Moving home is an exciting chapter, but for many, the conveyancing process can feel like a frustrating “waiting game.” You’re eager to get those keys or complete your sale, but the legal steps often move at a pace that seems anything but swift.
At YouConvey, we understand this frustration. That’s why we’re committed to not only guiding you through every step but actively working to streamline the process, helping you move faster.
So, why does conveyancing sometimes take longer than expected, and what makes YouConvey different?
Understanding Conveyancing Timelines
While the average conveyancing process can take anywhere from 12 to 16 weeks (or even longer in complex chains), it’s crucial to remember that this isn’t a fixed period. Many factors can influence the timeline, and often, it’s a combination of external elements and the efficiency of the legal process itself.
Common Causes of Delays in Conveyancing
Here are some of the most frequent reasons why your property transaction might experience delays:
- The Chain Effect: If your sale or purchase is part of a property chain, the entire process is only as fast as its slowest link. A delay at one end can hold up everyone.
- Slow Search Results: Official searches (Local Authority, Environmental, Water & Drainage, etc.) are crucial, but local councils and other bodies can have varying turnaround times, sometimes taking several weeks.
- Enquiries and Responses: Once searches are back and contracts reviewed, your solicitor will raise enquiries with the other side. The speed and comprehensiveness of their replies can significantly impact progress.
- Mortgage Approval & Valuations: Lenders have their own processes for approving mortgages and conducting valuations, which can sometimes introduce delays.
- Complex Legal Issues: Discovering unexpected problems with property titles, boundaries, restrictive covenants, or building regulations can necessitate further investigation and legal work.
- Client Response Times: Delays can occur if buyers or sellers are slow to provide requested documents, sign paperwork, or respond to queries.
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML) & Source of Funds Checks: These are strict regulatory requirements, and gathering the necessary documentation can sometimes be a bottleneck if not managed efficiently.
How YouConvey Proactively Tackles Delays
At YouConvey, we don’t just react to delays; we proactively work to minimise them and keep your transaction moving forward.
- Dedicated Home Mover Advisors: Our team provides consistent communication and proactive chasing of all parties involved – from solicitors and estate agents to local authorities. You’ll always know who to talk to and where your case stands.
- Streamlined Onboarding & Technology: We leverage cutting-edge technology to accelerate initial steps. Our online ID verification and the use of secure platforms like Armalytix for Source of Funds checks reduce manual paperwork, enhance security, and speed up critical compliance stages that can often cause early delays.
- Early Document Collection: For sellers, we encourage getting key property forms (TA6, TA10) completed and returned on day one. Being prepared significantly reduces the time needed to compile and issue the draft contract pack.
- Expert Panel Conveyancers: We work with a select panel of conveyancers who are aligned with our commitment to efficiency, clear communication, and proactive service, ensuring high standards throughout.
- Proactive Problem Solving: Our experienced team is adept at identifying potential issues early on. By anticipating challenges, we can often address them before they escalate into significant delays.
- No Move No Fee Assurance: While we strive for a smooth process, we also offer “No Move No Fee” insurance as standard on our quotes. This provides peace of mind that should your transaction abort due to unforeseen circumstances, you won’t be left out of pocket for our legal fees.
What You Can Do to Help Speed Up Your Move
You also play a vital role in keeping your transaction moving!
- Be Prepared: Have your Photo ID (passport recommended) and Proof of Address (driving licence preferred) ready for online verification.
- Respond Promptly: Aim to provide requested documents or sign paperwork as quickly as possible.
- Keep Communication Open: Stay in touch with your YouConvey home-move advisor, estate agent, and mortgage advisor.
Your Partner for a Seamless Journey
While conveyancing will always involve a degree of “waiting,” YouConvey is built to make that waiting as short and stress-free as possible. We empower you with transparency, proactive service, and efficient processes, so you can focus on the excitement of your new home.
Ready for a conveyancing experience designed for efficiency? Get your instant quote today!
