Conveyancing blamed as NUMBER 1 reason of property sales delays
Having an offer accepted on a property should feel like a major milestone. But getting from “offer accepted” to “completion” can sometimes feel like a very different story. New research suggests that conveyancing is now seen by many homebuyers as one of the biggest obstacles to a smooth property transaction — even more so than property chains.
For anyone who has bought or sold a home, this may not come as a huge surprise. Conveyancing involves a considerable amount of legal work, documentation, searches, enquiries and communication between multiple parties.
However, while the legal process itself can be complex, the research highlights another important issue: communication.
When buyers and sellers don't know what is happening, who is waiting for whom, or when the next stage is likely to be completed, the moving process can quickly become stressful.
For estate agents working closely with buyers, sellers, mortgage brokers and conveyancers, effective communication is therefore a crucial part of keeping a transaction moving.
Conveyancing Identified as a Major Obstacle
Research commissioned by Lyons Bowe found that 42% of respondents identified conveyancing as the biggest barrier to a smooth property transaction.
That compares with 19% who identified property chains as the biggest obstacle.
The figures are particularly interesting because property chains have traditionally been associated with delays and uncertainty.
A chain can involve several linked transactions, meaning one delay further down the chain can potentially affect everyone above it.
However, the research suggests that buyers are increasingly experiencing the conveyancing process itself as a significant source of frustration. This doesn't necessarily mean that conveyancers are responsible for every delay. Buying a property involves numerous moving parts, and conveyancers rely on information and responses from buyers, sellers, estate agents, mortgage lenders, managing agents, local authorities and other professionals.
Nevertheless, the findings highlight how important it is for everyone involved to communicate effectively.
Communication Could Be the Key to a Smoother Sale
One of the clearest findings from the research is the importance buyers place on communication.
Almost a quarter — 23% — blamed slow communication between buyers' and sellers' conveyancers for delays during the legal process.
For anyone waiting to exchange contracts or complete, a lack of communication can be particularly frustrating.
- You may have supplied everything requested from you.
- Your mortgage may be ready.
- The survey may have been completed.
- Your property may be packed into boxes.
- And yet, you may still be waiting for an update.
Who Is Responsible for Keeping a Sale Moving?
The research also looked at who buyers believe has the greatest influence over whether a property transaction progresses smoothly.
Almost 49% said conveyancers have the greatest influence.
However, 33% said that no single party carries responsibility, believing instead that everyone involved needs to work together effectively.
From an estate agent's perspective, this second point is particularly important.
- A property transaction is a team effort.
- The buyer has responsibilities.
- The seller has responsibilities.
- The estate agent has a role to play.
- The conveyancers need to progress the legal work.
- Mortgage advisers and lenders may need to provide information.
- Surveyors may need to complete inspections.
- Managing agents may need to supply documents for leasehold properties.
- Local authorities and other third parties may also be involved.
When everyone communicates and responds promptly, a transaction has a much better chance of progressing efficiently. When communication breaks down, even a relatively straightforward sale can become unnecessarily complicated.
Buyers Want Faster Responses
The research also explored what could have improved people's most recent property transactions.
24% said faster responses from and between conveyancers would have made a difference.
A further 20% wanted better communication between all parties involved.
Meanwhile, 17% said earlier access to legal and property information would have helped.
These findings highlight a common theme.
Buyers don't necessarily expect the legal process to be instant. They understand that buying a property involves checks, searches and legal requirements. What they want is clarity.
They want to know:
- What stage is the purchase at?
- What is currently outstanding?
- Who is waiting for information?
- What happens next?
- Is there anything they need to provide?
- Are there any issues that could affect the transaction?
- When might the next milestone be reached?
Why Visibility Matters During a Property Transaction
Another interesting finding from the research was the lack of visibility buyers experience during conveyancing.
Around 42% said they had the least visibility during the conveyancing stage.
This can be difficult for buyers because the legal process often takes place behind the scenes.
