It's one of the questions we hear most often:
"Why is everything taking so long?"
When you've accepted an offer and you're ready to move, it's natural to hope that everything will progress quickly.
The reality is that buying and selling property involves many different people, organisations and legal processes. Whilst some transactions complete within a matter of weeks, others take longer because everyone involved has to reach the same point before the sale can move forward.
Waiting can be frustrating, but it doesn't always mean that something has gone wrong.
The Short Answer
Property transactions involve many different people working towards the same goal.
Your conveyancer can only progress your sale as quickly as the information becomes available.
Delays are often caused by factors outside your conveyancer's control, such as waiting for search results, mortgage offers, replies from third parties or other transactions within the property chain.
The Explanation
Every property transaction is unique.
Some progress quickly because the paperwork is straightforward, there is no chain and everyone responds promptly.
Others naturally take longer because more information is required or additional parties become involved.
For example, your transaction may depend on:
- The buyer's mortgage lender issuing a mortgage offer.
- The buyer's survey identifying further questions.
- Replies to legal enquiries.
- Leasehold information from managing agents or landlords.
- Search results.
- A management company providing information.
- Other buyers and sellers within the property chain.
- Local authorities or third-party organisations.
- HM Land Registry applications or title issues.
Your conveyancer continues working on your file throughout the transaction, even when it may appear that nothing is happening.
Sometimes progress is visible.
Sometimes it's happening behind the scenes.
Common Questions
Has something gone wrong if it's taking longer than expected?
Not necessarily.
Many transactions simply take longer because information is still being gathered or other parties are progressing their own part of the transaction.
Why does it seem quiet for days or weeks?
Some stages involve waiting for replies from other organisations or professionals.
During this time, your conveyancer will continue reviewing information as it arrives and progressing anything that can be dealt with.
Can my conveyancer make other people respond more quickly?
Your conveyancer will chase outstanding information where appropriate, but they can't control how quickly third parties respond.
Can I do anything to help?
Yes.
Returning documents promptly, responding to requests for information and keeping your conveyancer informed of any changes can all help avoid unnecessary delays.
Top Tip
Whenever you receive a request from your conveyancer, try to respond as soon as you reasonably can.
Even small delays in returning documents or answering questions can sometimes affect the overall progress of the transaction.
Did You Know?
Even the simplest property transaction may involve dozens of different people and organisations working together before contracts can be exchanged.
Common Misconception
"Nothing is happening because I haven't heard from my conveyancer."
Not necessarily.
Much of a conveyancer's work happens behind the scenes—reviewing documents, raising enquiries, speaking with other professionals and waiting for information that allows the next stage of the transaction to begin.
The MA Lawyers Approach
At MA Lawyers, we know that waiting can often be the most difficult part of selling a property.
We'll continue progressing every aspect of your transaction that we can, review information as it arrives and keep in touch whenever there's meaningful progress or we need something from you.
Our focus is always on moving your sale forward wherever possible, whilst recognising that some parts of the process depend on other people and organisations.
Related Articles
- Why Can't My Conveyancer Tell Me When We'll Complete?
- What Enquiries Will the Buyer's Conveyancer Raise?
- What Happens If I Have a Mortgage?
- When Will I Receive My Sale Proceeds?