The UK property market is gaining momentum. The Bank of England base rate sits at 3.75% following cuts in 2025, with mortgage rates easing and buyer affordability improving. Forecasts suggest modest house price growth of 2-4% nationally this year, potentially higher activity from first-time buyers, and a busier spring market. In the Northeast, where prices remain affordable, this could translate to quicker sales for prepared parties.
Yet, conveyancing timelines remain a frustration. Recent data shows the average time from offer acceptance to exchange around 120-123 days (about 4 months), with full completion often stretching to 5-6 months in chained transactions. Delays stem from chains, slow enquiries, searches, and paperwork. The good news? Many can be minimised with proactive steps. Drawing on my experience at Toomey Legal, here are expert tips to speed up the process, whether you’re buying, selling, or both.
Why Conveyancing Can Drag On – and Why Speed Matters Now
Conveyancing involves legal checks, searches, mortgage approvals, and contract exchanges. Common delays include:
- Long chains (one slow party halts everyone).
- Delayed responses to enquiries.
- Local authority searches (sometimes 4-8 weeks).
- Mortgage valuation or lender issues.
- Missing documents or unresolved title problems.
In 2026, with potential government pushes for upfront material information and digital reforms on the horizon, preparation is more crucial than ever. Speeding things up reduces stress, holding costs (like dual mortgages), and fall-through risks—currently around 20-30% of sales.
Top Expert Tips to Accelerate Your Conveyancing
1. Instruct Your Solicitor Early
Don’t wait for an offer. Sellers: Instruct when marketing your property. Buyers: Appoint before offering. This allows us to prepare contract packs (for sellers) or start checks (for buyers) immediately.
At Toomey Legal, early instruction means we can draft forms, verify ID, and flag issues upfront, often shaving weeks off.
2. Prepare All Paperwork in Advance
Gather everything before starting:
- ID and proof of funds/address.
- Mortgage details and Agreement in Principle (AIP).
- EPC (mandatory for marketing).
- Planning consents, building regs certificates, guarantees (e.g., FENSA, NHBC).
- For sellers: Complete TA6 (Property Information) and TA10 (Fittings & Contents) forms accurately and promptly.
- Leasehold: Request management pack early (£200-£500, can take weeks).
Missing items cause the biggest hold-ups—be organised!
3. Get Your Finances Sorted Quickly
Buyers: Secure a full mortgage offer fast. Have deposit ready and proof of funds. Use a broker for quicker approvals.
Respond instantly to lender queries. In the current lower-rate environment, valuations are booking faster, but backlogs can still occur, act early.
4. Choose the Right Professionals
Opt for experienced, local solicitors like us who know North East quirks (e.g., mining searches in former coalfield areas).
Avoid “cheap” online factories prone to delays. Digital tools (our client portal for uploads and tracking) speed communication.
Good estate agents who chase progress also help.
5. Pay for Searches Upfront and Consider Alternatives
Once instructed, fund searches immediately. Local authority searches can delay things—some areas now offer faster options or indemnity insurance for remortgages/simple cases.
For buyers, personal searches (private providers) are often quicker than council ones.
6. Communicate Proactively and Chase Regularly
Stay in touch—respond to queries same-day if possible. Weekly updates from your solicitor keep momentum.
In chains, encourage coordination via agents. No-chain properties (e.g., new builds, first-time buyers) naturally move faster—consider them if speed is priority.
7. Book Surveys and Valuations Promptly
Buyers: Arrange your survey (Level 2 or 3) as soon as the offer is accepted. Flag issues early for negotiation rather than late surprises.
8. Be Flexible on Completion Dates
Align dates with the chain. Avoid peak times if possible, though 2026’s steady market may ease pressures.
9. Address Potential Issues Early
Sellers: Fix known problems (e.g., missing consents, boundary disputes) before marketing. Buyers: Raise enquiries efficiently through your solicitor.
For leaseholds or shared ownership, anticipate extra layers and prepare accordingly.
10. Consider “No Chain” or Modern Methods
Properties without chains complete in 8-12 weeks typically. Auction sales or modern modular homes can be even faster.
How Much Faster Can It Get?
A well-prepared, no-chain transaction can complete in 6-8 weeks. Even chained ones can aim for 12 weeks with these tips, versus the 20+ week average for sluggish cases.
At Toomey Legal, our fixed fees and efficient processes regularly achieve quicker outcomes for North East clients.
Common Mistakes That Slow Things Down
- Delaying solicitor instruction.
- Incomplete or inaccurate forms (leading to extra enquiries).
- Shopping around mid-process (transfers delay everything).
- Ignoring lender conditions.
- Poor communication in chains.
Pro tip: Use tools like our conveyancing flowchart on the website for a clear timeline overview.
Conclusion
In 2026’s improving market, with lower rates boosting activity, speeding up conveyancing gives you a real advantage, whether securing your dream North East home or moving swiftly as a seller. These expert tips, applied early, can transform a potentially lengthy process into a smooth one.
If you’re buying or selling in the region, contact Toomey Legal for tailored advice and a free fixed-fee quote. We’re dedicated to making your transaction as quick and stress-free as possible. Call 0191 605 3710 or email enquiries@toomeylegal.co.uk today, Let’s get you moving faster.