The 10 Biggest Causes of Conveyancing Delays
Waiting for the keys to your new home can feel like an eternity. So, what's causing the hold-up?
Buying or selling a home is often one of the biggest financial commitments you'll ever make. Yet, after your offer has been accepted, many people are surprised by how long the legal process can take.
If you're asking yourself, "Why is my conveyancing taking so long?", you're certainly not alone.
The good news is that delays are often perfectly normal - and in many cases, they're there to protect you.
At Susan Howarth & Company Solicitors, we understand how frustrating it can be when your move feels like it's at a standstill. While some delays are unavoidable, many can be anticipated, managed or even prevented with the right legal support.
How Long Does Conveyancing Take in 2026?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but most straightforward residential property transactions in England and Wales now take between 12 and 16 weeks from an offer being accepted to completion.
According to the home moving information published by the HomeOwners Alliance, more complex transactions involving long property chains, leasehold properties or mortgage issues can take considerably longer.
Whilst everyone wants to move as quickly as possible, rushing important legal checks can sometimes create far bigger problems later.
The 10 Biggest Causes of Conveyancing Delays
1. Property Chains
One of the most common causes of delay has nothing to do with your own property.
If your buyer needs to sell their home, and their buyer also needs to sell theirs, multiple transactions become linked together.
Completion usually cannot take place until everyone in the chain is ready.
Unfortunately, it only takes one issue anywhere in the chain to affect everyone else.
2. Local Authority Searches
Your conveyancer will carry out various searches to identify issues that may affect the property.
These commonly include:
- Local Authority searches
- Environmental searches
- Drainage and Water searches
Some local authorities process search requests much faster than others, meaning waiting times can vary significantly.
These searches help identify matters such as planning permissions, road schemes, flood risks and other issues that may influence your decision to proceed.
3. Mortgage Delays
Even after receiving an Agreement in Principle, your lender must still:
- assess affordability
- value the property
- carry out underwriting
- issue a formal mortgage offer
If additional documents are requested or the lender experiences high demand, this can delay the transaction.
4. Leasehold Properties
Leasehold purchases almost always involve additional legal work.
Your solicitor may need to obtain:
- Management Information Packs
- Service charge accounts
- Ground rent information
- Buildings insurance details
- Planned maintenance information
Managing agents can sometimes take several weeks to provide these documents.
5. Raising Enquiries
One of the most important parts of conveyancing involves your solicitor raising enquiries with the seller's solicitor.
These questions help clarify matters such as:
- planning permissions
- guarantees
- building regulation approvals
- boundaries
- alterations
- rights of way
- disputes
Although this stage can sometimes feel slow, it is often where your solicitor is protecting your interests most effectively.
6. Missing Documents
Something as simple as a missing FENSA certificate, boiler service record or planning approval can delay matters whilst replacement documentation or indemnity insurance is arranged.
7. Survey Problems
A survey may identify issues including:
- damp
- structural movement
- roof defects
- subsidence
- Japanese Knotweed
- timber problems
These findings can result in renegotiation, further investigations or repair work before contracts are exchanged.
Remember, your conveyancer carries out legal investigations—not a structural survey. Both are important.
8. Slow Responses
Conveyancing is a collaborative process involving buyers, sellers, estate agents, mortgage lenders and solicitors.
Delays often occur simply because someone hasn't returned paperwork, answered enquiries or signed documents promptly.
Quick responses from everyone involved can make a significant difference.
9. Changes in Circumstances
Unexpected events can affect almost any transaction.
Examples include:
- changes in employment
- mortgage offer expiry
- relationship breakdown
- probate delays
- unexpected title issues
These situations are often outside anyone's control but may require additional legal work before completion can proceed.
10. Everyone Wants to Complete on the Same Day
Many people hope to exchange contracts and complete simultaneously.
Whilst this is sometimes possible, coordinating multiple buyers, sellers, lenders and removal companies often requires careful planning.
Choosing the right completion date can itself take time.
What Can Your Conveyancing Solicitor Control?
Many clients understandably assume their solicitor controls the entire process.
In reality, your conveyancing solicitor cannot control:
- Local Authority search turnaround times
- Mortgage lender processing times
- Property chains
- Managing agents
- Survey results
- The speed of other solicitors
- Estate agent negotiations
However, an experienced conveyancer can:
- progress matters proactively
- identify issues early
- keep all parties updated
- chase outstanding information
- explain legal issues clearly
- minimise avoidable delays
- ensure your interests remain protected throughout the transaction
How Can You Help Speed Things Up?
There are several practical steps you can take to keep your transaction moving.
✔ Instruct your conveyancer as early as possible.
✔ Return paperwork promptly.
✔ Provide identification and proof of funds quickly.
✔ Arrange your mortgage application without delay.
✔ Book your survey early.
✔ Respond to requests for information as soon as possible.
✔ Keep in regular contact with your solicitor and estate agent
Small actions can often save days—or even weeks.
Why Choosing the Right Conveyancer Matters
Whilst no solicitor can eliminate every delay, choosing an experienced conveyancing team can make a significant difference.
Good communication, proactive case management and attention to detail help keep transactions moving wherever possible, whilst ensuring important legal checks are never overlooked.
At Susan Howarth & Company Solicitors, our proactive and responsive Conveyancing Team understands that buying or selling a home is about far more than paperwork. It is about helping people move forward with confidence.
We pride ourselves on providing practical advice, clear communication and exceptional client care throughout every stage of your property transaction.
Moving Home? We're Here to Help
Whether you're buying your first home, moving house or selling an investment property, our experienced Conveyancing Team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Get your FREE instant online conveyancing quote today, or contact us on 01606 48777 to speak with one of our friendly specialists about your move.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice tailored to your circumstances, please contact Susan Howarth & Company Solicitors.
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