Why do solicitors take so long to exchange contracts?

Solicitor-related delays often stem from communication issues and workload management. Some conveyancing solicitors juggle multiple clients, impacting their response time to your enquiries. If the solicitor fails to reach an exchange or process other factors promptly, it can slow down the entire timeline.

Why does exchange of contracts take so long?

Various factors can slow down the exchange process and unfortunately cause unnecessary hold ups. Some of the more common reasons for delays when exchanging contracts include: The size of the chain. Broadly speaking, the shorter the chain is, the smoother the transaction as there are less people and properties involved.

What to do if solicitors are taking too long?

Both of you should write and call to the managing partner or principal of the solicitors you are using expressing concern at the delays, articulating the costs and difficulties you are experiencing and asking them to give the matter due priority until completion.

How long does it take solicitors to exchange contracts on the day?

How long does exchange of contracts take on the day? The actual exchange process can take a few hours. Each solicitor reads out their client's version of the contract, and then the contracts are exchanged by post. The transfer of funds can also take several hours.

How to speed up exchange of contracts?

Buying and selling at auction

You are guaranteed to speed up the conveyancing process by buying or selling at an auction. The traditional method of an auction is a process where the buyer and seller exchange their contracts immediately and overall have up to 28 days for sale completion.

Why Do Solicitors Take So Long To Exchange Contracts?

Who decides when to exchange contracts?

The buyer and sellers' conveyancers need to agree on a day and time to exchange contracts. As they'll both have many other clients and appointments, they'll need to schedule time for a suitable date.

How to put pressure on solicitors?

Contact Your Estate Agent

The main contact you have as either a buyer or seller is the estate agent. The estate agent has access to both solicitors, meaning they will have updates on the purchase. They can also apply pressure when needed as they have a financial incentive for the transaction going through.

Why do solicitors delay the exchange of contracts?

Slow Buyers/Sellers – Sometimes it's the buyer or seller holds things up (deliberately or otherwise). They might not provide sufficient information or sign contracts promptly. Busy Solicitors – If a solicitor has many clients, they may take longer to conduct the work that's required.

Do solicitors inform you when contracts are exchanged?

A solicitor will usually tell you (their client) when the exchange of contracts is happening, and many will also make a courtesy call to keep you well informed.

What is the maximum time between exchange and completion?

A recommended maximum time between exchange and completion would be under six months. This is because most mortgage offers expire after six months which could leave you scrabbling for a new mortgage offer after you've committed to buy a property.

Can you sue solicitors for being slow?

If the Solicitor has been slow to respond to your queries or has given you spurious reasons for the delay then we can assist you. If there is no good reason for the delay then the Solicitor may be guilty of professional negligence and liable to you for damages for any losses you have suffered.

How to hurry solicitors up?

How long does conveyancing take in 2025?

In 2025, the average conveyancing timeline in the UK remains between 12 to 16 weeks, though many transactions can complete sooner or take longer, depending on individual circumstances. Below, we break down the typical stages of the conveyancing process and the key factors that influence how long each step takes.

What happens if the exchange of contracts is delayed?

If the new property being purchased by the seller has not reached the exchange of contract stage, a delayed completion may mean that the vendor of that property pulls out of the sale. The seller will then be required to find another property to buy. This could delay completion even further.

How do I ask my solicitor for an update?

To avoid this frustration, SAM has put together a handy example email template for you to use when contacting your solicitor for an update. This way, you're giving the solicitor time to read the request and reply, reminding them of the deadline you've set. If you receive no reply after a few days, give them a call.

Can a solicitor request funds before exchange?

They usually call for it a day or so before exchange so there's time for issues with transfer if any to be resolved and so the money is officially in their account before keys handed over to buyer.

How to deal with slow solicitors?

How often should I chase a conveyancing solicitor?

This may vary depending on circumstances – some may feel that contacting their solicitor once a week is a good balance initially but want more regular reports as the completion date nears or if any unexpected problems occur.

On what grounds can you complain about a solicitor?

Who legally owns a house after exchange of contracts?

Exchanging contracts

Once contracts have been exchanged you're legally bound to buy the property. The next steps will be: to tell the freeholder (if it's a leasehold property) you're the new owner.

What do solicitors do when they exchange contracts?

Exchange of Contracts is usually done by both solicitors reading out the contracts over the telephone (details of the conversation being recorded on the contract) to make sure the contracts are identical, and then immediately undertaking to send them to one another in the post.

How long does a bank transfer from solicitor take after?

What Happens on Completion Day? To help you prepare, here's a basic breakdown of what will happen on completion day: The buyer's conveyancer will pay the final funds due to the seller's conveyancer by same day bank transfer. The funds are usually transferred in the morning.

Why do some conveyancing solicitors take so long?

Solicitor-related delays often stem from communication issues and workload management. Some conveyancing solicitors juggle multiple clients, impacting their response time to your enquiries. If the solicitor fails to reach an exchange or process other factors promptly, it can slow down the entire timeline.

Is 2025 a good time to sell property?

With North/North-West London poised for another year of strong growth in 2025, there's no better time to list your property. From rising demand to a thriving economy, all signs point toward a seller-friendly market.

How long after offer accepted to exchange of contracts?

It usually takes around 8 to 12 weeks to reach the point where you're ready to exchange contracts. The actual process is quite quick, just needing a phone call between the buyer's and seller's conveyancers.