Head of Residential Conveyancing, Nicole Byrne explains why residential conveyancing is sometimes delayed, and how to speed it up.
Buying or selling a home should be an exciting milestone, but the conveyancing process can sometimes feel slow and frustrating. Many of the delays people experience are avoidable with the right preparation and professional support. Understanding the common causes of hold-ups and how to address them can make the journey to completion far smoother.
- Late Instruction of Solicitors
One of the most frequent causes of delay is waiting too long to appoint a conveyancer. Until a solicitor is formally instructed, they cannot begin essential tasks such as ID checks, gathering title documents, or preparing the contract pack. If this only happens after an offer is accepted, the transaction starts behind schedule.
How to speed it up: Instruct a solicitor as early as possible, ideally when you list your property or begin viewing homes. Completing initial forms promptly helps your solicitor get the file moving without delay.
- Missing or Incomplete Documentation
Sellers often discover too late that they are missing key documents such as planning permissions, building regulation certificates, warranties, or FENSA certificates. Leasehold properties add further complexity, as management packs can take several weeks to arrive.
How to speed it up: Gather all relevant paperwork before marketing the property. If anything is missing, apply for replacements early. For leasehold properties, request the management pack as soon as a sale is agreed.
- Search Delays
Local authority search times vary significantly across the country. Some councils return results within days, while others take several weeks. Additional searches, such as environmental or drainage reports, can add further time.
How to speed it up: Order searches as soon as the buyer’s solicitor is instructed. Regulated (personal) searches are often quicker and accepted by most lenders.
- Mortgage Processing Issues
Lenders require valuations, affordability checks, and underwriting. Missing documents, slow responses, or changes in financial circumstances can all cause delays. Buyers without an agreement in principle (AIP) may face additional hurdles.
How to speed it up: Secure an AIP before offering. Provide all financial documents promptly and avoid major financial changes during the process. A mortgage broker can help streamline communication with lenders.
- Survey or Search Findings
If surveys reveal structural issues, damp, roof problems, or boundary concerns, negotiations can stall while parties seek specialist reports or renegotiate the price.
How to speed it up: Book surveys early and respond quickly to any issues raised. Sellers may benefit from a pre-sale survey to identify potential problems in advance.
- Leasehold Complexities
Leasehold transactions involve freeholders, managing agents, service charge accounts, and compliance certificates. These third parties often work slowly and charge fees, creating additional friction.
How to speed things up: Request management information early and keep pressure on managing agents. Buyers should review lease terms promptly, especially ground rent clauses.
- Why Choosing the Right Solicitor Matters
Not all conveyancers work at the same pace or standard. An overstretched or inexperienced solicitor can introduce delays through slow communication, missed details, or outdated processes. A proactive, well-organised solicitor can keep the entire chain aligned and resolve issues before they escalate.
How Hughes Solicitors Can Help
By choosing Hughes Solicitors you will receive support from a qualified conveyancing lawyer with strong communication habits, modern systems, relevant experience, local knowledge and positive reviews. The right solicitor doesn’t just process paperwork, they drive the transaction forward. Here at Hughes we can do just that for you.
For further information and advice please contact Nicole Byrne.