One of the most common questions in NSW property transactions is, “How long will conveyancing take?” The answer varies, but the process generally spans four to six weeks. Several factors influence this timeline, from financing to property searches. This blog outlines each stage of conveyancing, with tips to help you complete your transaction more efficiently.

1. Pre-Contract Stage: The first phase includes contract review, property searches, and any inspections. This stage typically lasts one to two weeks, as your conveyancer ensures the contract is fair and that there are no surprises with the property.
2. Offer to Acceptance: After an offer is accepted, there’s usually a five-day cooling-off period. During this time, you can conduct further inspections or review additional details. Note that there’s no cooling-off period for auction purchases, which requires additional preparation.
3. Exchange to Settlement: Once the cooling-off period ends, and the contract is signed, there is usually a four-week period until settlement. During this time, your conveyancer handles final searches, financing, and preparations for the property transfer.

Tips to Speed It Up:

• Hire a conveyancer early: The sooner you engage a conveyancer, the faster you can handle the initial steps.
• Have pre-approved financing: Delays often come from last-minute financing issues, so have your financing arranged early.
• Complete inspections and searches quickly: Schedule inspections and necessary searches right away to avoid bottlenecks.

While conveyancing usually takes four to six weeks, you can expedite the process by being proactive and organised. With a conveyancer’s help and timely preparation, you can help ensure your transaction proceeds smoothly and within the anticipated timeline.