More than six in ten homebuyers say conveyancing is the biggest cause of delays in the homebuying process according to new research from Lyons Bowe Solicitors.
A survey of 1,000 recent UK buyers found 65% identified the legal process as the slowest stage of their purchase, far outweighing other factors such as chain issues (27%), mortgage approvals (4%) and valuations (4%).
The data highlights the continued friction within the transaction process, with timelines stretching well beyond borrower expectations and adding pressure to brokers managing client cases through to completion.
Overall, 72% of buyers said it took more than 12 weeks to move from offer acceptance to completion, with 25% waiting longer than 16 weeks and 22% seeing transactions exceed 24 weeks.
EXPECTATIONS MISMATCH
This has led to 63% of buyers saying the process took longer than expected, underlining the ongoing mismatch between consumer expectations and operational reality across the housing chain.
Conveyancing was also ranked as the most complex part of the journey by 54% of respondents, while 74% said it required the most back-and-forth communication, documentation and repeated information requests.
In total, 55% agreed that conveyancing directly slowed down their homebuying journey.
FRAGMENTED COMMUNICATION
Paul Lyons (main picture, inset), managing director at Lyons Bowe Solicitors, said: “It’s not surprising that so many homebuyers feel conveyancing slows things down.
“The process sits at the centre of a property transaction and involves multiple parties, including solicitors, lenders, agents, buyers and sellers, all of whom are working to different timelines.
“Delays often stem from fragmented communication, repeated information requests, and a lack of visibility, which can leave buyers feeling out of control and uncertain about progress.”
CLIENT-FOCUSED TECH
He added: “At Lyons Bowe, we’ve built what we call The Lyons Bowe Way specifically to address these challenges. By combining technology with a genuinely client-focused approach, we aim to simplify what has traditionally been a complex and opaque process.
“Real-time case tracking, proactive communication, and clear, upfront information help reduce unnecessary back-and-forth and give clients a clearer understanding of where they stand at every stage.
“Importantly, while technology improves efficiency, it doesn’t replace the human element. We place a strong emphasis on personal support and accountability, ensuring clients feel guided rather than processed.
“The result is a conveyancing experience that is more transparent, more predictable, and ultimately less stressful. We believe that this helps to keep transactions moving and expectations aligned from start to finish.”
