Why Is the Process Taking So Long, and Is There Any Way to Speed Up My House Sale?

Understanding the Most Common Causes of Delay

The selling process involves multiple parties - the buyer, seller, both sets of solicitors, surveyors, mortgage lenders and sometimes estate agents and local authorities. The entire chain can halt when even one of those parties hits a delay. Many sellers are surprised to learn how much time is taken with paperwork, conveyancing enquiries, local authority searches and mortgage approvals. These elements often run in sequence rather than parallel, adding weeks to the timeline, especially if a communication breakdown occurs between involved parties.

Chain Complications That Disrupt Progress

If your buyer depends on the sale of their home, or if you're waiting on a property to become available, then you're in a chain - and chains are notoriously fragile. One issue further up or down the line can delay every other transaction connected to it. A change in buyer circumstances, a down valuation from a lender, or a property survey raising concerns can all throw off timings. Sometimes, entire chains collapse, forcing sellers to relist and start again. This is one of the key reasons sales can feel like they're dragging on with no clear end.

Conveyancing and Paperwork Slowdowns

Conveyancing is essential to ensure everything is legally correct, but it's also one of the biggest delay causes. Solicitors handling multiple transactions may take time to respond, and complex title issues or leasehold properties can require extra checks. Delays can also come from incomplete property information forms or missing planning documentation. If a seller is slow to return paperwork or a buyer's solicitor raises many questions, weeks can be lost. That's why it's crucial to instruct a proactive solicitor early and ensure all documentation is accurate and ready from day one.

Can You Do Anything to Speed Things Up?

The good news is that while you can't control everything, there are actions you can take to keep your sale moving. The first is to choose an experienced estate agent who proactively manages the communication between parties and chases updates. At Farrell Heyworth, our local agents are trained to spot early warning signs of delay and intervene when needed - whether that means chasing solicitors, helping to resolve questions or keeping your buyer motivated. Sellers often underestimate how valuable regular communication can be in maintaining momentum during the sale process.

Be Prepared From the Start

If you're yet to go under offer, you can set the tone early by having everything ready in advance. This includes completing property information forms, gathering warranties and certificates, and resolving known title issues before they come up in conveyancing. If you're selling a leasehold flat, have your management pack ready. The more organised you are at the beginning, the faster solicitors can progress once an offer is agreed. Many sellers also find that instructing their solicitor as soon as they go on the market, rather than waiting for a buyer, helps save time later.

Consider the Buyer's Position

If speed is a priority, choosing the right buyer matters. A cash buyer or someone with no onward chain can often complete far quicker than someone involved in a longer property ladder. It's not always about the highest offer - sometimes the best option is the one that can proceed without delays. Your estate agent can help assess buyer readiness by reviewing their mortgage agreement, solicitor instructions, and proposed timescales. Sometimes, it may be worth accepting a slightly lower offer from a more committed and organised buyer ready to act quickly.

The Role of Local Knowledge in Avoiding Delays

Working with a local estate agent can make a huge difference to the smoothness and speed of your sale. Agents who know the area, the types of property, and the likely buyer pool are better placed to accurately value, pre-qualify buyers, and foresee potential issues before they escalate. At Farrell Heyworth, we combine decades of North West property experience with a proactive, hands-on approach to progress chasing - giving you peace of mind and faster results. Our teams across Preston, Lancaster, Blackpool, Morecambe and beyond work closely with local solicitors, surveyors and mortgage advisers to help keep your sale on track.

Patience With a Plan

While the process may feel frustrating, delays are often part of the journey - but they don't have to derail the entire experience. You can complete it quickly and smoothly by staying organised, communicating openly, and choosing the right team to support your sale. If you're having delays, please don't hesitate to speak with your agent and solicitor about ways to speed up the process. With the right steps and support, even a slow-moving sale can cross the finish line sooner than you think.