At Ives & Co Solicitors, we specialise in residential conveyancing, helping buyers and sellers move with clarity, efficiency and confidence. With ongoing reports that property transaction times remain unacceptably long, understanding the causes — and how to minimise delays — is more important than ever.
Recent commentary from Propertymark highlights continued frustration across the property sector, with transaction timelines still stretching well beyond what many would consider reasonable.
How Long Are Property Transactions Taking?
While a typical residential transaction once averaged around 8–10 weeks, it is now common for sales to take:
⏳ 12–16 weeks
📑 Even longer in complex chains
🏘️ Extended periods where leasehold properties are involved
For buyers and sellers, these delays can increase stress, create uncertainty, and in some cases lead to transactions falling through.
Complex property chains
The longer the chain, the greater the risk of hold-ups. A delay anywhere in the chain can impact every other transaction involved.Local authority search delays
Search turnaround times vary significantly between councils, and backlogs remain an issue in some areas, slowing progress considerably.Leasehold complications
Obtaining management packs, reviewing service charge accounts, and clarifying lease terms can add several weeks to a transaction.Increased compliance requirements
Stricter anti-money laundering (AML) checks and enhanced lender requirements introduce necessary but time-consuming procedures.Mortgage processing delays
Lenders may take longer to issue offers or respond to enquiries, particularly during periods of high demand.
The Impact on Buyers and Sellers
Extended transaction times can lead to:
💷 Increased costs (mortgage offers expiring, removals rebooking)
🏠 Broken chains
📉 Price renegotiations
😟 Heightened stress and uncertainty
Delays do not just inconvenience — they can materially affect outcomes.
What Can Be Done to Speed Things Up?
While some factors are outside individual control, there are proactive steps that can help:
✔️ Instruct a solicitor as soon as your property is marketed
✔️ Prepare identification and AML documents early
✔️ Order searches promptly
✔️ Ensure mortgage agreements in principle are ready
✔️ For leasehold, request management packs immediately
Preparation and early legal involvement make a measurable difference.
Why Early Legal Preparation Matters
In many cases, delays arise because documentation is not ready when an offer is accepted. By starting the legal process early:
Enquiries can be anticipated
Title issues can be addressed upfront
Draft contracts can be issued more quickly
Buyers gain confidence in the transaction
A proactive approach reduces the risk of unnecessary setbacks. It also places you in a stronger negotiating position, minimises the likelihood of last-minute surprises, and helps keep the momentum of the transaction moving towards exchange and completion.
