Conveyancing delays can be stressful; you might feel a loss of control or that your chain might collapse. But there are things you can do to avoid them and keep your conveyancing on track.

How long does conveyancing take these days?

The average amount of time for a typical conveyancing transaction on a freehold property is 12 to 16 weeks. Without unforeseen delays, this can be done quicker at around 8 to 12 weeks. If your property is deemed more ‘complex’, for example it’s a leasehold property or you’re in a long chain, you can expect your conveyancing to take longer, from 16 up to 22 weeks.

Why does conveyancing take longer than it used to?

If you go back around 20 years, to a time when the property market was much different to what it is today, conveyancing used to take 6-8 weeks on average. The increase in time comes down to several factors.

One of these is the increase in regulatory work undertaken by your conveyancer. On top of preparing contracts, conveyancers must carry out detailed, compulsory checks on anti-money laundering, source of funds, sanctions screening, identity verification and lender compliance. These all require meticulous attention to detail.

You will probably have heard of delays with Land Registry too. Conveyancers today are dependent on an outdated, manual system. Plus, a lot of the conveyancing process relies on information from third parties. For example, if your mortgage lender has their own backlog of work to process. A scenario like this might slow your conveyancing transaction down.

On top of all this, there has been a drop in conveyancer numbers since 2021. So, it’s easy to see how and why conveyancing delays occur.

The issues are a nationwide concern and reforms are coming. Technology is being rolled out too, for example digital ID checks, which will help speed certain areas of conveyancing up.

Some properties are more complex

No matter how much you prepare, some properties will always be considered more complex when it comes to conveyancing. Leasehold properties, like flats or apartments, will usually take around 3 to 4 weeks longer than a freehold property. Here, the complexities involve elements such as management company requirements, ground rent or service charge checks, and lease reviews.

Other property sales with which you might experience conveyancing delays include probate sales, listed buildings, and properties in a chain.

Tips for efficient conveyancing

The good news is that there are things you can do to help get your conveyancing completed efficiently. In any scenario, you’ll find these tips useful.
–           Choose a pro-active conveyancer. Check reviews & feedback or receive recommendations from others to source a reliable, efficient conveyancer.
–           Have your conveyancer instructed, ready to go. You can do this before an offer is accepted.
–           Get all your paperwork and proof of identity ready. Then you can complete the necessary checks promptly.
–           Be organised & submit your mortgage documents early.
–           When you do receive enquiries, try and respond to them the same day.

In general, try and treat everything as urgent while you go through the conveyancing process. That way you can reduce how much time it takes and reduce conveyancing delays.

But remember, even with diligence, improved processes and technology being more widespread, the length of your conveyancing will always depend on your property type, whether you’re in a chain, and your mortgage approval.

As well as guiding you through the buying and selling process, we can help you source a proactive, efficient conveyancer. And we are always available to answer any questions you have through your property buying or selling journey. It’s no wonder we’re known as a trusted, caring, local estate agent.

To sell your home in Altrincham, Hale, Bowdon or Timperley with us, contact our friendly, expert team to book a FREE valuation today – 0161 941 4445.