Selling your home can feel overwhelming, with so many things to think about – from presentation and paperwork to the worry of a chain collapsing. It can feel frustrating when the progress slows or unexpected delays arise, and while some hold-ups are unavoidable, many of the most common causes can be prevented with early preparation and the right support.
Let’s explore the main causes of sale delays, and how you can avoid them.
- Financial or Valuation Issues
Delays can occur due to slow mortgage approvals, issues with proof of funds, or down-valuations where a lender values the property below the agreed sale price.
How to avoid it: Price your property realistically from the outset to reduce the risk of down-valuations. Encouraging buyers to have their finances agreed in principle can also help keep things moving.
2. Chain Delays
If you’re part of a chain, delays elsewhere can hold up the entire process and have a knock-on effect on your sale. It only takes one buyer to pull out or encounter financial issues to stall progress for everyone involved.
How to avoid it: Stay in regular contact with your estate agent and solicitor, and be realistic about timescales. Being organised and responsive helps maintain momentum, even when others in the chain slow things down.
3. Issues Revealed by Property Searches
Property searches can uncover issues such as unclear ownership, boundary disputes or planning restrictions, all of which may need further investigation before the sale can proceed.
How to avoid it: Instruct your conveyancer early so searches can be ordered promptly. It’s also important to be upfront with your solicitor about anything you’re already aware of – dealing with potential issues early can save weeks later on.
4. Missing or Incomplete Paperwork
Missing documents, such as title deeds, planning permissions or building regulation certificates, are a common cause of delays and can halt progress while information is sourced.
How to avoid it: Start gathering paperwork as soon as your property goes on the market. If you’ve made alterations to your home, ensure you have the relevant approvals in place. Choosing a conveyancer early allows any gaps to be identified quickly.
5. Leasehold Delays
Leasehold properties often require additional documentation such as management information packs, which can take several weeks to obtain.
How to avoid it: If the property is leasehold, order the management pack as early as possible. This is one of the most common causes of delay but is also one of the easiest to prevent with early action.
6. Poor Communication
Delays can also occur when communication breaks down between solicitors, estate agents, buyers, and sellers, leading to misunderstandings or missed updates.
How to avoid it: choose professionals who are proactive and responsive. Keeping communication clear and consistent can make a significant difference to how smoothly your sale progresses.
In Summary
While not every delay can be avoided, being prepared, organised and proactive can significantly reduce the risk of your house sale being held up. Starting early and choosing the right professionals gives you the best chance of a smoother, faster sale.
At Simply Move Home, we help buyers take that first step by connecting them with efficient, reputable conveyancing solicitors. We offer free, no obligation quotes to ensure you find the right conveyancer for your transaction. Click here for your free quotes.
