How Long Does Conveyancing Take?

One of the first questions buyers and sellers ask is how long the whole thing will take. The honest answer is that it depends, but most transactions follow a fairly predictable timeline.

In Queensland and the ACT, conveyancing is handled by a solicitor or law firm rather than a licensed conveyancer. In the other states and territories you can use either.

The short answer

For a standard purchase or sale, conveyancing usually runs over the settlement period agreed in the contract, which is commonly 30 to 90 days, with 42 days (six weeks) being a very common middle ground. The conveyancer’s work happens across that window.

What sets the timeline

The settlement period is negotiated and written into the contract of sale. It is the time between signing and the day the property changes hands. Both sides agree on it, so it can be shorter or longer depending on what suits the buyer and seller.

What happens during that time

Your conveyancer is working through the steps the whole way:

• Reviewing the contract and any special conditions.
• Running title and property searches.
• Coordinating with your lender so finance is ready.
• Calculating rate adjustments.
• Booking and completing settlement.

If you want the full picture of the journey, see our property buying process guide.

What can speed it up

• Finance ready early. Loan approval is the most common bottleneck, so the sooner it is sorted, the smoother things run.
• Electronic settlement. Most settlements now happen on an online platform, which is faster and more reliable than the old paper process.
• A responsive conveyancer. Someone who chases searches and answers quickly keeps momentum.
• Engaging your conveyancer early. Lining one up before you sign saves days at the start.

What can slow it down

• Finance approval being delayed or falling through.
• A condition in the contract not being met on time.
• An issue found in the searches, such as an unexpected notice on the title.
• A long settlement period that both parties agreed to in the first place.

Can you settle faster?

Sometimes. If both sides agree, a shorter settlement is possible, but it puts pressure on finance and searches being ready. A quick settlement is easier when you have a conveyancer engaged early and your loan is close to formal approval.

The takeaway

Plan for roughly four to twelve weeks from contract to settlement for a standard transaction, and treat finance as the thing most likely to set the pace. Getting a conveyancer involved before you sign is the single best way to avoid delays.

Ready to get started? Tell us about your property and we will connect you with licensed conveyancers who can quote.

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This guide is general information, not legal advice. Convey Connect connects you with licensed conveyancers and property solicitors who provide advice and services directly. Browse more guides.