning/building regs approvals, boiler service history—have them ready.
- Order searches the day the draft contract arrives. Buyers: don’t wait for “later”.
- Use a responsive lender/broker. Ask about SLA times for underwriting and valuation.
- Get the survey booked early. If you anticipate damp, roofing or timber concerns, line up specialists in parallel.
- Keep comms tight. Weekly update calls (agent + both solicitors) spot stalling enquiries fast.
- Be flexible on completion dates. A little give-and-take can shave weeks in a chain.
Special Hampshire considerations
- Private lanes & rights of way: Common in rural/edge-of-Forest spots—clarify maintenance and legal rights.
- Septic tanks & private treatment plants: Ensure compliance certification and maintenance records.
- Flood/coastal exposure: Factor in insurance quotes early for parts of Lymington, Emsworth, Lee-on-the-Solent.
- Conservation/listed status: Expect more enquiries and evidence.
Final word
A smooth conveyance is 50% prep and 50% proactive chasing. Want a conveyancer who actually answers the phone? Contact us—we’ll introduce you to Hampshire firms known for pace and clarity.