This week on IPSA Kind of Magic, we’re shining a light on one of the most unpredictable and persistent frustrations in the conveyancing process: inconsistent council search turnaround times.
Some Local Authority Regulated Searches are back in five working days. Others can take 15 weeks or longer. For buyers and sellers caught in that gap, the consequences are far from trivial. A long wait can stall a mortgage offer, upset a chain, and in the worst cases, lead to an aborted transaction.
The difference isn’t down to how much you pay. Nor is it necessarily about the complexity of the property. It often comes down to the local authority itself. Each council has its own capacity, systems and internal pressures. While some have embraced digital processes and resource planning, others are still facing backlogs and staffing shortages that go back to lockdown.
On Wednesday at 1pm, we’ll be discussing what lies behind these wide variations and what they mean in practical terms. Why do some areas deliver swiftly while others continue to lag behind? How can buyers and solicitors prepare for such uncertainty? And is there anything that can be done to improve consistency?
We’ll also be joined by Heather Poole-Gleed, Chief Executive of IPSA, and Jackie Dyson, IPSA Board Advisor. Both bring valuable insight into the challenges and solutions being discussed, drawing from years of experience in search provision and support for conveyancing professionals.
Our host Gareth Wax will be joined by IPSA Chairman Hamish McLay along with IPSA members, Heather and Jackie, used to dealing with delays almost daily. Bringing experience of navigating through the patchwork of council performance and there are bound to be insighst into how IPSA members are supporting clients through it.
Although search agents cannot control the pace of a local authority, the role of the regulated, independent search professional has never been more critical. IPSA members are trained to monitor turnaround times, flag known problem areas early, and endeavour to help set realistic expectations for all parties involved.
It’s not just about the wait. It’s about the knock-on effects. A solicitor may hesitate to advise exchange without a completed search. A buyer may start to worry about the expiry date on their mortgage offer. Sellers, especially those in linked chains, can lose confidence and begin to reconsider their options.
These aren’t just theoretical problems. They are real problems affecting real people. That’s why IPSA members take a proactive approach. Clear communication, local knowledge and consistent updates can make a world of difference.
While the postcode lottery might not disappear overnight, a strong search agent can at least help clients understand what’s happening and why.
Our conversation is backed by experience, not guesswork. If you work in property or have clients depending on smooth transactions, it’s worth a listen.
Join us live at 1pm on Wednesday 10th July on our YouTube channel:
🔗 Spilling the Proper-Tea: https://www.youtube.com/@SpillingTheProper-Tea
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