The Short Answer
Every property transaction is different, so there is no standard list of enquiries.
The buyer's conveyancer will review the contract papers, title documents, property information forms and any search results before raising enquiries. Their aim is to clarify any matters that could affect the buyer's decision to proceed or their future ownership of the property.
Enquiries are a normal and expected part of the conveyancing process and should not be seen as an indication that there is a problem with your property.
Why Are Enquiries Raised?
The buyer's conveyancer has a duty to investigate the property on behalf of their client and, where applicable, their mortgage lender.
If anything is unclear, missing or requires further explanation, enquiries will be raised to obtain additional information before Exchange of Contracts.
This helps ensure the buyer has a clear understanding of the property they are purchasing.
What Types of Enquiries Might Be Asked?
The enquiries raised will depend on your property and the information already provided.
Common examples include:
- Clarification of answers given in the Property Information Forms.
- Copies of planning permissions or Building Regulations approvals.
- Guarantees, warranties or certificates.
- Details of alterations or improvements.
- Rights of way or shared access arrangements.
- Boundary queries.
- Information about disputes or notices affecting the property.
- Leasehold information, including service charges and managing agents where applicable.
Not every property will require the same enquiries.
Why Are There So Many Questions?
Many enquiries are simply requests for clarification or supporting documents.
For example, if you've mentioned an extension in the Property Information Form, the buyer's conveyancer may ask for the relevant planning permission or Building Regulations approval.
Similarly, if a guarantee or certificate is referred to, they may ask for a copy.
The more complete the information provided at the outset, the fewer additional enquiries may be needed.
What If I Don't Know the Answer?
Don't worry.
If you're unsure about an enquiry, tell your conveyancer.
We'll discuss the question with you and advise how best to respond. It's always better to explain that you don't know than to guess or provide inaccurate information.
Do I Have to Answer Every Enquiry?
Your conveyancer will review every enquiry received and advise you on the appropriate response.
Some enquiries can be answered from the documents already available, while others may require information from you or a third party.
If an enquiry is unnecessary or has already been answered by the documentation provided, your conveyancer will deal with it accordingly.
Can Enquiries Delay My Sale?
Sometimes.
The time taken to answer enquiries often depends on how quickly information or documents can be obtained.
Responding promptly to your conveyancer and providing any requested paperwork as soon as possible can help your transaction continue to progress.
Top Tip
If you have planning permissions, Building Regulations approvals, guarantees, warranties or other property documents, provide them to your conveyancer as early as possible.
Having this information available from the outset can often reduce the need for further enquiries later in the transaction.
In Practice...
Many sellers become concerned when they receive a long list of enquiries.
In reality, this is entirely normal. Some enquiries are straightforward requests for documents, while others simply clarify information already provided. Your conveyancer will review each enquiry carefully, advise you on what is required and prepare the appropriate replies on your behalf.
Common Misconception
"A long list of enquiries means there's something wrong with my property."
Not at all.
Some properties require only a few enquiries, while others require many more. The number of enquiries usually reflects the nature of the property, the documents available and the buyer's individual circumstances rather than indicating that there is a problem.
Did You Know?
Many enquiries can be answered before they are even asked.
Providing completed property information forms, together with any relevant guarantees, certificates and supporting documents at the beginning of your transaction, can often reduce the need for further enquiries and help your sale progress more efficiently.