Unlike a property viewing, where you can physically see the house, or a mortgage application, where you may be able to track an application, conveyancing can sometimes feel like a black box.
- Documents are being reviewed.
- Searches are being carried out.
- Legal enquiries are being raised.
- Information is being requested.
- Responses are being chased.
- But the buyer may not see any of this happening.
Could Conveyancing Be Simpler?
Almost 23% of those surveyed said they would shorten and simplify the conveyancing process to improve the homebuying experience.
Of course, conveyancing cannot simply be reduced to a quick checklist.
There are important legal protections involved in purchasing a property, and the process needs to identify potential issues before a buyer commits to what is usually one of the biggest financial decisions they will make.
Searches, title checks, enquiries and contract work all have an important purpose.
The objective shouldn't necessarily be to remove essential legal checks.
Instead, the focus should be on making the process clearer, more efficient and better coordinated.
That means ensuring information reaches the right people at the right time and that buyers and sellers understand what is happening.
Why the Right Conveyancer Matters
Choosing a conveyancer is an important part of the buying or selling process.
The cheapest quote isn't necessarily the best option if communication is poor or if you struggle to get meaningful updates.
Likewise, a conveyancer who understands the importance of working collaboratively with estate agents and other professionals can help make the process easier for everyone involved.
- Professional experience matters.
- Communication matters.
- Responsiveness matters.
- And so does having a clear understanding of what needs to happen at each stage.
As an estate agent, we see first-hand how much difference an organised and communicative conveyancing team can make to a transaction.
What Can Buyers Do to Help Keep Their Purchase Moving?
While many aspects of conveyancing are outside a buyer's direct control, there are several things you can do to help avoid unnecessary delays.
Respond quickly
If your conveyancer requests identification, documents, information or clarification, try to respond as quickly as possible.
Ask questions
If you're unsure what is happening, don't be afraid to ask.
Understanding the current stage of the transaction can make it easier to identify what needs to happen next.
Keep your finances organised
Make sure your mortgage application, deposit arrangements and other financial requirements are progressing.
Stay in contact
Don't disappear after instructing your conveyancer. Regular communication can help keep everyone aligned.
Choose professional support carefully
Your conveyancer is an important part of the property-buying team, so take the time to understand who will be handling your transaction and how they communicate with clients.
Sellers Have a Role to Play Too
Conveyancing isn't just a buyer's concern. Sellers can also help keep transactions moving.
Providing documents promptly, responding to questions and keeping your conveyancer informed can all help prevent unnecessary delays.
If you're selling a leasehold property, for example, there may be additional documentation required.
Being prepared before putting your property on the market can therefore be beneficial.
Your estate agent can also help identify potential issues early and keep communication flowing between the different parties involved.
What Role Does an Estate Agent Play?
An estate agent's job doesn't end when an offer is accepted. Sales progression is an important part of the process. Once a sale is agreed, the estate agent can act as a central point of communication between the buyer, seller and other professionals involved.
This can include monitoring progress, identifying potential delays, communicating updates and chasing outstanding information where appropriate. While an estate agent cannot control every part of the legal process, good sales progression can help ensure that issues are identified rather than left unnoticed.
The aim is simple:
Keep everyone informed, keep communication moving and help the transaction progress towards exchange and completion.
We Work With Tried and Tested Conveyancers
We understand that our clients want their property transaction to progress as smoothly as possible.
That's why we work with tried and tested conveyancers who understand the importance of communication, professionalism and keeping transactions moving.
If you're looking for a conveyancer and want to prioritise a speedy and well-managed process without compromising on quality, speak to us.
We can help connect you with professionals we have experience working alongside.
Final Thoughts
Buying a home should be an exciting milestone, but the journey from an accepted offer to completion can sometimes be challenging. While conveyancing will always require important legal work and cannot simply be rushed, the experience can be improved when everyone involved communicates effectively and understands their role.
If you'd like to discuss your property plans or would like us to connect you with our conveyancing contacts, call us today on 0121 681 6327.
We're here to help make your next move as straightforward as possible.