Buying or selling a home can be an exciting and stressful time. It’s a big decision that involves a lot of paperwork, legal processes, and negotiations. Conveyancing is a critical aspect of buying or selling a property in the UK, and it can sometimes be the cause of delays in the process.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to handle conveyancing delays when selling your home.

Here is our checklist for to make sure you don’t run into a conveyancing delay.

Tip	Checklist
Choose the right conveyancer	☐ Research and compare conveyancers ☐ Check reviews and references ☐ Choose a reputable conveyancer with local experience
Provide complete and accurate information	☐ Gather and organize all necessary documents ☐ Ensure information is accurate and up-to-date ☐ Provide information promptly to your conveyancer
Be proactive in the process	☐ Stay informed about the progress of the sale ☐ Respond to requests from your conveyancer promptly ☐ Be proactive in resolving any issues that arise
Communicate regularly with your conveyancer	☐ Maintain open and clear communication ☐ Ask questions when you don’t understand something ☐ Keep your conveyancer informed of any changes or updates
Be flexible and open to negotiation	☐ Be willing to compromise on certain aspects of the sale ☐ Consider alternative solutions to issues that arise ☐ Maintain a positive and cooperative attitude
Provide necessary documents promptly	☐ Understand what documents are required ☐ Gather and provide documents promptly ☐ Ensure documents are accurate and complete
Stay organized	☐ Keep track of important dates and deadlines ☐ Organize documents and paperwork ☐ Maintain a clear record of all communication
Get legal advice if needed	☐ Seek legal advice if you’re experiencing significant delays ☐ Consider consulting with a solicitor or licensed conveyancer ☐ Understand your rights and responsibilities in the sale
Consider using a reputable conveyancer	☐ Choose a conveyancer with a good reputation ☐ Look for a conveyancer with local experience ☐ Ask for references or reviews from previous clients
Be prepared for unexpected delays	☐ Understand that delays are common in the conveyancing process ☐ Be prepared for unexpected issues or complications ☐ Maintain a patient and positive attitude throughout the process

What is Conveyancing?

Before we delve into the topic of conveyancing delays, let’s first define what conveyancing is. Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring the ownership of a property from the seller to the buyer. It’s a complex process that involves a lot of legal paperwork and checks, and it’s typically carried out by a conveyancing solicitor or licensed conveyancer.

The conveyancing process can be broken down into three main stages:

1. Pre-contract stage – this is when the buyer and seller agree to the terms of the sale, and the conveyancer carries out legal searches and enquiries on the property.
2. Exchange of contracts – this is when both parties sign the contract and agree to the sale, and the buyer pays a deposit.
3. Completion – this is when the remaining balance is paid, and the property ownership is transferred from the seller to the buyer.

Common Causes of Conveyancing Delays

There are several reasons why conveyancing delays can occur. Some of the most common causes of conveyancing delays include:

1. Slow legal searches and enquiries – The conveyancer needs to carry out legal searches and enquiries on the property to check for any issues that could affect the sale. These searches can take several weeks to complete, and delays can occur if there are any complications or if the local authority is slow to respond.
2. Issues with the property – If there are any issues with the property, such as disputes with neighbours or planning permission problems, it can delay the conveyancing process.
3. Issues with the mortgage – If the buyer is using a mortgage to purchase the property, delays can occur if there are issues with the mortgage application, such as the lender needing additional paperwork or taking longer to process the application.
4. Chain issues – If the sale is part of a chain, where multiple properties are being bought and sold, delays can occur if there are issues with any of the other properties in the chain.

How to Handle Conveyancing Delays When Selling Your Home

If you’re selling your home and experiencing conveyancing delays, it can be frustrating and stressful. However, there are steps you can take to help move the process along and minimise any further delays.

1. Communicate with your conveyancer – The first step is to stay in regular communication with your conveyancer. Ask for regular updates on the progress of the sale and if there are any issues that need to be addressed.
2. Be proactive – If there are any issues with the property or mortgage, be proactive in resolving them. Speak to your conveyancer and take any necessary steps to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
3. Stay calm – It’s important to stay calm and patient during the conveyancing process. Delays are common, and getting angry or frustrated won’t help move the process along any faster.
4. Consider switching conveyancers – If you’re experiencing significant delays and feel that your conveyancer isn’t making progress, it may be worth considering switching to a new conveyancer. However, be aware that this can cause further delays and should only be considered as a last resort.
5. Be flexible – If there are issues with the chain, it may be worth considering being flexible with the completion date. This can help keep the chain moving and reduce the risk of further delays.
6. Keep copies of important documents – Make sure you keep copies of all the important documents related to the sale, such as the contract and any legal paperwork. This can help you stay on top of the process and ensure that everything is being handled correctly.
7. Stay organised – Keep track of all the important dates and deadlines related to the sale. This can help you stay organised and ensure that everything is progressing as it should.
8. Get legal advice – If you’re experiencing significant delays or feel that the conveyancing process is becoming overly complicated, it may be worth seeking legal advice. A solicitor or licensed conveyancer can help you understand your rights and ensure that everything is being handled correctly.
9. Consider using a reputable conveyancer – Choosing the right conveyancer is important when it comes to avoiding delays. Look for a reputable conveyancer with experience in your local area, and don’t be afraid to ask for references or reviews from previous clients.
10. Be prepared for unexpected delays – Finally, it’s important to remember that delays are a common part of the conveyancing process. While you can take steps to minimise the risk of delays, it’s always worth being prepared for the unexpected.

In Conclusion

Conveyancing delays can be frustrating and stressful when selling your home, but there are steps you can take to help move the process along. Communication with your conveyancer, staying proactive, and being flexible can all help keep the sale moving forward. Additionally, staying organised, getting legal advice, and choosing the right conveyancer can all help you avoid delays and ensure that the sale goes smoothly.

Remember, selling your home is a significant decision, and it’s important to take the time to find the right buyer and ensure that everything is handled correctly. By following these tips and being patient, you can help ensure a successful and stress-free sale.