Residential Conveyancer Numbers Fall by Over 2,000 Since 2021
UKPulse Property Desk
The number of residential property solicitors in England and Wales has decreased by more than 2,000 since the end of 2021, with 10,724 practising in January 2026.
- There were 10,724 residential conveyancing solicitors in England and Wales in January 2026.
- This figure is over 2,000 lower than at the end of 2021.
- The average time to exchange property sales was approximately 123 days in 2025.
The number of solicitors practising residential conveyancing in England and Wales has seen a significant decline. According to the IRN UK Residential Conveyancing Market Report 2026, there were 10,724 such solicitors in January 2026, a reduction of over 2,000 since the end of 2021.
This decrease in conveyancer numbers comes as separate data from TwentyCi indicates lengthy transaction times. In 2025, the average time for a property sale to reach exchange was approximately 123 days, though this varied by region and transaction.
The conveyancing sector is also facing increased workloads and additional compliance requirements. Changes since April 2025 include tighter anti-money laundering rules, new TA6 and TA7 property forms, and revised regulations. Concerns are growing regarding the sector's capacity to efficiently process property sales.
Why this matters: The decline in residential conveyancing solicitors and increased workloads could impact the efficiency of property sales, potentially leading to longer transaction times.
What this means for you: If you are involved in a property sale or purchase, you may experience longer transaction times due to the reduced number of conveyancers and increased workloads in the sector.