When you’re buying or selling a home, the completion date is the moment everyone looks forward to. It’s the day keys are handed over and dreams become real.
But for many, that final step ends up postponed, leaving everyone frustrated.
Understanding what causes these delays and knowing how to reduce the risk can help you get over the finish line faster. Learn how you can play an active role in keeping things on track.
What Typically Slows Down Completion?
There is rarely just one reason why completion gets pushed back. It’s often a chain reaction triggered by issues earlier in the conveyancing process.
Delays can crop up due to missing documents, funding problems, or unresolved survey findings. Sometimes, a seller has not vacated the property in time. In chain transactions, if one buyer or seller hits a snag, everyone else gets stuck too.
If you’re waiting on mortgage funds to come through, even a small clerical error might cause a holdup. Lenders have their own checks to carry out, and if anything unexpected arises such as a last-minute credit alert, the release of funds can be delayed.
Choosing a good legal professional can make a big difference here. Getting a conveyancing solicitor quote early can help you select someone who is responsive, efficient, and experienced in handling time-sensitive transactions.
Paperwork Problems That Creep In
Even in straightforward purchases, paperwork delays can create unnecessary setbacks. Missing documents, slow responses from third parties (like management companies or mortgage lenders), or delays with property searches can all cause dates to slip.
Many of these issues can be avoided with proactive planning. Respond to solicitor requests quickly, double-check every form for accuracy, and keep an open line of communication. Something as simple as chasing a missing building regulation certificate early can prevent headaches later.
Funding Hiccups at the Final Hour
You might be ready, but if your mortgage lender is not, completion will not happen. Mortgage funds must be requested in advance, and even a small administrative error can push things back. Solicitors usually ask for the funds a few days before the intended date, but if instructions are missed or timings are tight, delays become more likely.
To help things run smoothly, confirm early with your lender about when and how funds will be released. Keep your solicitor in the loop and provide any extra documents quickly if needed.
Unexpected Issues on Survey or Inspection
A survey might flag problems like damp, structural concerns, or other costly repairs. These findings can prompt renegotiations or extra legal checks, slowing down the process. If you’re the buyer, a sudden need for further specialist reports can add days or even weeks to your timeline.
While you cannot control the property’s condition, you can control your response. Get the survey booked early and prepare yourself for possible findings. Quick action on follow-ups or renegotiations helps maintain momentum.
Closing Notes
Buying or selling a home is already stressful, waiting around unnecessarily makes it worse. By understanding the causes of completion delays and doing your part to prevent them, you’re helping everyone else in the chain. Take an active role in the process and set yourself up for a smooth, successful move.
