Why Is My Conveyancing Taking So Long?

Buying or selling a property can be an exciting milestone, but it can also be frustrating when progress seems slow. One of the most common questions buyers and sellers ask their conveyancer is: “Why is my conveyancing taking so long?”

The reality is that conveyancing involves a number of legal, financial and administrative steps, many of which rely on third parties. While some transactions progress smoothly, others experience delays that can leave buyers and sellers feeling uncertain about what is happening behind the scenes.

In this article, we explain the most common causes of conveyancing delays, what is normal, and what you can do to help keep your transaction moving.

Is It Normal for Conveyancing to Take Several Months?

Every property transaction is different. Factors such as the type of property, whether there is a mortgage involved, the length of the property chain and the responsiveness of third parties can all affect timescales.

A straightforward transaction involving a chain-free property and proactive parties may progress relatively quickly. However, many transactions involve multiple buyers, sellers, lenders, estate agents, freeholders and solicitors. The more parties involved, the greater the potential for delays.

Common Reasons Conveyancing Takes Longer Than Expected

1. Property Chains

One of the biggest causes of delay is the property chain.

A chain exists where multiple transactions are dependent upon one another. For example, your seller may need to buy another property before they can move out. That seller’s purchase may depend on another sale further up the chain.

If any party in the chain experiences delays, everyone else can be affected.

For example, even once the parties have reached the stage of trying to agree a completion date, the process can become more drawn out where there are several linked sales and purchases. Every party in the chain needs to be ready and able to complete on the same date, so the more people involved, the more coordination is required.

BHW Commentary

“Property chains are often the single biggest factor outside a solicitor’s control. Even where legal work is progressing well, a transaction cannot usually complete until the entire chain is ready to move.”

2. Delays with Searches

Property searches are an important part of the conveyancing process. They help identify issues that may affect the property or its future use.

Common searches include:

• Local authority searches
• Drainage and water searches
• Environmental searches
• Mining or location-specific searches

Some local authorities return search results quickly, while others can take considerably longer. Search turnaround times can therefore have a significant impact on the overall transaction timeline.

BHW Commentary

“Searches provide important information that may not be apparent from a viewing or survey. While waiting for searches can be frustrating, they help buyers make informed decisions and avoid unexpected issues after completion.”

3. Mortgage Delays

Where a buyer requires mortgage finance, the lender must complete its own checks before issuing a formal mortgage offer.

Delays can occur because:

• Additional documents are required.
• The lender is experiencing high demand.
• The property valuation identifies issues.
• Further underwriting checks are needed.

A transaction cannot usually proceed to exchange until the mortgage offer has been issued and reviewed.

4. Enquiries Raised by the Buyer’s Solicitor

Once the contract pack is received, the buyer’s solicitor will review the legal documentation and raise enquiries where clarification is required.

Examples may include:

• Missing planning documentation.
• Building regulation approvals.
• Rights of way.
• Boundary issues.
• Guarantees and warranties.
• Leasehold management information.

While enquiries are an important safeguard for buyers, progress depends on how quickly satisfactory answers can be obtained.

BHW Commentary

“Enquiries are not designed to delay a transaction. They help ensure buyers understand exactly what they are purchasing and identify potential risks before becoming legally committed.“

5. Leasehold Properties

Leasehold transactions often take longer than freehold transactions.

Additional information may be required from:

• Managing agents
• Freeholders
• Management companies

Common documents include:

• Management packs
• Service charge information
• Ground rent details
• Building insurance information
• Planned major works information

Obtaining this information can sometimes add several weeks to a transaction.

BHW Commentary

“In our experience, the speed and helpfulness of management companies can vary greatly. Some provide leasehold information quickly and clearly, while others may take longer to respond or require further chasing, which can affect the overall transaction timescale.“

6. Title Issues

Sometimes legal issues affecting the property’s title come to light during the transaction.

Examples include:

• Restrictions on the title
• Missing rights of way
• Unregistered land
• Boundary discrepancies
• Missing documentation

These issues do not necessarily prevent a transaction from proceeding, but they often require further investigation before exchange can take place.

BHW Commentary

“It is not uncommon to come across issues such as a property not having a clear legal right to use a shared driveway or access road. While this may not cause a practical problem where all parties are on good terms, circumstances can change. If the arrangement was challenged in the future, the owner could be left with uncertainty over their ability to access the property.”

7. Source of Funds and Anti-Money Laundering Checks

Solicitors are required to carry out identity verification and source of funds checks.

Buyers may be asked to provide:

• Bank statements
• Evidence of savings
• Gifted deposit documents
• Investment statements
• Probate paperwork

Delays commonly occur when requested information is provided late or incomplete.

BHW Commentary

“Regulatory checks are a mandatory part of the conveyancing process. Providing documentation promptly at the start of a transaction can help minimise avoidable delays later on.”

8. Slow Communication Between Parties

Property transactions involve multiple organisations and individuals.

These may include:

• Buyers
• Sellers
• Estate agents
• Mortgage lenders
• Surveyors
• Managing agents
• Solicitors

If one party takes a long time to respond, progress can slow considerably.

While solicitors can chase outstanding information, they cannot always control third-party response times.

What Can Buyers and Sellers Do to Reduce Delays?

Although some factors are outside your control, there are several practical steps that can help.

Instruct a Solicitor Early

Many sellers wait until they have accepted an offer before instructing a solicitor. Starting earlier can allow initial paperwork to be prepared in advance.

Complete Forms Promptly

Returning client care documents, property information forms and identity documents quickly can prevent unnecessary hold-ups.

Respond to Requests Quickly

Whether it is a source of funds check or a request for additional documentation, prompt responses often help maintain momentum.

Keep Communication Open

Regular communication with your conveyancer and estate agent can help identify issues early and ensure everyone remains informed.

Prepare Documents in Advance

Sellers should try to locate important documents before they are requested, including:

• Planning permissions
• Building regulations certificates
• FENSA certificates
• Guarantees
• Leasehold paperwork

When Should You Be Concerned?

Not every delay is a cause for concern.

Many transactions experience periods where progress appears slow because third-party responses are awaited. However, it may be worth speaking to your conveyancer if:

• You have not received an update for an extended period.
• Significant deadlines are approaching.
• A party in the chain appears unresponsive.
• You are unsure what information is outstanding.

An experienced conveyancer should be able to explain what stage has been reached and what steps remain before exchange and completion.

How BHW Can Help

At BHW Conveyancing, we understand that uncertainty is often more frustrating than the delay itself. Our team works proactively to keep clients informed, chase outstanding matters where appropriate and provide clear explanations throughout the transaction.

While some aspects of conveyancing are outside anyone’s direct control, early preparation, effective communication and a proactive approach can often help reduce avoidable delays and keep your move on track.

If you’re buying or selling a property and would like proactive support throughout the conveyancing process, contact BHW Conveyancing for a quotation and expert guidance from instruction through to completion.

Conveyancing Delays Frequently Asked Questions