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Exeter Residential Property Market Update: Market Activity, Timelines and the Value of Early Conveyancing Instruction.

Exeter’s residential property market continues to demonstrate steady activity as we progress through 2026, with demand remaining particularly strong in sought‑after areas such as St Leonard’s, Heavitree and Pennsylvania. These neighbourhoods continue to attract a blend of local movers and also buyers relocating from larger cities, drawn by Exeter’s balance of vibrant urban living and proximity to the coast and countryside.

Although the market is active, growth has stabilised following the sharper increases seen in recent years. Buyers are approaching transactions with greater caution and this more measured pace is reflected in the time it takes for sales to progress from offer to completion.

Conveyancing Timelines in Exeter.
Across Devon, the average conveyancing transaction currently takes around 18 weeks. At Rundlewalker, we try our best to complete transactions as quickly as possible as we appreciate that buying and selling houses can be a stressful time, and the deal is never concluded until contracts have been exchanged.

Instructing a local Conveyancer with local knowledge can be crucial to achieving a quick turnaround time from initial instruction, through to exchange and completion.

‘Issues’ that are common in Exeter/Devon include matters such as:
- Flood‑risk considerations near and around the River Exe
- Conservation Area and Listed‑Building restrictions
- Section 157 restrictions

Instructing a Conveyancer who is experienced in dealing with matters such as those above can save our clients precious time and worry during the conveyancing process.

Why Early Instruction Makes a Difference.
A growing industry focus encourages sellers to instruct a Conveyancer at the point of listing their property for sale. This ensures that essential documents and legal information are prepared in advance, reducing the risk of delays once a buyer is found.

At Rundlewalker, we strongly advise both sellers and buyers to appoint a specialist local conveyancing firm as early as possible. For sellers, this means obtaining quotes and choosing who you will instruct as your Conveyancer at the same time as engaging an estate agent. For buyers, it means registering with a Conveyancer as soon as you begin your property search.

Early instruction allows potential issues to be identified and resolved before they can slow the transaction. In a competitive market, this also places buying clients in a stronger position, where readiness to proceed can hugely influence the success of an offer.

Jodie Everard, Rundlewalker’s Head of Conveyancing, offers her perspective on the current Exeter market:
“The Exeter market remains active, but transactions can take longer than many clients expect. The cases that progress most smoothly are those where we have been instructed early, giving us time to prepare the necessary documentation and address any local issues upfront. Early engagement with a specialist Conveyancer is one of the most effective ways to keep a sale or purchase moving in the right direction.”

Supporting Clients Across Exeter.
With ongoing changes in the property sector and increasing scrutiny on legal and compliance matters, the value of experienced local advice has never been clearer. Rundlewalker’s Residential Conveyancing Team continues to support clients across Exeter and the wider Devon area, ensuring transactions progress as efficiently and smoothly as possible.

If you are thinking of moving to Exeter or indeed, are considering moving home within the area, please call us for a no-obligation estimate of our fees. Call us on 01392 209209 or contact us via email at conveyancing@rundlewalker.com

"I recently purchased a retirement flat in Devon using Rundlewalker and cannot recommend their services highly enough. Compared to previous experiences of solicitors' practices they are a class apart. Most highly recommended."

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.