How Long Does Conveyancing Take? Timeline and Tips

Buying your first home is a big achievement—and it’s natural to feel excited, nervous, and maybe even a little overwhelmed. One part of the journey that often confuses first-time homebuyers is conveyancing—specifically, how long it actually takes.

In this friendly and easy-to-follow guide, we’ll break down the conveyancing process, the expected timeline, what might cause delays, and how to make the process smoother. Let’s take the stress out of this crucial step in your property transfer.

What Is Conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from the seller to the buyer. It begins once your offer is accepted and ends on settlement day, when the property officially becomes yours.

Whether you’re purchasing your dream home or selling an investment property, conveyancing ensures the legal side of things is handled properly—so there are no unpleasant surprises down the track.

You’ll usually hire a licensed conveyancer or property solicitor to handle this on your behalf.

Why Conveyancing Matters in Home Buying

Think of conveyancing as your legal safety net. It helps ensure:

The seller legally owns the property
The property title is clear of debts or disputes
All legal documents are correctly prepared and filed
Your ownership is officially recorded with the land registry
Financial settlements and adjustments (like council rates) are accurate

Without it, your purchase could fall through—or worse, result in legal issues after moving in.

Key Stages of the Conveyancing Process

Here’s a simplified look at the major steps involved in the conveyancing process:

📝 1. Pre-Contract Stage

Your conveyancer reviews the contract of sale
Property searches are ordered (title, zoning, council rates, etc.)
Any conditions are added (e.g. subject to finance or inspection)

🖊️ 2. Exchange of Contracts

Both buyer and seller sign identical copies of the contract
A deposit (usually 10%) is paid
The contract becomes legally binding

🧊 3. Cooling-Off Period

In most Australian states, buyers have 2–5 business days to cancel the contract (with a small penalty)

📋 4. Pre-Settlement Stage

The mortgage is finalized
Final property inspection is conducted
Adjustments (rates, taxes) are calculated
Legal documents are signed and submitted

🏡 5. Settlement Day

The remaining funds are transferred to the seller
The title is officially transferred to the buyer
You get the keys to your new home!

What Documents Are Involved in Conveyancing?

Whether you’re buying or selling, these documents play a critical role:

See more: How to Find the Best Online Wills Service for Your Needs

Contract of Sale – Outlines terms and conditions of the sale
Vendor Disclosure Statement (e.g., Section 32 in VIC) – Discloses legal info about the property
Certificate of Title – Proves ownership and lists any restrictions or mortgages
Transfer of Land – Transfers ownership to the buyer
Mortgage Documents – Finalize your home loan
Settlement Statement – A breakdown of what each party owes or receives

Your conveyancer will manage these, but it’s helpful to understand what’s happening behind the scenes.

How Long Does Conveyancing Take?

⏳ Standard Conveyancing Timeline: 4 to 8 Weeks

In most cases, the entire conveyancing process takes between 4 to 8 weeks from the time an offer is accepted until settlement is complete.

Here’s a breakdown of what that timeline looks like:

Stage	Time Estimate
Pre-contract review	1–3 days
Searches and checks	1–2 weeks
Mortgage approval (if needed)	2–4 weeks
Exchange of contracts	1–2 days
Cooling-off period (optional)	2–5 business days
Pre-settlement adjustments	1 week
Settlement	Agreed date (usually 4–8 weeks from signing)

⏱️ What Can Cause Delays?

Lender delays in approving finance
Missing or incorrect documents
Title issues or disputes
Outstanding rates or land tax
Unforeseen inspection findings
Public holidays or bank closures

💡 Tip: Communicate regularly with your conveyancer and lender to avoid last-minute surprises.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Conveyancing

Here are a few common slip-ups you’ll want to steer clear of:

❌ Signing a contract before it’s reviewed
❌ Not budgeting for stamp duty or other fees
❌ Delaying document returns
❌ Skipping building or pest inspections
❌ Not confirming your settlement funds in advance

Choosing the Right Conveyancer

Choosing the right conveyancer can make a huge difference in how smoothly and quickly your transaction goes.

✅ Look for:

Licensing in your state or territory
Clear communication and regular updates
Transparent fees with no hidden charges
Good reviews or personal recommendations
Experience with your type of property (residential, strata, off-the-plan)

📌 Ask Questions Like:

“How will you keep me informed?”
“What’s your turnaround time on contract reviews?”
“Is your fee fixed or hourly?”

Final Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

📋 Get your loan pre-approved early
📆 Choose a realistic settlement period—don’t rush it
📞 Stay in touch with your conveyancer and check in weekly
🧾 Read all documents carefully (and ask questions!)
🛠️ Don’t skip the final inspection before settlement

Buying a home is exciting, but it’s also a legal transaction—and conveyancing is what makes it official.

Conclusion: Be Prepared and Stay Informed

So, how long does conveyancing take? On average, about 4–8 weeks—but with the right team, good communication, and a bit of preparation, the process can be smooth and stress-free.

🎯 Still unsure about the timeline for your property transfer?
Drop your questions in the comments or speak with a trusted local conveyancer today. They’ll guide you every step of the way—so you can focus on what really matters: your new home.