Conveyancing Software: How It Helps Speed Up the Homebuying Process

In 2024, the average completion time for a property sale was 137 days, and for a property purchase, it was 125.

If there’s one thing everyone can agree on when it comes to buying a house, it’s this: it takes ages. Between chasing paperwork, waiting on searches, and trying to get everyone in the chain to actually answer their emails, it’s no wonder the process feels like a slog.

But it doesn’t have to be.

Behind the scenes, law firms are switching to conveyancing software that strips out the bottlenecks, speeds up communication, and makes it easier for everyone to get moving. So while the housing market might always come with a few bumps, the conveyancing bit? That’s getting faster, smarter, and more connected.

Here’s how…

Fewer Forms, More Flow

One of the biggest culprits for delays is paperwork, and not just the forms clients have to fill in, but the internal ones too. From TA6s to onboarding packs to ID checks, every manual process creates another potential slowdown.

Good conveyancing software handles this with digital forms that can be filled out, signed, and returned online. No printers. No “I’ll drop it off at the office when I’m free.” Just clean, instant document exchange that keeps the wheels turning.

For firms, this means less printing, scanning, and chasing. For clients, it’s one less reason to procrastinate.

Hoowla features: Land Registry Forms, The Law Society TA forms, Document Automation

Instant Updates That Keep Everyone on the Same Page

Buyers get nervous when they feel like nothing’s happening. Estate agents call to “check in” three times a week. And solicitors get stuck replying to status update requests instead of actually progressing the case.

This is where automation becomes your best friend.

Conveyancing software can automatically notify clients and agents when milestones are hit… Think: draft contracts issued, searches ordered, mortgage offer received. Everyone gets real-time updates without your team having to lift a finger.

The result? Fewer phone calls, fewer emails, and a whole lot less repetition. Everyone knows what’s happening and when, and that transparency helps build trust.

Hoowla features: Client Portal, Email Integration

Everything in One Place

When files live across inboxes, folders, and people’s heads, things get lost. You forget who chased the buyer’s solicitor. A key document sits in a drafts folder for two days. The sale stalls. Again.

With the right system, every document, message, and task lives in one tidy, secure place. Matter timelines show who did what and when. Tasks are assigned and tracked. Nothing slips through the cracks.

Even better, the whole team can see what’s happening, so if someone’s off for the day, the work keeps moving.

Hoowla features: Conveyancing Software, Case Management, Legal Accounts Software, Completion Packs

Secure, Digital Onboarding

We all know how clunky onboarding can be. Clients miss emails. Documents go unsigned. ID checks get delayed. And before you know it, a whole week’s gone by without the file being opened.

Modern conveyancing platforms speed this up dramatically. Clients can upload ID, fill out property forms, and e-sign terms of engagement all in one go, usually from their phone.

It’s a smoother start for the client, and a faster file open for the firm. Win-win.

Hoowla Features: Conveyancing Onboarding, Quote Calculator

Smarter Searches and Integrations

Ordering property searches doesn’t need to involve logging into a separate portal, downloading files, and re-uploading them to the case. At least, not anymore.

Integrated search ordering means you can request and receive searches directly through your conveyancing software. As soon as they’re back, they’re automatically attached to the file. No copy-pasting. No missed attachments.

It’s all about removing friction, and giving your team more time to focus on the stuff that actually moves the case forward.

Hoowla Features: Integrations, Custom Workflows

The Bottom Line

Conveyancing has a reputation for being slow, but a lot of that comes down to outdated tools and disconnected processes. With the right software, delays become exceptions, not the norm.

You can open files faster, onboard clients more smoothly, keep everyone informed, and cut out a huge amount of admin along the way. That means happier clients, quicker completions, and more capacity for your team to take on work without burning out.

If your firm’s still relying on email chains and spreadsheets to manage the homebuying journey, it might be time for a change. We can help with that.