Property transaction delays

Delays in property transactions are all too common, and they’re usually caused by one thing: not having the correct information upfront. It’s a problem that wastes time, adds stress, and frustrates everyone involved.

Did you know fewer than a third of sales are now complete within 12 weeks? That’s down from over three-quarters just a few years ago.

So, what is causing delays? The main reason is missing or incomplete information, leading to endless queries and delays that can stretch on for months. A big part of this comes down to who is involved - choosing the right people to conduct searches and checks can make a world of difference in keeping things on track.

Another big frustration is how much time conveyancers spend chasing updates. A recent study found that property experts lose nearly half their day doing just that. Poor communication between solicitors, agents, and buyers doesn’t help either - it’s no wonder so many transactions often grind to a halt. One in three sales falls through, and everybody suffers damage.

Then there are the bigger structural issues. Land Registry backlogs (especially for new builds), incomplete documents, and unnecessary enquiries all add to the delays. It’s a tough system to navigate, but there are ways we can make it better.

Here’s some ideas as to what can be done to speed things up:

1. Get the details upfront. Having all the key property information ready early can save weeks of back-and-forth.

2. Communicate clearly. Regular, simple updates between everyone involved can avoid confusion and keep things moving.

3. Be smart with tech. The right tools for things like client checks can speed up processes, but be selective—some tech just overwhelms you with unnecessary data.

4. Support the experts. Well-trained and well-equipped conveyancers can handle the trickiest cases quickly and efficiently.

It takes teamwork, but fixing these problems means smoother sales, happier clients, and far less stress for everyone.

Want to dive deeper? This week, we’re tackling this topic in two podcasts. On "IPSA Kind of Magic" (Wednesday at noon), we’ll discuss how working with the right professionals for searches can help deliver early information. On "Property Quorum" (Thursday at 10 a.m.), we’ll discuss why developers, lenders, and conveyancers need that early info too. Both will be recorded and shared on LinkedIn, so don’t miss them!