Can I complete in 7 days?

Yes, if the title is clean, you're not in a leasehold or probate scenario, and searches are done via a regulated personal search. Standard cases complete in 14–21 days.

Do I need a solicitor for a cash sale?

Yes. Only a regulated solicitor or licensed conveyancer can transfer legal title in England and Wales.

Who pays the legal fees?

With a reputable cash buyer, they do — up to an agreed cap. Always confirm this in writing before instructing.

How Long Does Conveyancing Take on a Cash Sale?

A realistic week-by-week timeline for a UK cash sale, and the five things that most often slow it down.

Typical cash-sale timeline

A cash sale with no mortgage, no chain and a well-prepared file completes in 7–21 days. Here is the realistic week-by-week breakdown.

Days 1–2: Offer and acceptance

Buyer inspects, agrees written offer
Memorandum of sale issued to both solicitors
Buyer proves funds (bank statement, source of funds)

Days 3–5: Instruction and searches

Seller signs terms of engagement and returns ID
Local authority search ordered (usually 5–10 working days in England, longer in some Welsh councils)
Draft contract and title pack sent to buyer's solicitor

Days 6–10: Enquiries

Buyer's solicitor raises pre-contract enquiries
Seller returns TA6 (Property Information), TA10 (Fittings & Contents) and, if leasehold, TA7
Any indemnity insurance policies (missing FENSA, unpermitted works) are agreed

Days 11–14: Exchange

Contract signed by both sides
Deposit sent (often not required in cash-buyer purchases)
Completion date fixed

Day of completion

Purchase monies sent by CHAPS in the morning
Keys released to buyer's solicitor once funds arrive
Any redemption of your mortgage is done on the same day

The five most common delays

Slow local authority search — Cornwall, Ceredigion, Powys and some London boroughs can take 3+ weeks. A personal search (regulated by the Search Code) is usually accepted and cuts this to 48 hours.
Missing paperwork — no FENSA for windows, no gas safety certificate for a recent boiler swap, no building regs sign-off for a loft or extension.
Leasehold management pack — freeholders and managing agents legally have 30 days and often take all of them.
Probate not yet granted — you cannot exchange contracts before grant is issued (typically 8–16 weeks from application).
Unknown charges on the title — old bankruptcy entry, historic second charge, restrictive covenant needing indemnity.

What sellers can do this week to shave 7 days

Order your title from HM Land Registry (£3) and share it with your solicitor immediately
Gather FENSA / EICR / gas / building-regs certificates in one folder
If leasehold, request the management pack before the buyer's solicitor asks for it
Complete TA6 and TA10 on day one instead of waiting for enquiries
Sign your solicitor's ID checks online the day you're instructed

Our commitment

Quick Sales UK covers your legal fees, uses solicitors who commit to a 7-day target where the file allows, and does not tie you to a specific firm — you're free to use your own conveyancer.