How to speed up conveyancing for a faster completion

Buying or selling a property is exciting, but delays in conveyancing can quickly turn it into a stressful experience. The process involves multiple parties: solicitors, lenders, surveyors, estate agents, and local authorities, so progress often depends on how efficiently everyone works together. While not every delay can be avoided, there are practical steps you can take to keep things moving and complete sooner.

If you’re preparing to buy or sell, our conveyancing solicitors can guide you through the process and help avoid the common causes of delay.

Get your paperwork ready early

One of the simplest ways to save time is to have all the necessary documents ready from the outset. This includes identification, property information forms, title deeds, and any planning or building control documents. Sellers should also provide details of guarantees, service charge statements, or FENSA certificates if applicable.

The most common documents that can cause a delay at the beginning of all transactions can be as simple as certified ID; we are unable to progress a matter without ID that has been certified by a regulated professional. To avoid delays, we offer an online certification application that can be completed in your own time on your phone and mobile device. Once you have instructed, please let us know if you would like to use this service.

Some of the most common documents that cause a delay in a purchase transaction are the source of funds evidence. Providing documentation as soon as possible, confirming where your deposit funds are held, and how they have been accrued can ensure compliance checks do not hold up your transaction.

Instruct your conveyancing solicitor early

Many clients wait until an offer has been accepted before instructing a solicitor, but starting earlier gives your legal team a head start. They can carry out initial checks, verify your ID, and prepare draft contracts so that fewer tasks are left until later in the process.

Stay responsive

Conveyancing often slows down because parties take time to reply to queries. Responding promptly to your solicitor’s requests, signing forms quickly, and returning documents without delay can make a noticeable difference.

To avoid delays and bottlenecks in the conveyancing process, here are some of our top tips for staying organised:

Checking your emails regularly: reading to ensure we have everything we need from you is important in a conveyancing transaction. Regularly reviewing your emails to ensure everything has been addressed and there is nothing that requires your action will help prevent delays.

Ensuring all correspondence is read carefully is essential. Delays often occur when forms are completed incorrectly or information is missed. Reviewing documents before returning them helps prevent avoidable enquiries, such as being asked to provide answers that were left blank on protocol forms.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions. We understand title documents are not always the easiest read; do not hesitate to get in touch if you do not understand any of the documents or the enquiries, as this can cause delays otherwise. Remember, we are here to make the process as straightforward as possible.

Arrange finances and searches early

Buyers should apply for their mortgage as soon as possible and arrange property searches early. Local authority searches, in particular, can take several weeks depending on the council’s turnaround time. Your solicitor can also recommend ordering searches upfront to reduce waiting periods later in the process.

Communicate clearly

Keeping in regular contact with your solicitor and estate agent helps ensure everyone is working to the same timeline. Small issues can often be resolved quickly with clear communication before they escalate into bigger problems.

Leasehold and new-build transactions

Leasehold and new-build purchases typically take longer due to the additional documents involved, such as management packs or lease approvals. Early instruction and consistent follow-up can help reduce delays and keep the process on schedule.

FAQs on speeding up the conveyancing process

Below are some common questions about how to speed up the conveyancing process.

1. What causes most conveyancing delays?

   Most conveyancing delays are caused by missing or incomplete paperwork. Delays can also arise from long property chains, difficulties agreeing completion dates where multiple parties are involved, and slow mortgage application processes. These issues can extend a transaction beyond the usual expected timelines.

2. How long does conveyancing usually take?

   An average conveyancing transaction usually takes between 8-12 weeks. This is sometimes longer for leasehold properties due to the external third parties who are involved, such as managing agents.

3. What can I do to help speed up my sale or purchase?

   Having a proactive approach to your conveyancing matter, with communication with all parties at the forefront, including your mortgage broker and estate agent, can ensure a smooth transaction.

4. When should I arrange my survey?

   Arranging a survey is not always compulsory; however, it can provide peace of mind and can assist further down the line with enquiries, ensuring any issues are raised before the exchange of contracts. Surveys can be completed at any stage in the transaction; however, we advise having these carried out at the start to ensure there is adequate time to raise enquiries if necessary without causing a delay.

5. When should I apply for a mortgage?

   Applying for a mortgage in principle before you start viewing properties can ensure that your transaction is not stalled by a slow mortgage application. This will also confirm the amount you can borrow, which will help you determine your budget. Speaking to your lender or mortgage broker from the outset can get the ball rolling on this, even before conveyancing has begun.

Speak to our conveyancing solicitors

Our solicitors work proactively with estate agents, mortgage lenders, and surveyors to ensure transactions are completed as quickly as possible. We keep clients informed at every stage and identify potential issues before they arise.

Joe Kennedy, solicitor and deputy head of residential property, comments:

“Being proactive makes a real difference to the speed of a transaction. Returning documents promptly and providing as much information as possible allows us to deal with enquiries quickly. If you have noted any guarantees or certificates on your protocol forms, please send them to us straightaway so we can pass them to the buyer’s solicitors without delay. Supplying details of any third parties early, such as landlords, managing agents, management companies, or gift givers, also means we can contact them and obtain the information needed sooner.”

Whether you’re buying your first home or selling a property in a chain, our team offers practical, transparent advice and a dedicated service to keep your move on schedule.

Get in touch to speak with our conveyancing solicitors.