As we proudly open our new office in Ferndown, one issue continues to dominate conversations with buyers, sellers, landlords, and agents alike: why does moving house now seem to take so much longer?
Property transaction delays are becoming increasingly common in 2026, with many buyers and sellers experiencing longer conveyancing times across the UK.
For many people, the legal process behind buying or selling property — known as conveyancing — has become increasingly frustrating. Delays of 12 to 18 weeks are now common, with some transactions taking significantly longer.
What Is Causing Property Transaction Delays?
There is no single reason. Instead, several pressures are affecting the property market at the same time.
Increased Compliance Requirements
Conveyancing solicitors now face far stricter anti-money laundering checks, source-of-funds verification, sanctions screening, and lender compliance obligations than ever before. These checks are essential — but they also add time to transactions.
Local Authority Search Backlogs
One of the biggest bottlenecks remains local authority searches. In some parts of the UK, councils are taking several weeks and occasionally months to return search results.
Local authority searches are one of the main causes of delays. More information about official property data and registration can be found via the HM Land Registry guidance.
Property Chains
The longer the chain, the greater the risk of delays or collapsed transactions. With buyers becoming more cautious due to interest rates and economic uncertainty, transactions are increasingly vulnerable to fall-throughs before contracts are exchanged.
Leasehold Complexity
Leasehold properties continue to add extra layers of legal work, including management packs, service charge information, and freeholder enquiries. These issues regularly extend timescales beyond those of standard freehold sales.
The Impact of Property Transaction Delays on Buyers and Sellers
Behind every delayed transaction is a family, investor, or first-time buyer trying to plan their future.
Recent reports suggest that one in three property transactions now collapses before exchange, often after months of legal work and expense.
Online forums are also filled with buyers and sellers describing poor communication, registration delays, and uncertainty around completion dates.
For clients, this can mean:
- Increased stress and uncertainty
- Higher moving costs
- Mortgage offer complications
- Delayed renovations or relocations
- Lost transactions entirely
- For practical advice on budgeting and financial planning when moving home, Money Helper provides useful guidance.
Signs of Modernisation
There are, however, encouraging signs that the industry is beginning to modernise.
Recent changes by mortgage lenders and HM Land Registry now allow fully digital mortgage deeds and electronic signatures in some transactions, helping reduce paperwork and administrative delays.
Government initiatives aimed at improving digital property data sharing may also help streamline the home moving process in the future.
What Can Buyers and Sellers Do?
While some delays are unavoidable, proactive preparation can make a significant difference.
Practical steps include:
- Instructing solicitors early
- Preparing ID and source-of-funds documents promptly
- Completing property forms carefully and thoroughly
- Ordering searches as early as possible
- Maintaining regular communication with agents and solicitors
Early legal preparation is increasingly becoming the key to smoother transactions.
Supporting Clients From Our New Ferndown Office
As we establish our presence in Ferndown, we understand that clients want more than legal expertise — they want clear communication, practical advice, and proactive support during what is often one of life’s most stressful experiences.
Property law continues to evolve, but one thing remains constant: good legal guidance can make a real difference when navigating an increasingly complex property market.
About the Author: Nicola Lowe
Nicola Lowe is Managing Partner at HGW Solicitors and specialises in residential conveyancing, supporting clients with property transactions across Dorset.